Italian Riviera
 

The first part of my honeymoon to Italy will be the Italian Riveria/Cinque Terre. I am researching this now and deciding between Portofino and Santa Margherita. I think Santa Margherita is a better location. Can anyone recommend hotels there? This is for our honeymoon so we are looking at 4-5 star hotels with a pool, etc...
Thanks

If money is a secondary consideration, stay in Portofino. The ambience and the charm are amazing. Santa Margherita is also lovely, and you can find several very nice hotels there. But it doesn't quite have the magnetism of Portofino. When I was there, I stayed at the Albergo Nazionale. Good luck.

Hi
As Wayne said if money is no object, Hotel Splendido in Portofino!!

Thanks! I saw the Splendido and it does look amazing. Will I be able to easily commute to Santa Margherita/Cinque Terre. I feel maybe that area is too isolated.

Hi junebride

We stayed in Camogli, one town north of SML. When we go again (one of these days), I will stay closer to CT.

That said, yes, there is a bus or car service/taxi to SML. The train from SML takes about 45 minutes to the first CT town Monterosso. Here's a CT web site for you, Congratulations!

http://www.cinqueterre.it/en/index.asp

I would stay in SML for the reasons you state. Portofino is only 3 miles away but is too isolated for me. Your best hotel bet is Hotel Continental--a very nice 4 star in a great setting. The prices vary, but you will do well for less than 200E unless you want a suite.

Thanks Bob! I can't seem to tell from the website if Hotel Continental has a pool? Does it? If not what are some other top hotels in SML that you would recommend? Thanks!

They do have a lovely deck area on the water, but the beach is somewhat rocky.
If you want to sit and sun on the Med then it is perfect. I do not recall a pool per se--ask them by email. The other 4 star in town is Hotel Laurin in the heart of town, but more modern.

There is a regular bus service from Santa Margherita to Portofino, 1 euro each one way, takes 20 mins and the scenery is lovely.
To get from SML to the Cinque Terre villages, you can catch the train, takes about an hour to reach Monterosso, the closest village. In SML the train station is about a 5-10 min walk from the centre of town and there is a bus stop right on the waterfront.
Kay