Anyone every stayed at Hotel Garden in Levanto? If so,how was the location for the
Cinque Terre experience, we are training there from Milan.

I was just in Italy and in the Cinque Terre (returned 2 days ago); however, I haven't stayed at the Hotel Garden. Levanto was once considered one of six towns of the "Cinque Terre" and is very close and easy to access all the towns. (Coincidentally, it was also the summer home of Mussolini). It is only a 6 minute train ride up from Monterosso al mare (if that).

Count on a 3+ hour train experience from Milano. You would take the train through Genova, then transfer down to Levanto. The trains usually stop in Rapallo or Sestri Levante, north of Levanto. Have a great time!

I know Levanto but not Hotel Garden. Take a look at Villa Margherita.

"Levanto was once considered one of six towns of the "Cinque Terre.."

I've never heard that. Was it called Sei Terre? Anyway, Levanto is great as a base to the Cinque Terre. Don't know your hotel, but have stayed at Villa Margherita twice. 85 Euro a night with breakfast. Stella d'Italia in town also looked good. Have fun.

Maitaitom: Levanto was long ago considered part of the Cinque Terre land ridge and many locals, still to this day (including my fiance and his family in the CT), consider it one of their towns. However, Rick Steves and other tourist companies only tout the 5 towns and often Levanto is overlooked. It is a lovely town and one of my favorites!

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"It is a lovely town and one of my favorites!"

I quite agree. Don't they call themeselves the "Gateway to the Cinque Terre"? It's a great base with good restaurants. I would rather stay there than any of the other five towns.

Another plug for Levanto as a great base for the Cinque Terre National Park, and as a lovely town itself. Don't know the Garden, but stayed at the Europa, which was simple but friendly and comfortable. Levanto has good restaurants, a couple of nice little bars, pretty buildings, nice beach and is an easy, quick train ride (or long hike)into the CT.
Have fun...

"a couple of nice little bars..."

The one across the street and a couple of addresses down from the Stella d'Italia makes a mean martini (or three).

Thanks for the help- Levanto it is
for our base. It was the martini
reference that sold me. Do the Italians get into the flavored ones?? I have a weakness for appletinis, but am open to all new cultural experiences!

We also stayed at the Europa in Levanto, and enjoyed it very much. If you are into hiking, hike from Levanto (near the 12th century church) to the uppermost town of the C.T. Loved that hike!

"Do the Italians get into the flavored ones??"

I don't know about an Appletini, but the martini (3) I had was Absolut Mandarin, Cuantro and a slice of orange. I think I ate pizza later that night, but I don't quite remember. Have a blast.