We are to arrive in Malpensa (after a 12 hour flight) mid-day, and are hoping to drive to somewhere that's relatively accessible to Cinque Terre for our first two nights. We're considering Portovenere: Grand Hotel Portovenere or Hotel Royal Sporting. Any opinions? It's our anniversary and our first night in Italy, so we want something nice with a view and are willing to pay for it. Thanks.

Carolyn, Any trip to Portovenere is to <BR>be cherished. But, it is about a 4 hour <BR>drive from Malpensa--will that bother you? I would definately opt for the GHP <BR>as the Sporting Club is about a half <BR>mile walk to town. I assume you have seen the site for GHP---great location. <BR>Have a ball and be sure to see a sunset <BR>at the San Pietro church---magical.

By all means stay at the Grand Hotel if you decide to make the rather long drive <BR>Ask for a waterview room, and you'll look out onto a pretty little harbor and be able to see the Med. just beyond it. The ferry to Cinque Terre is just a few steps from the hotel; the underground garage is most convenient; helpful staff; nice breakfast, etc. We stayed several places which were more expensive but none we liked any more.

Is the Royal Sporting a nice hotel? The Grand is booked during my trip so I am looking at the Royal Sporting as an alternate. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Frank

I loved the Royal Sporting! At first, I was a little disappointed that it was a long walk away from the center, but it turned into one of my husband's and my fondest memories of our stay. It was a leisurely stroll beside the beach, and so, we really found ourselves experiencing "la dolce vita. We'd be walking along with all the other tourists who were out for a stroll, and, the sultry air, the water, the whole gestalt(!) was wonderful. I was there in July, and the big advantage to me was the outdoor swimming pool (the Grand Hotel has an indoor pool); it was a godsend in the summer. If you can, get a room with a balcony-- definitely a great view. <BR>If you want a description of my stay there (July 1999), feel free to write to me, and I will e-mail you a copy of that part of my trip.

Portovenere and the Grand Hotel are wonderful, but I for one could never make it after a 12 flight, customs, renting car etc. Driving in Italy requires a bit more concentration than here in the States, and so I would stay closer to Milan and head for the Cinque Terre after a good nights sleep.

We did this (or nearly) earlier this summer. Our flight was much shorter, but, on the other hand we had to drive on the "wrong" side of the road. <BR> <BR>If you arrive at a peak time for traffic at the weekends, you should know that there are major roadworks on the motorway between Parma and Aulla. You would be well advised to go to Genoa and along the coast instead. <BR> <BR>IT held us up about an hour and a half