While narrowing down itinerary, discovered Portovenere which fits our wants. The hotels don't look all that great, but reviews seem to indicate the views are worth it. Any lodging recommendations ? Or is there another nearby town you recommend?

Thanks

Tt

I should say that we would like to be near the water and do love beautiful views. We have a budget of 200€ per night for 4 people. We are requiring 1st class but just clean and comfortable. I thought Portovenere looked wonderful!

Oops - NOT REQUIRING FIRST CLASS!,

I know the town well, and there are 4 hotels worth considering. The 2 four star hotels have both seen better days, but the GHP has views to die for.
The 2 three stars are adequate but not fancy. I like the Belvedere only because of the friendly owner. Regardless of hotels, the village is spectacular.

When are you traveling? Do you plan to use Portovenere as a base for exploring the Cinque Terre and points north? Because Portovenere does not have a train station, and the boats that go between Portovenere and the Cinque Terre or Portofino only run in the high season.

If you are driving, that's not the best way to see the CT. Boat/train/walking work better; the road is inland and requires parking up high at some distance from the towns.

Sestri Levante, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Camogli, all of which are on the coast and on the train line, make better bases for visiting the CT.

But Portovenere is fine for staying in the one spot or just exploring the immediate vicinity. Though you'll probably need a car.

I have taken the hop on/off ferry fom Portovenere in Oct., April, and May. If the seas are rough, it is a :15 bus to La Spezia to catch the train to any CT village. That sure beats an hour train ride from Camogli. And, PV is more charming than any of the CT villages--do not miss it.

Bob, I also looked at Lerici as a possibility until I decided it had to wait for the next trip. The boat goes across from Portovenere. Would that make an enjoyable day trip? My plan was to leave the CT to the tourists, as beautiful as it is.

We will be there in May next year. We probably will train from Rome and will spend 3 nights. We might try to get to Ct one of the days. Are the boats to CT running at that time of year? Then we wil either trin or pick up car to continue on our journey. If we get a car where is the closest town from La Spezia for car rental?

Thanks Bob fr confirming what I thought, Portovenere looks charming.

Sounds like any of the four hotels would be comfortable. Thanks again all.

So excited!

Yes, Lerici is within the Gulf and is protected from most of the weather---a nice day trip.

Thanks, BobtheNav I am filing that in my planning folder.

Cindywho, would you not pick up a car in La Spezia? It has good train connections as well.

Yes now I see that would be best, thank you, sundried.

I would also recommend Portovenere, its absolutely charming. The only thing against it is its location - it isn't easy to get to. We stayed at the Belvedere and it was fine ... a little run down but perfectly clean.