We are going to the Cinque Terre in September and I have been researching many of the hotels etc mentioned on this forum.I am past caring which village - just desperate for clean comfortable accommodation with our own balcony! I can't imagine being anywhere with such glorious views and not be able to walk outside to take it all in! Please help. Many thanks.Sally

We stayed at Hotel Porto Roca in Monterossa years ago - some of my favourite memories of CT are sitting on our balcony!

Here's their website:

http://www.portoroca.it/home_e.htm

I stayed a week in Riomaggiore last month...Had a beautiful balcony...Rented an apartment through Edi. Do a web search...of Cinque Terre..go to the URL with the word Sunrise in the title...I personally prefer Manarola and Riomaggiore to the other towns...have more of a community feel..less touristy. Maggie

Just got back and we stayed at the Villa Steno and our room as well as the breakfast room had a great balcony. Just be sure to ask for a balcony room. Hotel is in Monterroso Mare. Matteo and Carla are very nice. This hotel is cheaper than the Porto Rocca (although that is a nice hotel) and it has parking.

Don't assume that you will be able to park at Villa Steno, the lot is small. Ask about parking when you make your reservation.

Our room from Edy had no balcony so pay the higher rate and request it. I wish we had. I also would stay in Vernazza vs. Riomaggiore if I went back but October would be a totally different feel than I experienced (lastmonth).

Villa Steno and their sister hotel was already booked up in early Sep 2003 when I tried to make a reservation in July

FYI -- I know this does not apply to September hotel stays but for future stays. The Hotel Steno in Monterosso al Mare will be closing for renovations starting from November or from January. Both Carla and Matteo emailed me and asked me to check back with them at end of September as they would know which month exactly that their property will be closed down. I would like to be there for Christmas so hoping they will close in January -- after I have left!

Just got back from a stay at La Torretta in Manarola enjoying our pation with a gorgeous view of the sea. We ate our dinner overlooking the water there for many of our nights there. It is only good for two however, but you can see the picture on their website. Fabulous B and B in quieter Manarola!

I am going to the cinque terra in September. Looking to stay in monterosso and so far have come up with hotel amici, villa adriana, or a new b and b il parco as posibilities. Does Anyone have any recommendations on these or others? I would like something moderately priced - as these are - but don't want to compromise on view, closeness to beach and clean room. thanks for any suggestions

Have been to the CT twice and had an incredible time both places. We stayed in vernazza at a family orietated place we found just of the beach/boat area. Although there was no balconny, on top of the rough they had an open area with tables, where a little itialina lady served us meals and we could go at any time. Hotels are overratted. We would have never gotten this service at a hotel

We stayed at the Porto Roca a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. Not only did our room have a balcony with a beautiful view (and a king-sized bed), but the views from the restaurant terrace were amazing. We enjoyed several breakfasts and dinners there, enjoying the view. It was very romantic, and the hotel is secluded and set high above the crowds.

I stayed for 8 days in a very nice apt. with balcony in Manarola.
I liked the small quaint village atmosphere of Manarola.

La Torretta has a gorgeous view,the hotel is located at the top of Manarola, but unless you are young or in great fitness shape is not a place that I recommend to everybody.

The hills are quite steeps and believe me you feel the strains in your poor legs.