My husband and I will be in Cinque Terre for 2 nights in mid May. I'm going crazy trying to decide where to stay. Our daughter insists Vernazza has the most charm and that we must stay there. I'm seeing such mixed reviews of the places there and now I'm so confused. We are looking for a clean quiet room with it's own bathroom, possibly a view, but definetely want a deck or terrace that we can sit out on with a bottle of wine and look over the Liqurian Sea. Montorosso is also a possiblity. I'd appreciate suggestions. I'm considering Trattoria Gianni and Albergo Barbara (but heard complaints of train noises here) and would love input on these as well as any other suggestions.

I would go with Vernazza, many rooms to rent next to the sea with terraces. Montorosso has more dining options and a very nice beach but Vernazza is what you want.

Thanks I'll stay focused on Vernazza.

If you are over 60 I wwould choose Monterosso.

We're upper 40's and in good shape, so the stairs won't be an issue.

Last November we stayed in Camera Elisabetta in Vernazza. The room was small but very clean and quiet. The view from the terrace is spectacular!! We loved it!

I enjoyed my stay at La Mala in Vernazza. Try for room 26-

http://www.lamala.it/en/index.html

I know you are deciding between two different towns, but just wanted to tell you about one of our favorite hotels ever--La Torretta in Manarola. Go to trip advisor and read the kudos for this place. It really was special and a few steps away was located Trattoria Billy, one of our favorite food memories from our trip to Italy last spring. We really like Manarola, it was quieter and less touristy than Vernazza.

We also stayed in room #26 in La Mala (Vernazza) and LOVED it.

We're going back to Vernazza in a week and are renting a very stylish/spacious apartment from the same owners of La Mala. Here is the website: http://www.armanda.it/index2.html

(I am quite particular about where I stay) Here is another website (Arbaspaa) that I found which rents rooms out and they have an array of reasonable prices and some very gorgeous places. *Check out the 3 Mediterraneo units in Manarola. I emailed the agency and they were very responsive and informative.
http://www.arbaspaa.com/

another agency: http://www.cademandin.it/sito.html

They have an option of the apartment w/ kitchen OR a room. There is no deck/terrace, but the location is perfect for the apartment as it is right on the Piazza at the harbor. You may prefer to have a bottle of wine sitting on the rocks at the harbor while enjoying the splendor of activity at sunset.

Enjoy!

just to clarify my previous post...the <u>last paragraph</u> is referring to the apartment/flat and affitacamere (room) that the owners of La Mala rent out which is referenced to the link: http://www.armanda.it/index2.html

one more thing....drinking wine while watching the sunset on the stone terrace at La Mala overlooking the sea was one of our fave memories of our 3 week trip. La Mala isn't the cheapest place in the CT, but you get what you pay for.

You can check out my detailed post of La Mala at tripadvisor.com (adventureseeker) and view all other reviews/photos.

La Mala
http://www.lamala.it/en/index.html

Hi Colleen,
We just stayed at Albergo Barbara last week. Although it is very basic, it was fine for us. I think they only have view rooms but no terraces to sit on. There was no train noise whatsoever.

When these places say stairs...they mean it. Lots of stairs and many times a flight or more of the circular staircase is only 24" wide, around and up, around and up. You will not be able to do it easily with a big suitcase. You had two small carryons and were dizzy by the time we reached the top!

We absolutely loved the CT. Went to all the villages. Please read my recent post about the train rules so you won't have any unexpected surprises.

Have a great time,
Michele

Thanks for all the suggestions. The rooms at armanda look beautiful. We may check that out.