I'm going to Cinque Terre Italy in late May and would love suggestions on places to stay. Also would anyone know if the local train runs late from La Spezia into there?

Hi raustin,

Regarding where to stay in the CT, I asked the same question last year when I was planning a trip. Here is a link to that thread, if you are interested:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34557221

We ended up staying at Affittacamere "Unico" (http://www.monterossonet.com/eng/str...o/da_unico.htm) and were happy with it (the six of us took up all three of their rooms so it worked out well for us). We were very happy being in Monterosso because we liked having our accommodations near to the beach.

I spent 8 days in CT with my daughter and young grandson , we rented an apt. in Manarola a very lovely charming village.
Many people and especially the young set prefer to stay in Vernazza, perhaps the prettiest village of the CT.

I've stayed in the Affitacemere Unico (AllisonK - I might have referred you to them too!) in Monterosso. It is the largest of the 5 Cinque Terre towns and has the most restaurants, people, largest beach, etc. You would definitely find more hotel/room options in Monterosso if the other 4 towns are sold out or full. Riomaggiore and Manarola are both nice towns as well with accommodations there too. You should be fine in late May as it is not full tourist season yet.

The local (5-digit train) runs daily until nearly 11:00 pm from La Spezia into/out of the Cinque Terre so you should be fine. Check the departures ('Partenze') board at the train station for the cities the train stops in, as sometimes it only stops in 2 of the 5 towns.

oops! typo, meant "affittacamere". Also, Vernazza is known as the "Portofino of the Cinque Terre" and indeed is the loveliest; however, thanks to Rick Steves, it is the most touristed and therefore more expensive (souvenirs, restaurants, etc).

Hi Huitres -- Yes, I think you did refer me and made me feel good about staying in Monterosso. I'm so glad we stayed there as it was SO CONVENIENT to the beach. We were at the end of our trip and just wanting to relax...

Oh Huitres -- I forgot to thank you!

hi! I'm going to be in CT this May as well (the 18th-20th). I am staying at the Hostel Cinque Terre in Manarola(www.hostel5terre.com)--the website is very informative and they have rooms available for families. It had rave reviews in my travel book.

Glad it worked out AllisonK! I love the central location of the "Unico", plus feel like a local because walking up a quiet street into a residential building. I, too, liked the convenience of walking to the beach down the block and around the corner to shops, restaurants, etc.