5 Best Hotels in Cinque Terre, Italy

Modern rooms with charm and comfort in the heart of the old town make this place a terrific base for exploring the Cinque Terre. Breakfast is taken in the bar below. There is even an apartment for up to six people with a fully equipped kitchen and living area, making it a good family choice. Minimum stay is two to three nights.

With wood-beam ceilings and stone walls, the stylishly restored and updated rooms in this 16th-century house in the historic center of Monterosso ooze comfort and old-world charm. Owners Fausto and Mariapia go out of their way to make you feel at home, and staff can whip up a fantastic breakfast, served in the lovely private garden under the lemon trees (or in your room in bad weather). Do not miss Fausto's limoncino, made from lemons in their garden: you'll find it in the minibar in your room.

A cut above other lodging options in the Cinque Terre, these small guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, marble showers, and comfortable bedding and have views of the sea or the port, which can also be enjoyed at their most bewitching from a shared terrace literally suspended over the Mediterranean. Book very early, as the four rooms book up quickly.

One of the Cinque Terre's few "boutique" hotels is in a 17th-century tower that sits high on the hill above the rainbow-hue village of Manarola, with truly lovely views of the terraced vineyards, colorful village homes, and the Mediterranean sea; inside, decor is chic, sleek, and antiques-bedecked. Guest rooms vary from cozy to nearly luxurious suites, ranging from standards (from about €300) to a sea-view suite (from €550) to a two-room master suite (from €1,400). The solarium is a lovely spot for an aperitivo (aperitif), served each evening, and for taking in the enchanting views.

Far from the madding crowds, one of Cinque Terre's only high-end hotels is perched on the famous terraced cliffs right over the main beach, with large balconies to savor panoramic views of the magnificent sea. A nice restaurant serving well-prepared Ligurian cuisine and a spectacular cliffside pool and solarium make up for the somewhat dowdy and old-fashioned interior. Book directly with the hotel to take advantage of the free taxi-service to and from the rail station and restaurant discounts. There's a two- or three-night minimum stay in high season.