Cinque Terre

My first choice is Vernazza. I think it's the prettiest of the group. If you want to avoid stairs, have a little beach handy, or more choices for restaurants/nightlife, Monterosso may be the better bet. The only one I'd avoid is Corniglia. It high above the water so it doesn't have that seaside ambiance. I do budget lodging. If price was not an issue, a view from my room would be a good feature.

Thank you Brad..that is very helpful !

I'm really curious as to the comments you will get for this question. All five towns are great to stay in. Corniglia is little less because its high on a bluff and you need the mini-bus to get up and down from the train station. From any of the four other towns, you are minutes away from any of the other towns by train.

Ellen, My choice would most definitely be Monterosso (the most northerly of the five towns). It's also the largest of the towns, and has the nicest beaches (not that you'll probably be considering the beach in April). More importantly it has the largest number of Hotels and restaurants. If you want "high end" Hotels, you might have a look at the websites for Hotel Villa Steno, Hotel Pasquale or Hotel Porto Roca. The last one is a bit harder to get to but is a very nice Hotel with incredible views. At that time of year, they will have just opened for the season so you shouldn't have too many problems with crowds. Happy travels!

Thank you all..this is so helpful!
Ellen

We actually stayed in Corniglia last time and are again next month - mostly because it is the smallest and quietest...but I tend to go to the places people avoid...just because...