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Cinque Terre Accomodations

In September 2017 my wife and i are planning a trip to Italy where for 3 nights/4 days we'll be in the Cinque Terre.

Knowing from previous travels in Europe, we found that a hotel close to the train station is really helpful for avoiding taxis and other transportation when trying to get to and from an airport or a Viator tour connection place.

So, we have decided on Monterosso in the "New Town" area, finding an ocean view room right off the beach area, which is also very close to the train station for when we want to shoot from village to village, for when we don't want to hike any longer.

We have looked at many other places in other villages also, that are further up the hill. 0.3 mile; 0.5 mile, etc. Seems like a potential bit of hiking with luggage, and to and from train station if we want to use the train shuttle. And secondly, I know the place we booked (Affittacamere Lo Scoglia in Monterosso) has a great ocean view. The hillside properties might be very nice, but also hidden in a low spot or the view blocked by a bunch of trees.

So, given the interest in train access and the ocean view, did we make a good decision? Only downside is they have no breakfast included, but I suppose there's a pastry place or grocery store nearby. Any thoughts appreciated. Ted

Posted by
32331 posts

ted,

That wouldn't have been my choice, especially as it doesn't include breakfast. If you want very easy access to the station and beach views, Hotel La Spiaggia is a good choice (and they include breakfast).

You could also check THIS List although I'm not sure when it was last updated. Note that some of the places will still be closed for the season, so you may not get an immediate reply to enquiries.

Posted by
362 posts

I would never book a hotel without breakfast, a must have for travelers, so I enthusiastically second Ken's recommendation for Hotel La Spiaggia where I stayed several nights in late September 2016. It is less than a block from the train station, right on the beach, marvelous breakfast buffet (with coffee to go if you like), large and lovely garden patio in the back for relaxing with wine before or after dinner, gelato place directly across the street, very friendly and helpful staff (very good English). It was great! So is Monterosso - wide boardwalk for strolling by the beach, easy walk from old town to new town, excellent restaurants, interesting sights to see - don't miss the climb up to the Cauchin Convent - stunning high-up views of the Ligurian coast. And best of all, you can avoid the selfie-stick mobs in Vernazza. What's not to love!

Posted by
16409 posts

A third vote for Hotel La Spiaggia: even closer to the train station; great staff; elevator; breakfast; reception desk (not 24-hour but long enough); nice view of the water IF you reserve a sea-view room with a balcony. The rooms are small and simply furnished but neat and clean, and you won't probably be spending that much time in your room anyway.

It's very popular as it's modestly priced for a great location, and books up very quickly.

Posted by
77 posts

Back to Ken, Susan, and Kathy --- Thanks for your help. I looked at Hotel La Spiaggia and seemed great. However, they do not have our three nights consecutively. We'd need to get a room with ocean side view the first night and switch to ocean front view the next two nights. If the views are terrific maybe it's worth the move.

Plus, the do not have any cancellation available. Any change and your money is gone. We usually avoided the "no refund" places. And you mention breakfast, but I don't think it is included; but just available in their restaurant?

The other option - Affittacamere Lo Scoglia - allows for cancellations and seems quite nice (we have an full ocean view room).
But, it's always a bit hard to see online whether rooms have a balcony/terrace, or are you just looking out a window.

La Spiaggia looks beautiful, but Lo Scoglia appears very nice, also. Did any of you actually see Lo Scoglia when you were there?
Opinions of it. Thanks.

Crashing in a bit here, but also planning to go to Cinque Terre in March. But can't decide whether to stay in Monterosso or Vernazza! Have to pick one. Ted and others, how did you make your decision?

Thanks!

Posted by
77 posts

Heather, for us it's all about the train accessibility. We are coming from Venice and leaving for Florence. Plus, during the days in Cinque Terre we expect to use the local train for shooting between villages - when we are tired of hiking!
Plus, we opted out of the "mountain side hotels" because of luggage moving, navigating to and from, plus any extra cost for shuttle bus or taxi.