Cinque Terre

And if you have any hotel recommendations to throw in that would be great too!

Hi Schenkelberg -
IMHO Monterosso is a good choice as it's the largest of the 5 CT villages and so there's more room for large numbers of tourists to spread out. We've stayed at La Spiaggia (as have friends) and enjoyed it very much. It's a family owned/operated property close to the water and an easy walk from the train station. It also has an elevator and air conditioning, and I believe breakfast is still included in the (reasonabale for the CT) tariff. The rooms are not exactly spacious and are simply furnished but comfortable and very clean; do your best to get one with a sea-view balcony as they're a great place to enjoy watching Monterosso wake up in the mornings. It is a popular accommodation so tends to fill up quickly and early in the season :O)

https://www.laspiaggiamonterosso.com

On booking.com; check the reviews:
https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/la-spiaggia.html

PS: it's also just a couple doors away from Cantina di Miky: good place for dinner. Heavy on locally sourced ingredients, and menu changes with season/availability.
https://www.facebook.com/lacantinadimiky
http://www.cantinadimiky.it (in Italian only but don't worry, waitstaff easily accommodates English speakers too. Wife of the owner is originally from the U.S.)
https://restaurantguru.com/La-Cantina-di-Miky-Monterosso-al-Mare

Thank you Kathy- great info!

Using the ferry system is a great leisurely way to get a nice view of the Cinque Terre coast, and there are ferry stops right at 4 of the 5 villages (Corniglia is high up above the sea).

Many people visiting the Cinque Terre maybe see all 5 villages, but Porto Venere is also a very nice village to visit, just a short ferry ride south of Riomaggiore.

We're staying in La Spezia, for several reasons:

1. More selection of lodging and restaurants
2. Ferries to the various towns depart often from there, as do boat tours
3. Train service to the towns is frequent and convenient

These considerations may not be important to everyone.

Also bonus if you can recommend a boat tour- not private- just something that offers a leisurely view of the coast.

You can take the ferries for a leisurely view of the coast, boat tour is not needed.

I stayed in the Stella della Marina B&B in Monterosso 3 nights and recommend it.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8JbbmZZgHsvTYB1i6?g_st=ic

Just to note, train service between the five villages is also frequent, as is ferry service (except for Corniglia) during the seasons the boats run; usually towards end of March to beginning of November.