My choices are
[1] Nazionale Hotel in Levanto
[2] Locanda Ca dei Duxi in Riomaggiore
TripAdvisor reviews were favorable for both, the price difference is minimal.
Anyone been to either/both? Is one location preferable to the other? I have only 1 night - arrive early afternoon, leave late afternoon.
Chani: You asked about a preference for one or the other of the two locations: Levanto is thought of by many travelers as the northern gateway to the Cinque Terre but not part of the Cinque Terre itself, that is, not one of the five classic Cinque Terre villages. Riomaggiore is one of the five Cinque Terre villages and would be my preference as a location. I have not stayed at either of the two accommodations you mention and will let others comment on them.
Riomaggiore is a better location. You will be in the Cinque Terre instead of in a gateway city.
Yes, Riomaggiore is preferred to the other. It is far more typical of the CT and quite provincial. For sight seeing I did not like Levanto.
I would take the short train ride to Vernazza which is most typical of CT and walk the streets.
My vote is for Riomaggiore. It was one of my favorite of the 5 towns and you could walk to Manarola which is an easy 20 minute walk (even at night) - Just take the Via della Amore, through the tunnel of love. Good restaurants in Manarola and Riomaggiore. We visited Levanto and it's true, even though it is larger and has a city feel, there is little sight seeing. I also think you need to pay to use the beach.
Well, that's my pick. I didn't stay in either towns but feel Riomaggiore was best!
