I'll be in Cinque Terre June 7,8,9 (Mon-Wed): 1st time. Should I book a room in advance or chance it when I get there? I've heard both and have even been advised (by one person) to stay in La Spezia as it is purportedly cheaper.
Any nuggets of wisdom? I'd be grateful.
I'd book now. I know someone that will be in the CT in June & is having a hard time finding accommodations. I'm a planner so I like to have my accommodations identified before I get there so that I don't waste valuable sightseeing time hunting for a hotel. When we were there in mid-September last year, we bumped into a couple from close to where we live in CA & they didn't have reservations & wanted to stay in Vernazza but couldn't because there were no vacancies. I personally would book now since you know for sure you'll be in the CT for those 3 days. Have a great trip. Hope you enjoy the CT as much as I did...I am dreaming of returning!
If you are willing to spend more time hunting down an accommodation once you get there, play it by ear. Personally, if you know your dates, book something and get the best your $/€ can buy instead of having to settle for something you may not like. Playing it by ear makes more sense when you don't know which days you may be someplace.
Another vote for not staying in La Spezia.
Yes, La Spezia is somewhat less expensive, but saving a few dollars here would really diminish your Cinque Terre experience. We've gone to CT twice, staying in La Spezia (Hotel Mary) once and in Vernazza (Pensione Sorriso) the other time. Staying within the villages was a much more interesting experience and we were able to pack a lot more into our trip by staying there.
The trains from La Spezia to CT don't run nearly as frequently as you might expect. They're roughly hourly, but some are closer together and some are farther apart. When we stayed in La Spezia, we had reservations for a 2 pm train back to Naples. Our plan was to go to Manarola in the morning, walk the trail above the vineyards, then come back to La Spezia to catch the train. I misread the train schedule and thought that if we missed the 8:30 train, we could catch an 8:50 one. Turns out the 8:50 train only runs Tues-Fri (or something like that-- I'm doing this off memory). Of course we missed the 8:30 train (2 little kids-- it happens!), found out the 8:50 train didn't exist, then saw that the next train wasn't 'til 10:00 or so. This didn't give us enough of a cushion to go to Manarola and still get back, so we really missed out that day.
Find a way to stay in the villages!
John, i prefer to book ahead, i would not stay in La Spezia, much nicer in any of the 5 towns, not that expensive either, we paid 70 euros, for a double room suite in Manarola.
Friends, Many thanks for the helpful advice--especially in regards to avoid staying in La Spezia.
There is no reason to stay in La Spezia. Also no reason NOT to make reservations if you know when you're going to be in the area. Why deal with the hassle of finding a room when you arrive? Wouldn't you rather just spend that time enjoying yourself? CT wasn't that expensive IMO
I would try and book a place in advance. Have been to the C.T. 3x in the last 7 yrs, 1x in June and 2x in July. Have always booked ahead as we don't want to spend time tracking down accommodations. As many previous posters stated you do not want to stay in LaSpezia--no charm here that's for sure.
I was in Vernazza last June and had no problems finding more than one lodging choices by walking down the street...pretty darn easy to do.
I've arrived in the CT a few times without reservations, late in the day. I walked down the stairs and across the street to a cheap hotel and stayed there overnight. Then the next morning I got on the train and traveled to Monterosso to find lodging. It worked every time. I've learned to make a reservation even if it is only a day or two in advance. Phoning works. I like La Spezia as a place to wander along the pedestrian-only main street, stop in a bakery, buy some groceries, visit a bank, shop the Friday open-air market, etc. But I prefer to sleep in Monterosso. My favorite hotel is the Agavi, right on the water--well, across the street from the Med.
June is getting to be peak time for the CT. Why take a chance? Book now.
Definately book NOW. You will be surprised how many are already full for that period. My personal story and recommendation is to book a room in Monterosso. We stayed at Manuel's rooms. If you start at this end it makes it easier to walk the paths all one way and then take the train back at night. I would also recommend not to stay in La Spezia. You are too far from the action
My g/f and I are going at the end of July and we booked ahead as I have been told it was smarter to do so.
Better to have a place than be without (although I suppose there is always some place to sleep).
We booked with Albergo Barbara in Vernazza.
I don't get it. Why do people want to travel to a foreign country without a place to stay nailed down. There are no chain accommodations, like Ramada Inn or Best Western, every few miles like you would see in the U.S. Who wants to spend precious vacation time running around looking for a place to stay, especially in the Summer months? Not to mention, the only places with last minute reservations are probably rat-holes.
If you are going to look for rooms "last minute" follow Rick's advice and show up or call around 10am. At that time hotels know what is available for the night and you have your best chance. I can appreciate the desire to be free and flexible. I don't travel that way anymore. A compromise is to call a day or two in advance for a reservation. If you start looking for a place to sleep at 6pm, you may have a miserable time of it. I've seen people doing that in the CT...on a Saturday evening.
Of course you need to book in advance, so as to not waste inordinate amounts of time looking for a place to stay. I highly recommend staying in Levanto (one train stop north of Monterosso, beautiful hike from Levanto to Monterosso with ruined abbey lookout in the middle of it, great beach, restaurants (Ristaurante Moresco!!!), shops, and lots of locals out and about - less tourists.
Of course you need to book in advance, so as to not waste inordinate amounts of time looking for a place to stay. I highly recommend staying in Levanto (one train stop north of Monterosso, beautiful hike from Levanto to Monterosso with ruined abbey lookout in the middle of it, great beach, restaurants (Ristaurante Moresco!!!), shops, and lots of locals out and about - less tourists.
