I have read the CT section of Rick's book several times over. I have read the comments posted here. And I still can't make up my mind. Initially we were going to stay in Sestri Levante, based on a recommendation here. But couldn't get a room at the hotel recommened. I'm thinking either Vernazza or Monterosso. I am looking for something convenient, clean and comfortable. Don't mind paying 150 eruo. We will be here two nights. I want to get the real feel of the area. We are runners so not concerned about walking etc. Recommendations?
Posted by
525 posts
If you want to get the "feel" of the area, stay in Vernazza or Riomaggorie. LOTS of places to choose from. Get on tripadvisor also to check on B&B's in CT. Monterosso is larger than the other two. I wish I new the name of a B&B we saw when we got off the elevator to the top of Riomaggorie. Ivana Bonanni, tel 0187920196 or 0187760083 (Engenio Bordone)Not sure what this name is. We saw her sweeping the stairs just above us. The room overlooks the sea. Wonderful surroundings! She motioned sleeping and asked if we needed a room. No English spoken! We went up to see the room. She talked for about 1/2 hour about her late husband and children and showing us the garden area. She even gave us a jade plant. We graciously took it then planted it along the via del amore trail. We'll have to go back. Maybe someone on this site knows who/where I've mentioned. Vernazza, Memo Rooms or Roommartina have rooms that overlook the harbor.
Posted by
OP
Danville, California, USA
139 posts
Kent, I realize that but took a recommendation on this board to stay there. They even gave a hotel recommendation that looked good. It didn't pan out and I am now thinking I want to stay in one of the CT towns. So I am looking for recommendations on which town and which hotel. I have read the book but there is nothing like personal testimony. Thanks.
Posted by
525 posts
One thing about staying on the harbor in Vernazza. It can be very noisy late at night as there is a bar AND the locals and tourists like to party late into the night. The sound carries even up to the top of the B&B's that are there. Some are NOT B AND B because Room Martina does not offer breakfast but we could look out over the harbor.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Bill, along the lines of Miss B's post, the main street (leading up the hill) in Riomaggiore can be a bit noisy at night also. Everyone seems to gather at Bar Centrale and with plentiful Mojitos and a Guitar, it doesn't take long for the party to get going.
You might also consider Manarola. Have a look at the web site www.torrettas.com for one example of lodgings. Monterosso is also a good choice, as there are larger Hotels there. Check Rick's Guidebooks for lodgings in the "old" part of town (through the tunnel).
Good luck!
Posted by
Tualatin, OR, USA
123 posts
Bill, we stayed at Hotel la Colonnina in Monterossa last June for several days. It was a lovely hotel. Our room had a small balcony which I would have enjoyed even more, if it hadn't been cool and rainy at the time. I highly recommend this hotel. It's listed as #4 out of 17 in Monterossa by TripAdvisor and also recommended by RS. There was a huge breakfast each day, although the breakfast guardian wouldn't let us come in early on the day we had to leave to catch a train. It's situated a bit off the main square in the old town with wonderful lemon trees out front. It was a bit less than 150E per night. And yes, you need to stay in CT, not outside the area. You won't regret it for the ambience. Ciao, Deborah