hotel recommendations in cinque terre

We stayed in Vernazza at Maria Capellini (www.mariacapellini.com) This is one of the few places ground floor right on the harbor. The spot was perfect and the owners were very helpful and friendly. Plan to go back next April. In "09" the rate was 80euro

Vernazza is my choice as well after many years in Cinque Terre - you might check this website out - have stayed there and it's very good. The other poster's suggestion is good as well - have stayed there also.
http://www.treterrazzi.it/index_eng.html

Ciao, Greg

We stayed in Riomaggiore-had a nice apartment through the Mar-Mar apartments, listed in RS guidebook. Ours was called Giulia, and though it was a MAJOR TREK to get to the apt from the main street, it was totally worth it because we were up high, had a terrace with a gorgeous view of the sea and the coastline. The trek (total of 64 stairs up, 32 down, and several little alleyways, we counted!)was a little shock the first day we arrived,exhausted from almost 24 hours of travel! But having my coffee on the terrace every morning with that view made it worth every step (for us, anyway) But not cheap-120 euros per night.

Rebecca, we stayed in Vernazza, and loved it. Francamaria rooms, rooms 1, & 2. & steps form the harbor(this will be important, wait and see) windows looking onto the square, and all the Italian Riviera ambiance you can stand! WHat you gain in ambiance, you lose in quiet, but I would not trade the rooms for any other. Our housekeeper even hung my underwear out on the line above the square, after she found it drying in the bathroom shower where we had done laundry(god bless her). Give some thought to Manarola, and Corniglia. Both are beautiful, and would be great places to stay. Enjoy, and let us know what you do. Ciao,Jeff

We stayed at the Marina Piccola in Manarola

Manarola: I’ll highly recommend La Torretta. Check tripadvisor for high rating details and reviews.

Stayed last July at Francamaria's in Vernazza. She has several rooms overlooking the harbor/square. We had room 1 and the views was wonderful! Hardly any steps which was really nice.

A place I CANNOT recommend in Riomaggiore is the Ca dei Duxi and the Zorza which is run by the same people. Nice staff but not worth the money for what you get. There's much nicer places there and in the other four towns.