Monterosso or Vernazza?

No difference. The two are minutes apart by train and there are trains going back and forth all the time. Vernazza is smaller and maybe a little quainter, but both are pretty. Monterosso is bigger, therefore more accommodations options. Monterosso has the best beach in the area. But for the richest guys who might marry your daughters and solve your retirement concerns, tell them to go the Paraggi beach, near Portofino.

Rob, As Roberto mentioned, either Monterosso or Vernazza would be good choices. I tend to prefer Monterosso, as it has a greater choice of not only accommodations but also restaurants and other stores. While very "quaint", Vernazza can be dreadfully crowded during the day. Also some of the small B&B's there don't provide breakfast (that's something that's important for me). Monterosso has the best sandy beaches of all the five towns, and if they want to spend time laying on beach chairs enjoying the sun that would be the best choice. Swimming is also possible in the small enclosed harbour in Vernazza and in the other towns as well (although the path down to the water in Corniglia is a bit of an effort). For travel in July, I would definitely suggest pre-booking accommodations SOON! Without having some idea on what your criteria is for a "reasonable" hotel, it's hard to offer suggestions. The Guidebook has lots of listings or you could check the www.rebuildmonterosso.com/p/visitors-information.html website. My favourite hotel in Monterosso is Villa Steno, but their "sister property" Hotel Pasquale is also excellent. They could also try Villa Adriana which is also very comfortable. If they'd like something a bit "upscale", have a look at Hotel Porto Roca (I'm sure they would be VERY comfortable there - the views are incredible). Sitting on the patio of any of the hotels enjoying those gorgeous ocean views over breakfast or a glass of Prosecco in the afternoon is something I never tire of. Cheers!

I prefer Monterosso. As mentioned above there are more shops and restaurants in this town than any of the others on the CT.

In Vernazza, try: http://www.elisabettacarro.it