We will be driving on a three-week + tour of Italy and want to spend two nights in the Cinque Terre area. Not sure what town would be best to use as our base. We need a hotel that has parking, and within walking distance to the train station so we easily can get to one or more of the other villages. We are not particularly interested in hiking--mostly just want to see the picturesque towns. Any advice?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
Hazel,
I'd suggest staying in Monterosso as some of the hotels there have limited parking for guests. There are also public car parks in both the old town and new town. My favourite hotel there (and probably in Europe) is Hotel Villa Steno and they have some parking available. Although that hotel is in the old town, it's not a long or difficult walk to the station.
When is this trip taking place?
Posted by
OP
44 posts
Hi Ken, Thanks for the suggestion! I believe I have seen that particular hotel referenced by others, too, so it must have much charm. I defintely will check it out. We are planning this trip for September/October next year, so still quite a ways off. I usually spend months tinkering with the itinerary and finding just the right hotel, etc. Planning is definitely part of the fun for me. One luxury we have with this trip is that we previously have been to Rome, Naples, and Venice as part of a Mediterranean cruise, so we can focus on other areas of the country. Thanks again for your response.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
I also suggest Monterosso. To get to the others by car is a big hassle.
Posted by
Columbus, Ohio
142 posts
Be sure to inquire about reservations at Villa Steno very far in advance....I was hoping to stay there in September 2016, and they are already fully booked with a group! We found a lovely B&B though! Good luck!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
hazel,
I was also going to mention that you'll need to book well in advance for Hotel Villa Steno. If they're all booked up, you could try their "sister" property, Hotel Pasquale as I believe they may also be able to offer parking. That's also very popular so again, early booking is highly advisable.
Posted by
Boston
1816 posts
Since you're not hiking, there's less need to stay in a CT village. If you stayed in Portovenere, you can visit the CT as well as Lerici by ferry. If you stay in Sestri Levante, perhaps for more than 2 days, you could use the train, car and/or ferry to visit the CT and Portofino and Santa Margherita or Camogli as well. I've sent a PM.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16766 posts
Ditto to what the others have said; make your reservations as early as possible. The best of the accommodations fill far in advance of high and shoulder seasons!
As long as you have one full day, you won't have any trouble visiting multiple villages. Hopefully, you'll have part of your first day as well, and maybe some time the morning of your departure day.
Posted by
OP
44 posts
Thank you one and all for the helpful advice. Even checking preliminarily, I have been surprised at so many sold-out spots this far ahead. So we will get the plane reservations firmed up, then full-steam ahead on places to stay. I really appreciate the responses--thanks again!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17601 posts
Some places that appear to be "sold out" simply are not taking reservations for summer 2016 yet. Check all dates for a given month and you can tell if that is the case.
Posted by
48 posts
I'd stay in Levanto at the Park Argento hotel. It's a lovely property within walking distance of town, the beach and the train station. Plus they have ample on site parking and fabulous food! By train its five minutes north of Monterosa. You will love it!
Posted by
OP
44 posts
More good advice! This is helping my search immensely. Thanks!!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
hazel,
If possible, I'd suggests staying in one of the Cinque Terre towns, as they're much different in the evenings when all the day trippers have left.
Posted by
OP
44 posts
Yes, I am going to try for staying in one of the CT towns. BTW, loved all of your articles, Ken. Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
In Vernazza, try:
Posted by
OP
44 posts
Will do! Thanks!
Posted by
Ypsilanti
146 posts
I highly recommend Hotel Villa Steno. I loved my stay there. I took a train to the area but I saw others drive in to the hotel so I know that there is parking. It is not a far walk to the train station. Beautiful hotel and a super friendly staff!
Posted by
Placentia, CA
1079 posts
I also recommend the Hotel Steno. If you have a choice of rooms, room 6 has a great patio with an even greater view.
Posted by
2 posts
Options are always good so I will share what we did. Five of us traveling in a good size van we also had the same requirements as you. We stayed at Locanda del sole in Riomaggiore which was easy to get to by car and had it's own private parking. No walking is flat here but it is not far down to the train or ferry. We did train to each town then ferry back for an overview. Careful of your wallet on the trains, one of us was pick-pocketed. Eat the fresh anchovies they are wonderful and be prepared for lots of steps.