Nice room in Vernazza?

For a splurge, try La Mala: http://lamala.it/en/index.html. It is not to be believed. You can check out reviews on Tripadvisor.

Allison, Probably the reason you are having trouble booking is that the CT in general is so unlike most any other place. Most of the lodging there is small rooms rented out by local residents as opposed to true hotels. Although there are a couple. This is part of its charm. Most of the rooms must be booked via direct email or phone call. Check Rick's book out for contact info on his recommended places or send a private message to the posters here or on trip advisor that recommend something that appeals to you. I would recommend the place we stayed in Vernazza; check it out to see if it is what you are looking for. The room is tiny, and it's a climb to get to, but the view and the large rooftop balcony are amazing! It was clean and had a comfortable bed and private bath, which was all that mattered to us since we spent very little time in the room. The website is: www.elisabettacarro.it and she has recently added online booking. Most places in the CT do not include breakfast but there are shops to pick up supplies or cafes.

Hi Allison, I totally agree with Lise on the recommendation to Elisabetta Carro. We also stayed there and it was one of our favoite places. Make sure you get the room with the rooftop terrace...that's what makes this place so special. The view from it has to be the best in all of the CT. It was wonderful to spend a day of hiking and then come back to the terrace for some wine & cheese...soak in the sun, the breathtaking view, and the roar of the waves right below you....oh, I so want to go back!

Thanks for the replies! The Elisabetta Carro is actually already full. Any other suggestions? Ricks book says you really don't need a reservation in October. Does anyone have experience with this or does anyone disagree?

I wouldn't go there without reservations, esp in Oct. which is a very popular month of travel. You might eventually find something but will waste a lot of valuable time doing so. I would buy Rick Steves Italy book, if you don't already have it, and start picking out places that interest you...starting with the village you most want to stay in. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of Rick's suggestions...at least we've never been unhappy with anything he's suggested. You will, I'm sure, eventually find a place that has an opening for you. Good luck!

Is La Mala full, too? Or, is it just too pricey? (It definitely is! But, we found it to be completely worth it. And, we had specific requirements, since we were a family of 5 travelling together.)

In July we spent 4 nights in Room 1 of Francamaria's in Rick's book. It was wonderful with a harbor view and only a few steps. Loved seeing the action right outside our window and would stay here again. The refrig. didn't work very good so couldn't chill our C.T. wine but oh well....

I have to second La Mala. We stayed in room 19 (harbor views) which is smaller, but not as expensive as room 31. My husband and I actually thought it was a good value with access that incredible shared terrace. We paid 140 euros after they took 10 euros off a night when we paid cash. Worth every penny!

We were in CT September 2006 as a group of 3 couples. We stayed at Pensione Sorriso in Vernazza. No complaints at all, and we all had similar experience with the rooms. The rooms were plain but comfortable and clean, great price, wonderful breakfast (especially the awesome cappucino with flower petals for decoration!} The baths were fairly recently upgraded, albeit small. There was a rooftop patio, perfect for enjoying a glass of local wine after dinner and hanging laundry during the day! I would recommend it as an option.

Thanks for all the replies! We found and booked a place.