Hello! My wife and I are planning a trip in late September to the Portofino area (I have always wanted to go there). I have business in Paris, so we will be traveling from there, and back for our departure. I have been looking for nice hostels or low priced B&Bs, but I am having a tough time getting information on places in the fifty dollar/night range. Does anyone have lodging suggestions? Also, has anyone else made this trip and can you suggest the best way to travel from Paris to the Portofino area? Many Thanks! Wes -
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
Wes, first, is there any possibility you could change your air ticket and fly out of Milan or other location in the north of Italy? It would save a LOT of travel time and expense.
I believe you'll have to travel to Santa Margherita Ligure, and then take a Bus to Portofino (no rail line at Portofino). That's going to be a long rail journey, but the only other option would be budget air from Paris to one of the Milan airports.
Regarding the rail journey, one train you could take departs Paris Lyon at 07:42, arriving Santa Margherita Ligure at 18:20 (Time 10H 38M, one change at Milano Centrale, reservations compulsory, runs daily). That's a fairly reasonable time, considering the distance, but the first part is on the TGV so that's why the trip is so fast.
I don't think you'll find any B&B's in the $50 price range, but you mentioned Hostels, which would probably be your best bet. You'll probably have to stay in Santa Margherita Ligure, as most of the Hotels in Portofino that I checked were WAY above your price point!
Have a look at This Site to see if either of the properties appeals to you (the Hotel Conte Verde bills itself as being close to Portofino).
Hope this is some help.
Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Kent, Washington, USA
7 posts
Thanks! Is there a train schedule online? I am wondering if there are any sleeper berths for a night trip?
Posted by
Narrowsburg, NY, USA
18 posts
Wes, I was in the Cinque Terre 2 summers ago and we stayed in a private room in Manarola for 55Euros a night and there are many rooms like that available. I did not have the chance to go to Porofino but I would think you could find something there as well. Last month a friend of mine stayed in Vernazza in a lovely room overlooking the water. I don't know what she paid but I could find out. Cinque Terre's beauty is beyond description and I know you will love it regardless of which town you stay in. Darleen