I have read Rick's book and tried the search function on this website, but would like some personal and preferably recent suggestions for a clean, moderately priced hotel in Portofino or Rapallo, although I am willing to splurge a bit for a view and good location. (btw this isn't my first time to Italy) Grazie!
Am not familiar with this part of Italy but these sites may help. Tripadvisor for reviews and Venere ( a well trusted agent in Europe) for reviews and booking if they have good deals.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g187825-Portofino_Italian_Riviera-Hotels.html
Suggest you look at the Hotel Helios in Santa Margherita Ligure. It is a bit pricey but the sea-facing deluxe rooms have huge balconies. You can walk from the train station to it in three minutes. Stayed there several times and found the area wonderful but we visited out of season when it was moderately quiet.
Positano
Residence La Tavolozza http://www.tassoni.it/ita/guida-italia/positano.htm Great bargain, excellent views, large balcony, fine tile, and silence.
Ravello
Hotel Rufolo
http://www.hotelrufolo.it/
Location is perfect wait a beautiful 2 minutes walk to the main Piazza del Duomo, and 10 minutes walk in the opposite direction to Villa Cimbrone.
You can see our pictures at:
http://gadtravel.blogspot.com/2008/07/palermo-naples.html
We've stayed twice at the Lido Palace in Santa Margherita (last stay 2004). We enjoy our walk to Portofino & ferry back. We love Santa Margherita. See RS.
Thanks for your suggestions. Has anyone stayed at HOtel Metropole in Santa Margherita or Hotel Italia e Lido in Rapallo?
We stayed at the hotel Metropole in Sept of 2007...had a wonderful room, not too expensive. Hotel built right on the waterfront with easy access to the sea and nice sunbathing...breakfast was good (on the outdoor terrace, weather permitting). Check out tripadvisor's rating and pictures.