Recommendations for Cinque Terre Accommodations

To a broad question, a broad response: the best overall choice for the most people is Levanto just north of the Cinque Terre villages. Tell us what reasonable, pleasant, and hiking mean to you and we can talk some more.

Mike’s advice might be good for you. The Cinque Terre books up early. I had difficulty booking 3 nights in Monterosso al Mare in November for the following May, 3 years ago. We stayed at Villa Steno, which was great, but Levanto is not much farther away. We met someone at lunch in Vernazza who was staying in Levanto, and she thoroughly enjoyed the hike from Levanto, there.

My wife and I stayed in Manarola this past July and absolutely loved it! We read about Aria Di Mare in the Rick Steve’s guide and booked a three night stay. I would recommend this place and selfishly hope to return again soon.

Good Luck!

I don't what know what you consider "reasonable" but we liked this one in Monterosso:

http://www.laspiaggiahotel.com

It's very popular and may already be booked up but you could contact them and see.

As far as hiking, the park has many trails but the most heavily traveled have been the 4 segments of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), and two of those four have been closed for some years now: between Corniglia and Manarola, and Manarola and Riomaggiore. Last I read, neither are expected be open in 2018 but there are other trails, albeit longer and/or more strenuous. You can also travel between all villages except Corniglia via ferry during the warmer months, and all five of them by train; they are only minutes apart by rail.

For more information, reference the website...
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Eindex.php

...and this page specifically for trail info:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Esentieri-outdoor.php

Info on the Cinque Terre trekking and trekking/train passes here:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Ecinque-terre-card.php

Stayed at this hotel and would happily do so again (MonteRosso)

http://www.hotelpasquale.it/

Here is another vote for Levanto - wonderful little town and just a very short train ride to any of the CT villages. I bought an all day train pass and could hop on and off at various places. Other times I hike from town to town....... unfortunately now you can't hike the whole CT from one end to the other.
But, I still love the CT....

In Monterosso Hotel Margherita is really nice. A short walk from the train station, quiet rooms and a good breakfast. Lots of places to eat dinner nearby.

For a visit to the Cinque Terre, I'd suggest staying in one of the five C.T. towns, as it's nice to experience the atmosphere in the evenings once all the day trippers have left. While Levanto is certainly a possibility, I'd use that only if you can't find accommodations in one of the towns.

Most of us here have a favourite town, and in my case I prefer Monterosso. It's the largest of the five towns and therefore has the greatest number of hotels, restaurants and also the best beach of the five.

It's difficult to know what you consider "reasonable and pleasant". What price range would you prefer? If you decide to stay in Monterosso, have a look at Hotel Villa Steno or Hotel Pasquale (both are located in the "old town"). You could also try Hotel Spiaggia or Villa Adriana in the new town. Whatever you decide, try to book as soon as possible. Many hotels are closed during the winter so you may not get a quick response to an E-mail, but keep trying.

I also feel there is a definite advantage to staying in one of the 5 towns.
You lose something in the amenities and also the value proposition usually but feel it is worthwhile.

Look at Airbnb
Since in the 5 towns there are very few traditional hotels (a handful in Monterosso and basically none elsewhere)
Most every place available is listing on Airbnb now. Even the rental agencies with many places who have their own website are using Airbnb.
You can find a place there and then choose to book direct or book through another site but as far as a single site to see what is available and what things cost, you won't find a better option.

We stayed in Manarola and really enjoyed it. I would be happiest there or in Vernazza personally and if hiking was the main goal Vernazza would have an advantage over Manarola for access but could make due and be happy staying in any of the 5 towns since the area is tiny and it is simple to travel between each.

I recommend Il Timone Lerta. It is located just behind the Monterosso church in the center of old town. It is a small 3 room B&B with breakfast made to your order every morning on the rooftop. The family that runs it is very sweet and helpful. Be prepared to hike up some stairs with your luggage to get the house, but it is worth it! [www.iltimonedimonterosso.it][1] There is a second B&B house -- Il Timone Loreto -- in the new Monterosso.

I have also stayed at Villa Steno and can recommend that place as well.

I like staying in Monterosso for the larger town size, shops and restaurants (mmmm Trattroria da Oscar seafood risotto!) but I like the beach under the rocks best at Vernazza.

We stayed in Vernazza in May 17 in a place called Affitacamere Tonino Basso. Its on a quiet street behind the train station. Decent sized room with all modern fittings. No view but it's a great place for resting your tired legs after hiking the trails. It's in the guide book.
We chose Vernazza bcos it's central and the trails were functional either side of Vernazza when we visited. Plus the town looks absolutely gorgeous at night and plenty of good restaurants at the harbour. And its a beautiful place to be once the day tripping hordes have cleared the streets.

Have a great trip!

We had a wonderful stay in September at Il Giardino Incantato, a small Rick Steves-recommended B&B in Monterosso. It cost a bit more than the B&Bs we stayed in in Rome and Florence, but was well worth it. http://www.ilgiardinoincantato.net/uk/monterosso_uk.htm

I highly recommend Locanda IL Maestrale in Monterosso. In old town, close to restaurants, shopping, wine, credit union ATM. Wonderful hosts. They do book early, so try to make reservations as soon as you can.

The views from Villa Steno in Monterosso are really super. The town is large enough to have a good selection of restaurants.

You might consider looking at airb&b and see what turns up.
We have booked an apartment in Vernazza for our April visit.
Vernazza is a nicely centered and quaint location that should suit us quite well.

We stayed at Hotel Pasquale with the Best of Italy RS Tour. Our view was amazing from the top floor! And, an excellent breakfast.

Book ASAP! I just booked our Vernazza room for May. Already some dates were not available.