Suggestions for a Water View Room in Vernazza?

You might try Monterosso as well.They're probably already booked for Sept. but try La Spiaggia: practically on the beach; elevator; double bed; ensuite bath (small but worked for us); simple but serviceable breakfast included; short, easy walk from the train station; balconies with sea views IF you can snag one of them.

Rooms are small but we loved the balcony! One important note: payment is cash only; no credit cards. It's a hot property because of the rates for the location, and books up fast for high season.

Francamaria.com. They have very few stairs, large bed, private bathroom. They have a harbor view, from your rooms window, so we sat inside at our table, instead of an actual terrace. Book directly through their website, not an outside agency. Need credit card to reserve, but cash only on checkout.
Wherever you choose, do it ASAP!

Manarola for sure! I was told to stay in Monterrosso but also could not find a room. Marina Piccola is a fantastic hotel easy walk from train. We needed a room for three so did have to climb to top floor but the Ligurian Sea was the view from our windows. They have a great little restaurant and delicious breakfast. It is a short walk to La Lanterns in Riomaggiore, probably the best restaurant in Cinque Terre. I wouldn't stay in Monterosso unless you have a car. We took trains our entire trip. We will go back to Manarola and Marina Piccola!

Oh yes we had balcony, king or queen bed, private bath and spectacular view. I can pick my room out on any postcard!

4labgirl, Marina Piccola looks gorgeous! Great suggestion, but unfortunately, they do not have availability for our dates. :-( Thanks also for the restaurant suggestions. We'll check them out wherever we stay.

Charlotte, I had inquired with FrancaMaria through the website but have not received a reply as yet. I have now followed up with an email. Another fine suggestion.

We have not been considering Monterosso. It appears more like a larger beach resort town. I feel Vernazza or Manarola will give us the more classic Cinque Terre experience.

Thanks all,
Steve

Don't rule it out, Steve: it's not 'large' by any means, and especially not as it's split into two different sections. But hope some of the other suggestions work for you!

Steve,

Although you mentioned Vernazza, a few thoughts.....

Monterosso is a larger town and therefore has a greater selection of not only hotels but also restaurants and other amenities, and as you mentioned the best beaches. My favourite hotel there is Hotel Villa Steno, which was just voted one of the best small hotels in Europe by Trip Advisor readers. Have a look at the "breakfast with a view" photo on the website. They do have some ocean view rooms with balconys.

If you want something a bit off the beaten path with fantastic views (albeit a bit more posh), you could look at Hotel Porto Roca, which is at the far end of the new town. As I recall, they just added a new swimming pool a year or two ago with incredible views over the ocean. Sitting by that pool enjoying those views with a "cool one" in the warm Ligurian sun and a light breeze, would be a perfect way to spend an afternoon for me!

If you'd prefer Manarola, one of the big favourites there (although on the high end of the price scale) is La Torretta.

Unfortunately I'm not too familiar with the choices in Vernazza or the other towns.

I would also recommend Hotel Villa Steno in Monterosso. Most of the rooms there have balconies and almost all have views. Very nice spot. You can also try Gianni's place in Vernazza. Some of there rooms have views but not a lot of balcony options. If you run out of luck in the Cinque Terre then try the town of Porto Venere. Very nice town outside of the Cinque Terre. Can still ferry there from the Cinque Terre but its less touristy than the Cinque Terre.

Fitting all but one of your criteria is La Marina Rooms in Vernazza. It has rooms with views of the harbor or out to sea, with a big balony out to sea side. You do have to go up stairs to get there though. I've stayed there twice and am booked again in September.

here:

http://www.elisabettacarro.it/

Many thanks to all you good folks for providing your kind and thoughtful suggestions and comments!

We ended up booking La Toracca, an apartment we found through a link at the site for L'Eremo Sul Mare (The Hermitage over the Sea). The rate is 120 euro per night, all inclusive (fees, linen, a set of towels per person, kitchenware, taxes & final cleanings). It seemed like a good value and it seems to fulfill most of our "wish list". Please have a look at the link below. I have found little in the way of reviews for this specific apartment but it is owned and operated by the same people as the Hermitage. One woman on TripAdvisor loved their stay. If anyone has any experience or knowledge, please share! Thanks.
http://www.latoracca.com/e/