Vernazza room

We showed up in Monterossa al Mare a couple of Septembers ago with no room reservations. My wife sat at a cafe in town while I went looking for a room. A couple of nearby hotels were booked but one of the clerks knew someone etc. I ended up getting us an apartment for the week. Meanwhile my wife had checked out a couple of rooms that were available in private homes. While having a coffee she was contacted by several women with rooms to rent. Taking a chance in September is not that great a risk - but try to arrive early in the day. We got in about 4:00 pm but I think we got lucky. Later in the evening we saw several groups looking for rooms and it seemed they were not having any success.

We just returned a few days ago, and we stayed at La Mala', in Vernazza. We loved it. It was a splurge, but we felt that it was worth it.

It's modern, air conditioned, includes breakfast at a bar in the center (Piazza Marconi), and has a spectacular location: hanging off the cliff, with a stone terrace.

It only has 4 rooms, so it might be tough to book.

Try tripadvisor.com for some listings. I had luck that way. I agree with the others that in September you may just get lucky if you show up and ask around. Keep in mind though that the other towns are very nice. I wanted to stay in Vernazza on my last trip but could not get a reservation for a room large enough - 2 adults & 2 kids so we stayed in Riomaggiore - we really enjoyed it there. While I was in Riomaggiore - 2+ weeks ago - there were rooms available according to the signs in town. 8 years ago I just walked in and got a room - but things have changed in 8 years there.

Thanks for the tips, you all. I have found a room for my first two nights in Vernazza, and will find accommodation for the second two nights (either in Vernazza or another town) once we are there.

Susan