My friend and I are travelling to Cinque Terre in March. We have 3 options for places to stay, 2 newer ***star hotels in Monterosso and one place in Vernazza - Trattoria Gianni Franzi. Anybody have an opinion?
We want two twin or double beds in the same room with private bath. We can't find any place with nice views from the room. Suggestions?
Easter is March 23 in 2008. This will be a busy time for hotels and travel, and includes the Monday after Easter. I like the Mueble Agavi in Monterosso. It is one-star or no-star; rooms occupy the first floor which is up one flight of steps from ground level. Most of its rooms have private baths and several are on the front of the building with views of the sea. The mueble (small hotel) is across the street from the beach. Rates are in the "budget" category and Rick Steves routinely includes this place in his Italy books. Reservations are best made by phone. (Check Rick's book for the cell (mobile) phone number.) Call during the hours 8 am to 4 pm Italy time (they are 9 hours ahead of Pacific Time). The Agavi is only a few minutes walk from the Monterosso train station and easy to find.
Barbara, you might also consider staying in one of the other towns.
Although it only seems to get a short note in Rick's Guidebook, you might have a look at www.torrettas.com in Manarola. I know someone that stayed there and they had a wondeful time! I believe there are also some properties in Riomaggiore that have ocean views - check MarMar Rooms in Rick's book.
Cheers!
Kent, I certainly agree - Vernazza is a bit more "CT" than Monterosso al Mare (however both are beautiful).
My reservations about Vernazza are mostly due to the fact that lodgings there seem to book up more quickly, especially with tour groups. Many people seem to be focussed only on staying in Vernazza. That's why I suggested the other towns.
I stayed in Riomaggiore and although I didn't have an ocean view, the room was great (although right across from Bar Centrale, QUITE noisy at night although I didn't mind the vintage Eagles tunes). There were some awesome restaurants there too!
Cheers!
We stayed in the Hotel Pasquale in Monterosso, with a room facing the beach. We were with a RS tour, but there were non-tour guests as well. Room had a private bath; we had one double bed. Nice staff.
Bonassola is one town away from Monteross, and a quick train trip to anywhere in the CT: I have stayed at the Hotel Rose or Rosa several times, and it's great. No view though. But right across the pedestian only street from a fabulous beach with a cafe/bar.
Thank you for all your great input!
Right now we are trying to choose between La Colonnina in Monterosso al Mare and BoMa B&B in Riomaggiore.
Anyone stayed in either of these hotels? Which would be more fun?
We stayed in Riomaggiore and the room was good and it is a great location near the train station.I think that a view room is overrated.We leave early in the morning and when we return after dinner it is dark.The views in the CT are so good that you dont need a view room.
I would suggest Monterosso over Riomaggiore. The main difference in the two is their layout. Monterosso is spread out along the coastline, with a very open feel. Riomaggiore is laid out perpendicular to the coastline, going steeply up the valley, for a more enclosed feeling.
As far as which would be more fun, that all depends on your definition of fun. Monterosso is probably a little more active in the evening.
