Hotel Porto Roca

The location while difficult to get to unless using a taxi, is situated far enough from the hustle and bustle of the town but close enough to walk to. The views are excellent. So was the service. We dined at the restaurant once and thoroughly enjoyed it, we asked for the Sommelier to recommend a wine and his choice was right on. The only issue is when going to the bathroom at night there is a motion light that can irritate your sleeping partner. I would stay here again.

Porto Roca is probably the best place to stay in Cinque Terre. The setting is on top of a cliff at a location that is right on the trail to the other villages, and the view of Monterosso and the Mediterranean is perfect. We decided to visit during "shoulder season" so the weather would be cooler for hiking and the crowds wouldn't be so large. Both were true. We did have a couple days with occasional rain, but the sunny days were great to hike the entire trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso (we trained to Rio to start). The hike is more rigorous than you'd expect, but we did it at age 68! The staff at this hotel was great and helpful, and the restaurant was really good. The waiters were so helpful and congenial. At the desk, we got extra help from Giuliano, who spend an hour with us getting trail passes and train tix. We had a second floor ocean view room (about 500E per night), which was surprisingly basic with no closet (a rod to hang clothes above the side bureau), plastic cups and instant coffee. The worse was our last night when it got windy outside. We were situated below a third floor balcony and the patio furniture and other things blew around above us, making noise all night. Or, it could have been something else going on and we were afraid to ask! Luckily we were up all night so we could leave at 630am to take a train back to Firenze. Overall, this hotel is great if you're specific about room choice, and just what you would want for a visit to Cinque Terre.

On a 25 day trip in Italy… 8 stops north to south. This was my wife’s favorite hotel. It is gorgeous & the view is 2nd to none. It’s very proximate to the little town. It has a nice pool & bar & restaurant. Only downside is that we checked in on our anniversary and they knew it, but did not provide any little gift or upgrades like the 7 other hotels did on our journey… that being said… We strongly recommend this hotel!