Hotel Porto Roca

I’m specifically reviewing the cabin at this hotel, as that is where my newbie husband and I stayed for our visit.
It was beautiful. It’s private, intimate, unbelievable views, a short hike to the breakfast bar, and has its own private access to a ping pong table! The only reason I’m giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is because it advertised that it was 100% secluded, but our window opened above the private resident tanning deck for hotel guests. People couldn’t see into our room but we could hear them all pretty clearly which was just a little disappointing. But of course, I’m being spoiled. The stay was INCREDIBLE.
We’re also literally a matter of steps from where the Vernazza hike begins. We enjoyed the hike, which only took about 2 hours to walk, if I remember correctly, but we would encourage people to BRING WATER. We stupidly didn’t think this hike would be as strenuous as it was and were underprepared. It’s one of the most beautiful ways to experience Cinque Terre, but sadly, we’ve heard since our stay the hurricane wiped out Vernazza. Check with the hotel concierge (English was excellently spoken) to see what they recommend.

monterosso al mare is the birthplace of pesto. when visiting italy, you must go there. along the cinque terre, the finest place to stay is the hotel porto roca. it is a castle, on the waterfront, up a steep, narrow drive, close to the train station.
ask for a room with a view. walls of rock are not much fun to look at.
the food, staff, and accommodations here are fantastic.
buy wine in town. it is cheaper than water, and much better, according to my excellent wife.
the view and weather is similar to monterey bay.
tip well, try to say some italian words and phrases, snack often, and enjoy the pesto, the train rides, hikes, people, absence of vehicles, and plentiful good music.
the cross from the nearby monastery is lit up at night, and appears to float. pretty cool.
dress in black, wear good shoes. avoid jeans/​fanny packs/​tennis shoes, loud or abrasive language and/​or behavior, pointing.
everything is within walking distance. it is all up hill, but worth the walk.
try walking the cinque terre.