Hotel Monterosso Alto

Plenty about the Hotel Monterosso Alto sets it apart from the traditional accommodations in the village. The hotel appears more like a large house with flowers and plants growing on parts of the patio, roof and gutters. And the view from the patio and some of the rooms allows guests to see the mountains or the sea. Inside, the lobby and restaurant are one large room with decor that's both homey and idiosyncratic. The restaurant tables are lined with green, patterned tablecloths. Ceiling fixtures have metallic branches extending from them. Part of a fish skeleton hangs over the fireplace. Throughout the room, bottles of wine are stored in cases and cubbies. For a guest looking for something unusual, it's fun and offbeat. But tourists expecting more typical accommodations may not find it welcoming.

Given that local laws limit the amount of traffic in Monterosso al Mare, the free parking at this hotel is a plus for anyone driving through Cinque Terre. Tourists who travel to the "Riviera of the East" by train will need to arrange a ride up the hill from the village, either on the hotel-operated shuttle or by taxi. A bus trip from the train station will take about 20 minutes. The location is secluded, and there's little in the way of dining or shopping in walking distance. Getting from the hotel to town, a 10-minute drive, will also require some coordination since some guests report that the timeliness of the hotel shuttle isn't always reliable. 

While most of the furniture in the Hotel Monterosso Alto guest rooms is only slightly better what's found in a starter apartment, the designer's clever use of paint makes the accommodations cuter than most. The Double Room with Purple has a big wine-colored accent wall over the double bed. And the Double Room with Blue is similar, but with a cobalt-blue accent wall. All have flat-screen TVs bordered in the rooms' signature color. Bathrooms are compact with the shower stall, like many European ones, just big enough to get in. Some guests complain that the walls between the rooms are thin and, without air-conditioning, can get very hot. And Wi-Fi can only be found in common areas.

Ristorante Albergo, the hotel restaurant, is known for its regional cuisine and numerous local wine varietals. The hotel's free continental breakfast includes fruit, cereal, and cold meats. The shuttle to and from town can be arranged through the front desk. On the patio, guests can take in the mountain view or play a game of foosball. Anyone traveling with a pet will be happy to know they're allowed on request, though extra fees apply. Wi-Fi is free, but only available in the common areas, and parking is free as well.