Hotel Porto Roca

High above the town of Monterosso sits the Porto Roca, making it a well-known spot for gorgeous views of the water below and surrounding town and hillsides. A boat wheel in one of the hallways sits in front of a floor-to-ceiling window to make it seem like guests can steer the hotel out to sea. The property's grounds are well kept with stone pathways and patios that have sitting areas for guests. Bright blooming flowers are seen throughout the venue, including in a mural around the reception desk.

Opened in 1963, the hotel is decorated with antique and eclectic furnishings like life-size medieval knight figures and crossed swords above the lobby fireplace. Decor in both the public spaces and rooms are dated and old-fashioned, but the views are what draws guests. The Porto Roca is primarily geared toward couples wanting to make use of the pretty outdoor pool and lounge areas while also having easy access to explore Cinque Terre.

Since the Porto Roca is up on a hill, getting to and from the property on the narrow walkway can be an issue for some people. Private cars aren't allowed during certain months to make it easier on pedestrians. For this reason, travelers with cars must park in one of the two nearby lots; one is in the old town area and the other is by Fegina Beach. The hotel does provide a free taxi to/from the hotel from either the Fegina parking area or railway station upon arrival and departure. Otherwise, it's a few minutes' walk down the hill, which leads to the beach, train station, and town center of Monterosso, where there are several dining and shopping options.

The area is popular for hiking trails, and most travelers explore the other villages of Cinque Terre along the coast. Some of the surrounding area is closed due to floods and mudslides in 2011 that severely affected the landscape. Genoa (which has the closest airport) and Pisa, two cities located in opposite directions, are both around an hour and a half drive away. Milan is a three-hour drive north and Rome is a five-hour drive south.

The cheapest units at Hotel Porto Roca are the small Basic Rooms, with traditional wooden furniture and a couple of paintings hanging from the wall. They also have flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, and safes, but views are of a stone wall. Bathrooms have small stall showers, bidets, and free toiletries. The sea-view rooms have old-fashioned decor as well, like detailed iron headboards and blue and gold patterned bedspreads with matching drapes. The balconies are furnished and have stunning views of the water, but some are more private than others.

The suites have a bedroom and living room area, separated by frosted glass sliding doors; the living room furnishings include a dining table, sofa, and large gold-framed mirrors, but fabrics are dated and could use a refresh. The bathrooms are much larger and have duel sinks and a whirlpool tub with built-in shower. Note that rooms above the kitchen can be noisy and guests have complained that beds are hard. All rooms have air-conditioning and some have ceiling fans.

The beautiful views of the sea and lush hillsides are the main selling point here, and can be enjoyed from various spots -- the outdoor patio, the wooden deck solarium, or the mosaic-tiled saltwater infinity pool. There's also a hot tub on a deck above the pool and additional yellow-striped lounge chairs and umbrellas scattered about. Guests that take the five-minute walk down to the beach can relax in a private area with loungers and umbrellas provided.

There's a small pool bar in addition to the lobby bar. The on-site La Terrazza del Porto Roca restaurant has an indoor area with panoramic windows and an outdoor covered terrace; it's popular among hotel guests and the public thanks to its regional cuisine and gorgeous vistas. A free buffet breakfast is served here and on the outdoor terrace in the summer.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and there's a computer in the hallway. A small spa has a massage room and color therapy shower.