Manuel’s Guest House

The pink-painted, green-shuttered, three-story Manuel’s Guest House is named for artist Manuel Grasso, who converted his family home into a bed-and-breakfast, which is today managed by Grasso’s nephew Lorenzo, who greets guests at the bottom of the hotel’s stairs (he will help guests carry their luggage, which is a blessing because it's a 130-step climb to reach the guest house). Hand-painted signs at points along the stairs direct guests to the property that sits at the top of the Cinque Terre's iconic Monterosso al Mare, offering beautiful views of the sea from its balconies. The vibe here is akin to staying in a friend's home, and the ambience is social, with guests gathering on the terrace for happy hours and breakfast. The hotel's intimate atmosphere draws mostly couples -- but groups of friends, families, and solo travelers looking to avoid the more touristy core of Monterosso also stay here. 

Steep stairs -- 130 in total -- lead to this hotel, which sits on a hillside overlooking Monterosso al Mare. Despite the cliffside setting, Monterosso Beach is five minutes away on foot. The famous Cinque Terre trails are nearby, and bars, restaurants, bakeries, are found by the dozen in the town below. Local laws limit car traffic, so most travelers take the train -- the station is about a 10-minute walk from the guest house. Historic attractions, including the Church of Saint John Baptist and the Convento dei Cappuccini e Chiesa di San Francesco, are within a five-minute walk. For those interested in walking the Cinque Terre trails, the next town to the south, Vernazza, takes about an hour and 20 minutes to reach on foot. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and Pisa International Airport are both about a 90-minute drive from Monterosso.

Each of the five rooms at Manuel’s Guest House is different from the other, though all share a similar bright and modern look. This isn't high style, but they are a nice step up from the often fusty interiors at some of the small, value outposts in the Cinque Terre. All feature light-wood furniture, tile floors, sea-themed paintings, and bistro tables -- some add a rustic touch with wood-beam ceilings. The soothing blue and white palette is perfect for the guest house's Mediterranean setting. Higher-priced rooms have balconies or terraces that overlook the sea, and others have wooden floors and counter seating. One room has a kitchenette. Blue-tile bathrooms are likewise contemporary, with walk-in showers -- some of which are spacious glass-stall units with stone-and-mortar floors -- plus bidets, heated towel racks, and hairdryers. All rooms have mounted flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safes in wardrobes, and maps of Monterosso. Memory foam mattresses are a particularly nice touch, especially for guests needing rest after walking the Cinque Terre trails. 

Guests gather to socialize on the bed-and-breakfast's dining terrace, which faces the sea and village. Lorenzo and his father, Giovanni, prepare the breakfast, which includes traditional Italian fare and more -- focaccia bread, eggs, cappuccinos, fruit, and smoothies as a special treat. Beer and wine can be purchased during the afternoon happy hour -- the owners provide such appetizers like bread and fruit platters at no extra charge. Umbrellas and books can be borrowed in the hallway, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Keep in mind that the hotel only accepts cash as payment and is only open seasonally.