Best Bed-and-Breakfasts in Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre

The long waiting list at the Il Giardino Incantato is evidence of how popular this place is with guests. The in-demand bed-and-breakfast has four gorgeous guest rooms with such details as exposed stone arches or wood beams, gold chandeliers, and ornate headboards. The hotel is a five-minute walk to the beach and offers a breakfast buffet that can be eaten in a beautiful garden with lemon trees and colorful flowers. The hotel is not suitable for young children. 

Manuel's Guest House sits atop the village of Monterosso al Mare, a vantage providing exceptional views of the town and sea. The five air-conditioned rooms at this value property are bright and contemporary, and include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, memory-foam mattresses, and free Wi-Fi -- some have balconies or terraces that face the sea. A full breakfast is included in the room rate, as is happy hour on the terrace. The hotel's views require some work to reach, though, as the guest house -- which is open from April to October -- is at the top 130 stairs. Also, be aware that rooms can only be paid for in cash. 

B&B Il Parco is a lovely upper-middle-range bed-and-breakfast perched on a hill overlooking the village and sea of Monterosso al Mare in Cinque Terre. The out of the way location provides a respite from the crowds and extra space for unusual extras like a swimming pool and gardens, but it's a 15-minute trek downhill to the beach, restaurants, and trains. The hotel provides a free shuttle service to help alleviate the walk. The 12 rooms are contemporary and spacious, each has a private outdoor space and flat-screen TV. The hot buffet breakfast is included in room rates and the meal is served on a lovely terrace. 

The four mid-range rooms at La Serra sul Mare offer an intimate retreat in Italy’s legendary Cinque Terre National Park with sweeping Mediterranean views. Relaxing on the private or communal terraces throughout the hotel watching the Mediterranean Sea in peace is the main feature here, though breakfasts are huge, homemade, and outstanding. Rooms are each named after a type of flower or plant and have a bright, antique Provencal charm as well as modern amenities like air-conditioning and contemporary en-suite bathrooms.