Elisabetta Carro

Named after the owner, Elisabetta Carro, the two-pearl Camere Elisabetta hotel has been family-owned since 1982, and Elisabetta’s husband and father often help guests schlep their luggage up the steep steps. This humble value hotel provides an intimate experience that suits budget-minded travelers looking for a quaint seaside guesthouse and beautiful views of Vernazza and the Ligurian Sea. The pink, two-floor building is adorned with exposed brick details plus green doors and shutters, fitting the picture many travelers have when arriving in the Cinque Terre. Potted plants are arranged out front, adding to the quaint appeal. A staircase in front of the hotel leads to the second-floor terrace and to the rooftop terrace, both of which overlook the sea and the colorfully painted buildings in this ancient fishing village. The hotel is a popular choice with couples, as there's an undeniable charm and romance to the seaside setting -- it frequently sells out far in advance.

This hotel is in the colorful cliffside village of Vernazza, one of five ancient fishing villages in the Cinque Terre. Within walking distance -- albeit with steep stairs -- is the train station and Vernazza Harbor, which has a small beach. It’s less than a five-minute walk to Castello Doria and Marconi Square, where many of the town's restaurants, shops, and bars are located. Cars aren’t allowed in the village, so guests driving must park outside the town. The owners typically send a YouTube video link to help guests get to the hotel, which can be tricky to find. The other villages of the Cinque Terre can be reached by train or by foot via a hike along the famous trails linking them. It’s five minutes by train to Monterosso al Mare or Corniglia. Manarola is about 25 minutes away by train. The closest airports to the Cinque Terre are in Genoa and Pisa, which can take around two hours to reach by either car or train.

This tiny guesthouse has a good dose of charm, and its rooms are no exception. The property's homey character comes through with details like exposed brick or stone that complement the cool gray-and-white color scheme with pops of blue, which keeps thing looking modern and fresh. Furniture is done in a gray, weathered wood veneer, and textiles range from homey quilt-pattern bedspreads to trendier polka dots. Of course, the simple style really has nothing on the beautiful sea views to be had from windows or balconies. 

Sizes range quite dramatically, and the Double Room that we visited was extremely compact and long, with very little space on either side of the bed, and room for only a desk at the other end. Standard features include electric kettles with free tea and coffee and free Wi-Fi, though it can be spotty. The two-level apartment has a bedroom and kitchenette -- with mini-fridge, stovetop, and coffeemaker -- on the ground floor and another bedroom on the second floor with a balcony and access to the terrace. Rooms don't have TVs, air-conditioning, or other perks that can be found in pricier hotels. Bathrooms are tight in all rooms, with small narrow walk-in showers, wall-mounted sinks, and hairdryers. Soap and towels are provided.

This hotel is small and doesn’t provide meals, but the owners often help guests secure dinner reservations and Cinque Terre tour brochures are available in rooms. The Camere Elisabetta offers 360-degree views of the Ligurian Sea and town from two terraces, including one on the rooftop. Guests commonly take their snacks and wine on the terraces, where there are tables, chairs, umbrellas, and lounge chairs. Wi-Fi is provided at no extra charge, but the service is spotty at times.