Hotel Margherita

The peach-and-strawberry exterior of the Hotel Margherita echoes the similarly hued main thoroughfare of Monterosso al Mare's old town. The balconies' curved ironwork recalls a time when handmade architectural details were commonplace. Stucco has been removed from the terrace archways to expose the intricate masonry underneath. Inside, the interior has a simple, contemporary color palette. The walls are beige and chocolate-hued with blue accent stripes. Sleek, white-leather chairs and sofas contrast the earth-tone walls. Verandas, some shared, others extending from a guest room, offer views of the roof and waterfront.

Since local laws limit the amount of car traffic in the old section of Monterosso al Mare, many tourists travel to the village by train. The walk from the train station to Hotel Margherita will take about 12 minutes. The hotel concierge can also reserve a taxi. For those traveling by air, the drive from Genoa or Pisa airport will take about an hour and a half. On the way, visitors will likely pass the church of St. John the Baptist, which has a basilica-style layout, and Ristorante Belvedere, known for its selection of wines and authentic pesto sauce. Most of the trek will also offer a beautiful view of the bay with its jade waters that inspire fans to call this section of Cinque Terra the "east Riviera." The popular bars and restaurants along Via Roma, where Margherita is located, do come with a price: Noise wanders from the street into the hotel.

In 2011, a torrential rainfall flooded Monterosso al Mare, turning many of its streets into rivers. The Hotel Margherita has been renovated since the devastating downpour, with rooms decorated in the earthy browns and sky-blue hues also found in lobby and other common areas. Like many European hotels, the mattresses are comfortable, but not particularly thick, and the bedspreads and plain furnishings can lack style. The size of rooms range from Single to Junior Suite and Superior, but there's quite a bit of variation. Those with a terrace view of the water stand out. The bathrooms can be a bit small, with some of the shower stalls just big enough to fit in, but most still squeeze in a bidet, and all have toiletries. Perks across all rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable, and a electronic safes. Many guests note the hotel is given a thorough scrubbing each day.

In addition to the cold meats, fruit, cereal, and juices included with the Hotel Margherita's free continental breakfast, menu items include homemade chocolate and olive oil cake. Gluten-free dishes are also available by request. But there's no full restaurant for other meals. The bar, however, offers a wide selection of Cinque Terra and Italian wines. Patio seating allows plenty of space to while away the day outdoors. For those who want to hike to Cinque Terra, the Margherita has easy access to the footpath Monterosso — Vernazza. The hotel concierge can also make taxi reservations for guests.