Best Value Hotels in the Italian Riviera

The 58-room Metropole, which is within a five-minute walk of the town, is small for a resort hotel, but that's what gives it its intimate atmosphere. Rooms are basic and simply decorated, and those in the annex have views of the sea. The hotel has a private seaside area with lounge chairs and a children's play section, a small pool surrounded by beautiful gardens, a fitness center, and a spa. Its two restaurants specialize in seafood cooked in the local Ligurian style. Note that the property closes in November and December. 

The Best Western Tigullio Royal is an upper-middle-range property on the promenade in Rapallo with magnificent views of the sea. Set in an unpretentious Italian Riviera town that drew literary luminaries, the hotel is a two-minute walk from the beach and ferries to other charming towns along the coast. The hotel offers a small bar in the lobby and a traditional spa. There's no restaurant but breakfast (for a fee) is served in a crisp, modern space in the lobby or on a terrace with beautiful views of the Gulf of Tigullio, and guests rave about the spread. The contemporary 34 guest rooms, some with sea views, are decorated in a soft blue. For a hotel with a more historic feel, travelers may prefer the Hotel Europa, set in a historic castle that dates back to the 1600s. 

With 33 apartments, the Residence dei Due Porti is a mid-range property centrally located between the old harbor and the new marina. Functional, bright apartments are equipped with full kitchens, air-conditioning, and balconies; some have seafront views. But the decor is basic and a bit dated. This property has some nice features, including an on-site children's playground, a rooftop sun terrace, and parking (though there's a small parking fee). The location is ideal for exploring the town on foot, with bars, restaurants, historic sights, and the stunning beach all within a few minutes of the property, but there's no restaurant or bar on-site. 

A seasonal hotel with its back on the sands of the Italian Riviera's scenic Ligurian coast, Hotel Arabesque's prime location is ideal for travelers who want an exotically styled, contemporary property with direct beach access. It’s also a convenient base for exploring the rest of the Riviera. Fusing Moorish and European design elements, the 13-room Hotel Arabesque has beautiful interior spaces with a restaurant and bar. Those wanting a more traditionally styled area hotel may be better suited at the Hotel Miramaredown the road. However, the Arabesque's pedestrian-only, center-square location is a quiet, relaxing option for families.

Two small rustic buildings -- surrounded by picturesque gardens -- have been converted into the four guest rooms of the Ca du Ferra Farm & Relax. Its location is a five minutes' walk from the center and seafront of Bonassola village, and also provides easy access to Cinque Terre -- especially via the nearby train station. There's little to do on-site, though bicycle loan allows guest to explore the scenic surrounds and barbecues provide alfresco dining opportunities. All in all, it's an inexpensive and relaxing place to stay in what is already a pretty sleepy stretch of Italian coast.

The 29-room Ora Resort Liguria Hotel del Golfo is a small hotel dating back to 1915 located a five-minute drive from the center of town. The primary draw is its location along the water and every room has direct views of the beautiful sea; some have balconies. The simple rooms are all decorated with the same blue bedspreads and white wood furniture, creating a modern yet plain design. There is a pretty, private beach and an outdoor pool with a sunbathing terrace, but a car is a requirement for guests that want to explore the town and surrounding areas. The nearby Hotel Medusa is a good option that's located in the town center and has quick beach access.

Perched over the Mediterranean, the three-room Camere Elisabetta is a charming, family-run guesthouse with gorgeous views of the Ligurian Sea. This homey two-pearl property has two standard rooms and one bi-level apartment with a kitchen that also overlooks the sea. The look is simultaneously homey, rustic, and modern -- and the surf crashing right underneath the windows is a delight -- but perks such as TVs or air-conditioning are absent. Vernazza train station and the town square all take less than five minutes to reach on foot, but don't expect meal service or much in the way of features. La Mala, also in Vernazza, has more impeccably stylish rooms, though rates will reflect that fact.

The 19-room Residence Glicini is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood of Finale Ligure. Amenities are basic, but this is a good value pick. Most room types offer kitchens; all have small balconies with herb gardens. Decor is minimal and furniture inexpensive, but after a renovation in 2008, appliances are fresh and of good quality. Although there's no dining or entertainment on-site, this is a well-maintained, family-run property a short walk away from the beach and surrounding commercial area.

The 21-room Hotel La Camogliese is a budget property in the quiet fishing village of Camogli. Charming and simple blue-and-white air-conditioned rooms include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi, while some have balconies with wonderful sea views. A good breakfast featuring local produce and specialties is included in the room rate, and small pets are allowed for a daily fee. While there's no on-site parking at La Camogliese -- the hotel is on a pedestrian-only street -- the owner can arrange for spaces at a nearby garage. Travelers might want to also check out the more upscale Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi, although rates will be higher.

Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, this Liberty-style house on the Gulf of Varazze is popular with Italian tourists and has an interesting history, having served as a command center for the Germans during World War II. The property is conveniently close to the water and secluded enough from the main road that noise is not a problem. With tasty food in the restaurant and amenities that include free bike rentals and a large rooftop solarium, this hotel provides the right touches for a simple seaside getaway, especially for families. Some travelers may be put off by the lack of air-conditioning and small bathrooms. A one-week minimum stay is generally required from March through September.

Off the main road in the old town section of Monterosso al Mare, the budget Hotel Souvenir is in a quiet part of the village yet still close to the beach and main tourist attractions. The 24 guest rooms aren't particularly spacious or luxurious, but they have cheerful decor, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. And the hotel has a charming garden and a hearty free breakfast that includes omelets made to order. By comparison, the nearby three-pearl Hotel Margherita has bigger guest rooms but also comes with a slightly higher price tag.

Appartamenti e Camere Edi is more like a short-term apartment rental property than a proper hotel. Edi, the property's owner, rents a variety of two-pearl fisherman style apartments overlooking the Mediterranean and fishing port of Riomaggiore. Accommodations with terraces and direct views are heartbreakingly romantic, but the worn furniture, steep steps, and lack of Wi-Fi are deal breakers for some. Still, kitchens are a nice feature and the village is within walking distance.