This mid-range boutique has 25 charming guest rooms and a rooftop terrace with ocean views. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi (though it can be spotty), an elaborate free breakfast buffet with crepes, omelets, and pastries (which can be taken enjoyed on the terrace), and a free late afternoon snack of pasta and salad. Mountain bikes, kayaks, and snorkeling gear are available to use for free. 

Hotel Margherita is ideally situated on main street of Monterosso's old town near restaurants, bars, and shops -- and also within 800 feet of the beach. The 31 rooms aren't particularly stylish, but they have contemporary furniture, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. The continental breakfast is also free, and includes cold meats, fruit, cereal, and juices, as well as homemade chocolate and olive oil cake (gluten-free dishes are also available by request). The on-site bar specializes in local wine, and drinks can be enjoyed alfresco on the charming patio.

Located next to the town square, in the old town section of Monterosso al Mare, the two-and-a-half-pearl La Colonnina Hotel is close to plenty of historic scenery and excellent restaurants. The 21 rooms vary quite a bit, from a Standard Double Room with just the essential furniture to a Family Triple Room with a balcony and view. But all come with free Wi-Fi, marble bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. The rooftop terrace, which looks out onto the Ligurian sea, is a big plus, as is the continental breakfast. Travelers could also compare rates and amenities with the neighboring budget Hotel Souvenir, which is also pet-friendly.

The budget Hotel Monterosso Alto differs from traditional accommodations in the village: it has notably offbeat decor, and it's located about 15 minutes by car up the hill from the center of Monterosso al Mare's old town, thus allowing for sea and mountain views. While most of the furniture in the Hotel Monterosso Alto guest rooms is only slightly better what's found in a starter apartment, the hotel's clever use of paint makes the rooms cute and fun. Freebies include parking, a continental breakfast, and Wi-Fi (but only in the common areas).

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 Italian-style breakfast (including smoothies) 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. Travelers might want to compare rates with the stylish Hotel Margherita, which is closer to the beach.

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.

La Baia di Rio is a collection of five simple rooms in a well-maintained apartment block overlooking the Ligurian Sea and the picturesque village of Riomaggiore. Almost all the units have terraces with wonderful views of the harbor, sea, and village, and two provide use of a kitchen. Aside from flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and mini-fridges, though, there's little in the way of amenities -- but the owners are particularly attentive to guests' needs. Rates are appropriately low for this no-frills property, and rental income from the complex helps to finance the local vineyard, Val di Serra dei Benaci. Those who want more amenities and less in the way of self-catering might want to check out the nearby La Scogliera, although its rates are higher. Be aware when booking that La Baia de Rio's owner sometimes rents other rooms in part of her house, which is located elsewhere, under the same name.

Perched over the Ligurian Sea, the three-room Camere Elisabetta is a charming, family-run guesthouse with gorgeous views. This homey two-pearl property has two standard rooms and one bi-level apartment. 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. The Vernazza train station and the town square 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 no-nonsense Hotel 5 Terre in Monterosso is 10 minutes from the old town. Rooms are basic and dated, but clean, with flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms. There are balconies with partial sea views in some. A free breakfast is served here, and the hotel also has a lobby bar, game room, and outdoor courtyards. Next door is a private parking lot where guests can park for free -- a luxury in this town. 

Appartamenti e Camere Edi is more like a short-term apartment rental property than a proper hotel. 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.