The two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Stella della Marina was originally built over 450 years ago, and though very little of the original structure remains (apart from a stair railing), the historic hotel has one of the best locations in Monterosso al Mare. You'll find it in a quiet back alley, half a block from the village square and five minutes on foot from the train, beach, and hiking path to Vernazza. The 10 rooms and suites are spacious and contemporary, some of them have sea views. Public spaces are limited to the rooftop terrace where the free breakfast buffet and drinks are served, but most guests spend their time exploring the village. The most notable downside is the lack of an elevator.

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 in this family-run destination 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. 

Directly across the street from the beach and a two-minute walk to the Monterosso train station, Hotel La Spiaggia is in an excellent location for tourists visiting the area. The 19 guest rooms are bland, but some have gorgeous ocean views. A breakfast buffet with cold items (including fresh fruit from the owner's garden) is included in the hotel price, and Wi-Fi is available for a fee. For guests willing to stay farther from the beach, the mid-range Albergo Marina has a rooftop terrace with a lemon grove, a free light snack of pasta and salad in the afternoons, and free Wi-Fi.

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. 

Situated on the main street of Monterosso al Mare's old town, the mid-range Hotel Margherita is within a short walk of numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Renovated in 2011, the hotel's 31 rooms are decorated with contemporary, if unremarkable, furniture and have flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. The breakfast, included in the room rate, is well-reviewed, especially the homemade cakes, but there's no full restaurant for other meals. On the other hand, there is a bar that specializes in local wine, and drinks can be enjoyed alfresco on a charming patio. 

Located in the heart of Monterosso al Mare's old town, the 39-room, mid-range hotel Albergo Degli Amici is within a five-minute walk of the bay and a 11-minute stroll to the train station. A large portion of visitors arrive by rail, since car traffic is limited in Monterosso al Mare, the western-most Cinque Terre town. The rooms at Albergo Degli Amici are comfortable, minimal, and a little weathered, but they include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and some have amazing views from balconies. The view from the hotel's garden terrace includes lemon trees, sloping rooftops, and the waterfront. 

Albergo Marina is a mid-range, boutique hotel with 25 charming guest rooms and a rooftop terrace with ocean views. The hotel is a three-minute walk to the beach and offers an elaborate breakfast buffet that can be taken on a lemon grove terrace, and a free, delicious, light afternoon meal of pasta and salad. Guest rooms are charming but a bit on the small side. 

The clean, no-nonsense Hotel 5 Terre in Monterosso’s is an easy -- and hill-free -- walk to the beach, though it will take 10 minutes to reach the old town on foot. A free breakfast is served at this value property, 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. Rooms are basic and dated, but clean, with flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms. There are balconies with partial sea views in some, and multiple beds that draw families.