Widely considered the best (and most expensive) hotel Monterosso has to offer, the upscale 40-room Hotel Porto Roca has spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea and surrounding hillsides. Rooms are small and have dated furnishings, but those with seaside balconies are worth the extra cost. The saltwater infinity pool and private beach area are noteworthy features, as is the property’s central location for exploring the other towns of Cinque Terre.

Il Giardino Incantato Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful home with four gorgeous guest rooms and a storybook-perfect outdoor garden filled with lemon trees and hydrangeas. A free breakfast buffet of eggs, cheeses, and seasonal fruit is served in the mornings, while homemade limoncello given to guests in the evenings. All rooms have interior details like exposed stone arches or wood beams, and are furnished with antiques, such as gold chandeliers and ornate headboards. Ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and free minibars and fruit are standard.

The family-owned B&B Il Parco is an intimate bed-and-breakfast with lush garden grounds and sweeping sea views. The hilltop location away from the village and beach means there's space for a sun deck and swimming pool -- very rare features in crowded Cinque Terre. Plus, the hotel provides free shuttle service down to the beach, restaurants, and trains (alleviating guests from the 15-minute trek). The 12 rooms are contemporary and spacious, each has a private outdoor space and flat-screen TV. The hot buffet breakfast is included in room rates and the meal is served on a lovely terrace. Most guests are honeymooners (and the occasional family) who enjoy splitting their vacation time between relaxing at the hotel's pool and exploring the five villages.