Hotel Porto Roca

“Great Cinque Terre Experience”

Porto Roca is probably the best place to stay in Cinque Terre. The setting is on top of a cliff at a location that is right on the trail to the other villages, and the view of Monterosso and the Mediterranean is perfect. We decided to visit during "shoulder season" so the weather would be cooler f… more

Porto Roca is probably the best place to stay in Cinque Terre. The setting is on top of a cliff at a location that is right on the trail to the other villages, and the view of Monterosso and the Mediterranean is perfect. We decided to visit during "shoulder season" so the weather would be cooler for hiking and the crowds wouldn't be so large. Both were true. We did have a couple days with occasional rain, but the sunny days were great to hike the entire trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso (we trained to Rio to start). The hike is more rigorous than you'd expect, but we did it at age 68! The staff at this hotel was great and helpful, and the restaurant was really good. The waiters were so helpful and congenial. At the desk, we got extra help from Giuliano, who spend an hour with us getting trail passes and train tix. We had a second floor ocean view room (about 500E per night), which was surprisingly basic with no closet (a rod to hang clothes above the side bureau), plastic cups and instant coffee. The worse was our last night when it got windy outside. We were situated below a third floor balcony and the patio furniture and other things blew around above us, making noise all night. Or, it could have been something else going on and we were afraid to ask! Luckily we were up all night so we could leave at 630am to take a train back to Firenze. Overall, this hotel is great if you're specific about room choice, and just what you would want for a visit to Cinque Terre.

less

“Grazie Albert e Porto Roca!”

I dined at Porto Roca on July 9. I happened to find the restaurant on Google Maps, but did not have a reservation. I had no problem getting a table for 1, and the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and cared for! I ordered the tasting menu, which was the most memorable meal from m… more

I dined at Porto Roca on July 9. I happened to find the restaurant on Google Maps, but did not have a reservation. I had no problem getting a table for 1, and the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and cared for! I ordered the tasting menu, which was the most memorable meal from my entire Italy trip. The incredible food, breathtaking view, and spectacular service made this one of the most wonderful meals I’ve ever had! In particular, my server Albert was amazing. He was so kind, attentive, and even helped me practice my Italian with him! He looked young but served like someone with decades of experience. Every course of my tasting menu was served perfectly. If you are lucky enough to come to Cinque Terre, do not leave without dining here. Thank you Albert and the rest of the Porto Roca staff for one of my favorite Italy memories ❤️

less

“Great location and really good facility”

We stayed here for three nights. I would say this is one of the best properties to stay in if you want the Cinque Terra experience. We were picked up at the train depot. The facility is well maintained. Too bad the weather was bad while we were there because our room had a big deck overlooking the … more

We stayed here for three nights. I would say this is one of the best properties to stay in if you want the Cinque Terra experience. We were picked up at the train depot. The facility is well maintained. Too bad the weather was bad while we were there because our room had a big deck overlooking the harbor and it would have been ideal for drinking wine with one of the pizzas. Also the pool was closed due to the high winds and bad weather. The rooms are pretty up to date and clean. The breakfast buffet was stocked with the typical continental items but they also would allow you to order some items. We didn't eat in the main dining area but it has a great view of the ocean below. The hotel provides a shuttle to the bottom of the hill and that was convenient. Staff was very helpful.

less

“You don't always get what you pay for.... and take your own teabags!”

There's no denying Porto Roca is a pleasant hotel in a great location, set peacefully just above the centre of Monterosso. However, the hotel needs to do a lot more to justify the prices it charges. We stayed in a top junior suite; it was clean and spacious but bland. The tea and coffee facilities… more

There's no denying Porto Roca is a pleasant hotel in a great location, set peacefully just above the centre of Monterosso. However, the hotel needs to do a lot more to justify the prices it charges. We stayed in a top junior suite; it was clean and spacious but bland. The tea and coffee facilities consisted of (I kid you not): 3 Earl Grey tea bags, 2 sachets of Nescafe, a couple of plastic thimbles of pretend milk and 2 cardboard cups. I passed a couple of maids outside our room and asked one of them, politely and in Italian, if they had any regular black tea bags. She just shrugged "non" and went straight back to talking to her friend. They do have them in the kitchen, she obviously just couldn't be bothered. Elsewhere in the room were plastic cups covered in more plastic. I had to beg reception twice for real cups and glasses. We were paying 800 euros a night!! The terrace from the room was lovely: great views over Monterosso and the sea, but the loungers were horrible - really uncomfortable with no cushions. Breakfast was pretty good and staff, on the whole, friendly and helpful. I expect to pay a premium for somewhere like Monterosso, and to have a terrace with a sea view, but 800 euros was way too much for what we ere given. If you do stay, lower your expectations and take your own tea bags!

less