Hotel Porto Roca is the splurge choice in the Cinque Terre. It sits on Via Corone at the edge of Monterosso, the largest of the five villages and the only one with a long sandy beach, and it describes itself as near the national park, with sea views as its signature. The hotel is rated four stars on its own website and offers a range of rooms from retro-style doubles to terraced suites and a garden suite. The star feature is a heated infinity pool of seawater overlooking the Mediterranean, with a Jacuzzi beside it. For a trip built around views, a long breakfast on a terrace and a sunset drink, it is the most romantic base in the area, and the setting suits couples especially well.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on Via Corone in Monterosso, a little way from the main beach and the old town lanes, so expect a short walk each time you head to the station or a restaurant. Monterosso is the western end of the line, which makes it convenient for trains south toward the other villages and for boat services in the warm months. The hotel does not describe parking on its site, so if you arrive by car ask at reservation how it is handled.
The rooms
The property lists Retro Rooms, Sea View Standard Rooms, Sea View Rooms with Balcony, Sea View Rooms with Terrace, a Lateral Sea View Room, Junior Suites, Top Junior Suites, Suites and a Garden Suite. A sea view is the main reason to pay more, and a terrace room is the best way to enjoy it. Ask for a room facing the water if the view matters to you, and confirm bed type and floor when you reserve.
Who it suits
Couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants a base with resort touches. Families can use it, though the pool has published rules and the setting suits older children more than toddlers. The pool is open from 9 in the morning to 8 in the evening, the Caligo Pool Bar serves a light menu of salads, pizza, sandwiches and desserts from lunch to the evening, and the bar is open daily from late morning to midnight.
Good to know
Buffet breakfast is included for direct bookings, according to the hotel, and a best-rate guarantee is advertised. Some Cinque Terre hotels close for part of winter, and the hotel's site does not state its dates, so confirm that the hotel and its pool are open on your dates and ask about the pool's heating in cooler months.
Why stay here
- ✓Heated seawater infinity pool
- ✓Jacuzzi beside the pool
- ✓Sea view rooms and terraces
- ✓Poolside bar with light menu
- ✓Panoramic bar open daily
- ✓Buffet breakfast
- ✓Suites and garden suite
- ✓Hotel webcam and reservations by phone
Good questions
Is there a pool at Hotel Porto Roca?+
Yes, a heated seawater infinity pool overlooking the sea, with a Jacuzzi beside it. The hotel lists it as open from 9 in the morning to 8 in the evening, so confirm that it operates on your November dates.
Is breakfast included?+
The hotel says a buffet breakfast is included for direct bookings. Check the terms of your rate when you reserve.
How far is it from the beach and station?+
It is on Via Corone at the edge of Monterosso, so expect a short walk to the beach, the old town and the station. Ask the hotel for the best route with luggage.
