Albergo ca'd'Andrean

Because we arrived in the Cinque Terre a couple of days earlier than we had anticipated, we had to quickly and desperately call around to anywhere and everywhere, hoping to find a place to sleep for the night!

My friend and I chose the Albergo ca'd'Andrean, (Andrean House) in Manarola, from a Rick Steves' guidebook; it was probably the 5th place we called, everyone else was booked. I'm just thankful we weren't there a few weeks later, during the high tourist season, or else I have no doubt we'd have slept in the train station.

Once we got off the train in Manarola, we took the main (well, the only) road up the hill. The 45 degree hill. With all our luggage. Across cobblestones. It was rough work, but we finally arrived at the hotel. We both speak Italian, so after a quick chit-chat and check-in with the guy behind the desk (Simone, the son), we were led upstairs to our room by the porter guy (apparently the father). His English was poor-to-nonexistent, so he appreciated the opportunity to show us around in his native language. The room was bright and clean, an en-suite with two double beds and a television. The review in the travel book mentioned a "garden oasis" with lemon trees, and our window looked right out upon it. It was very charming.

In terms of service, location, cleanliness, this hotel gets 5 stars. Of course, we were desperate and would have paid just about anything, but at about 75 euro, the hotel wasn't even that expensive, considering I've paid about the same (or more) for a single room. This had 2 beds, a bathroom, a tv and a view.

DO skip the hotel breakfast and get something down the road, or in one of the other towns. At 6 euros, all you get is melba toast, bread, and coffee; we spent 3 euro for breakfast elsewhere in the area and had a full spread with yogurt, fruit, etc.

All in all I'd recommend Albergo ca'd'Andrean; the staff was great, and the location was charming and quiet.