I have to second Debbie's (Pittsburgh) recommendation of the Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso al Mare. It's a beautiful hotel but not inexpensive. I'd urge you to make reservations well in advance. We were travelling in early October and were told not to worry about reservations. We stayed two nights and got the last room which, unfortunately, faced a brick wall and had other strikes against it. I'd only stay if I could get a room facing the water, but I would stay there again.

Joli Wilson/David Ortez San Rafael, CA