Originally Posted by
tom tulpe
Cinque Terre is small and very popular - few hotels, and they don't need to make too much of an effort to be booked out at high prices. Have a look at this recent trip report:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35183465-post44.html
You could stay in La Spezia and take the train in. At least the NH Hotel (short trolleybus ride from the station, or 20 mins or so walk) should be bookable on Chase rewards, and while La Spezia isn't the most picturesque of places, it's also not the worst place to stay.
The good with 5Terre in February - it won't be crowded. The bad - lots (restaurants, hotels...) will be closed.
La Spezia (just south of Cinqueterre) and Chiavari (just north) fly a little under the radar.
La Spezia very quick and easy train to 5 Terre. Historically a big Italian naval base so there is a Naval Museum. Sitting on the Bay of Poets there is a rich literary history (Byron, Shelley, DH Lawrence...). Porto Venere is nearby and has similar DNA as 5Terre and a church at the end of a point next to the sea.
If you get to Chiavari, try the farinata - a chickpea flatbread that is a Ligurian specialty and the Chiavari version is quite good.