The external and lobby of the hotel seem okay, bright, airy and had a jovial atmosphere about it. The front desk ladies were very friendly and helpful and the location of the hotel serves as an excellent base to explore Cinque Terre. Wait till you squeeze yourself into the four-person lift and squeak and rattle your way to the second floor, the stale air, the worn carpet, the wobbly doors, the rusted shower doors and vinegar-y smell towels had all the hallmarks of year 1952 but none the charm. Paid 80 euros a night here and one night was enough.

If you're looking to walk the Cinque Terre we'd happily recommend that you stay in La Spezia at the Hotel Astoria. The staff are friendly and the rooms are comfortable- which is just as well if you intend on nailing all 5 villages in one go. The hotel is only an 8 min walk from the train station, which can take you out of town or to the start of the Cinque Terre. Better still the hotel is about 2 mins walk from a variety of Piazza's where good food and wine can be found. Throw in the fact that the breakfasts are great and i can't speak highly enough of this place given its value for money.

Positive:

-location (near center and central rail station)
-very clean and quite rooms
-good breakfast (good coffee)

Negotive:

-no WiFi connection at all

I was unexpectedly in La Spezia and needed a hotel for the night. Found this in my Rick Steves guidebook and it was reasonable priced and about 2 blocks from the train station.
We checked in after midnight and the staff was still very friendly. Got a room for two people with a private bathroom. Room had cool tile floors and a balcony with a great view. Although the room was rather plain it was clean with comfy beds. Breakfast was included but we slept though it and they even let us have a late check out.