The hotel faces the bay of Rapallo at the popular Portofino coast. It is the only luxury hotel on this part of the Italian Riviera and offers luxuriously designed suites, an in-house spa, bars, restaurants, a beach club and event venues to host your meeting, wedding or party. The hotel also has a summer restaurant, the Eden Roc Lounge & Restaurant open at lunch and for dinner.
Summary of reviews
Overall, Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast provides an excellent five-star experience with exceptional service from friendly staff. Despite the hotel showing some age, it is very well managed and offers superb facilities and services for a comfortable and memorable vacation. The rooms are simply perfect, although the double beds may not be the most comfortable. Guests leave with an unforgettable and positive impression of this luxurious hotel.
Hotel Punta San Martino enjoys high praise for its extraordinary location that offers breathtaking panoramic sea views and convenient access to the beach, local dining, shops and the town of Arenzano. The hotel's elevated hilltop position is particularly favored for its tranquil and scenic setting.
The breakfast experience is generally well-received with guests appreciating the variety, freshness and abundance of the offerings, all enhanced by a delightful ambiance and sea views. However, issues such as disturbance from birds and organizational concerns have been noted. Dinner at the hotel's restaurant receives mixed reviews. Many guests commend the quality of the food, service and exceptional views, though some mention high prices and occasional slow or indifferent service.
Rooms are praised for their spaciousness, cleanliness and stunning sea views. The large balconies or terraces are a highlight, despite some criticisms regarding outdated decor and occasional lack of amenities in the bathrooms. The hotel's cleanliness is upheld by good housekeeping, although some areas, like the pool and outdoor steps, need better maintenance.
Staff are largely viewed as friendly and professional, particularly at reception, though there are occasional mentions of cold or unmotivated behavior, affecting the breakfast and restaurant service.
The free WiFi service presents challenges with slow speeds, limited availability and usage caps, impacting the overall convenience for guests. The pool area, marked by its size and scenic views, is appreciated, despite some operational and cleanliness issues.
For beach lovers, Hotel Punta San Martino offers direct access to a clean, picturesque beach with convenient elevator and funicular services. However, high costs for sunbeds, reservation issues and rocky terrain detract from the experience.
Parking at the hotel is a mixed experience with limited free spaces, high fees and confusing layouts. Early arrival is crucial to securing a convenient spot.
Families find the hotel accommodating with spacious rooms and helpful staff, though noise and a lack of adequate amenities for children can be a concern. The comfort of the beds is consistently praised, providing guests with a cozy and restful sleep experience.
Overall, Hotel Punta San Martino stands out for its stunning location, spacious rooms and friendly staff, making it a noteworthy option for those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat. However, attention to service improvements and better maintenance could significantly enhance the guest experience.
Hotel Helvetia in Sestri Levante offers an outstanding experience, consistently earning high praise from guests across several categories. The hotel’s location is one of its most celebrated features; guests are enamored with its scenic setting in the heart of Sestri Levante, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Silence from both rooms and communal areas such as the rooftop terrace and pool.
Breakfast at Hotel Helvetia is another highlight with guests repeatedly praising the excellent quality, variety and freshness of the offerings. Served on a terrace with stunning views, the breakfast experience is enhanced by personal waiters who fulfill requests with a high level of service. Mornings here are said to be a memorable part of the stay.
The dining experience extends to dinner, where the hotel’s restaurant offers an impressive array of dishes both à la carte and on the terrace. Despite a few mentions of the meals being slightly salty and the cost being on the higher side, the cuisine is generally acclaimed as delicious with positive feedback about the chef’s engaging demeanor.
Accommodations at Hotel Helvetia are lauded for their modern amenities, spaciousness and impeccable cleanliness. Rooms are cleaned several times a day, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing stay. While a few rooms are noted to be on the smaller side and some bathrooms a bit narrow, the overall comfort and luxury provided make up for these minor drawbacks.
Cleanliness is another strong suit of the hotel, evident in every corner from the rooms to the private beach area. The pristine environment adds to the pleasant and relaxing atmosphere enjoyed by guests.
The staff at Hotel Helvetia play a crucial role in shaping the exceptional guest experience. Described as kind, friendly and highly attentive, the team consistently goes above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcome and well-cared for. Notably, the service from the front desk and rooftop bar staff is frequently highlighted for its excellence.
The hotel’s private beach, though sometimes described as narrow and occasionally crowded, still receives favorable reviews for its mix of sandy and rocky sections and the excellent beach service. The combination of nearby beach bars, parks and restaurants adds to the convenience, making the beach a favored spot for relaxation with stunning bay views.
Overall, Hotel Helvetia stands out as a premier destination on the Ligurian coast, thanks to its superb location, excellent dining, high-standard accommodations, unparalleled cleanliness, dedicated staff and beautiful beach setting. This combination of features ensures a memorable and delightful stay for all visitors.
Park Hotel Argento is a highly regarded accommodation, particularly for visitors eager to explore the Cinque Terre region and Levanto. Guests appreciate the hotel's exceptional location, which offers easy access to local attractions via a short walk or the hotel's reliable shuttle service. Nestled on a scenic hillside, the hotel provides breathtaking views and a tranquil setting, making it an appealing base for exploring the area.
The dining experiences at the hotel are frequently praised, with the breakfast buffet being a standout feature. Guests are consistently impressed by the variety and quality of the offerings, including fresh local products and dietary-friendly options. The attentive staff further enhance the breakfast experience with their cheerful service. Dinner at the hotel's restaurant is also well-received, noted for its delicious, reasonably priced meals and scenic terrace views.
Accommodations at Park Hotel Argento receive high marks for cleanliness, spaciousness, and comfort. Guests admire the tastefully furnished rooms, many of which feature terraces or balconies with stunning views. The hotel maintains impeccable standards of cleanliness throughout its facilities, contributing to a modern and inviting atmosphere.
The staff at Park Hotel Argento are often commended for their exceptional service and friendliness, which significantly enhances the guest experience. Many reviews highlight the warm, accommodating nature of the team, as well as their readiness to assist with any needs or requests.
The hotel's facilities, including a heated saltwater pool and a well-appointed spa, provide guests with ample opportunities to relax and unwind. The pool area, in particular, is celebrated for its scenic views and serene ambiance. Additionally, the hotel offers excellent parking facilities and a convenient charging station for electric vehicles, further enriching the visitor experience.
Families find Park Hotel Argento particularly accommodating, with spacious rooms and family-friendly amenities. The hotel's prime location and convenient shuttle services make it an ideal base for families exploring the Cinque Terre. Overall, Park Hotel Argento is highly recommended for travelers seeking a comfortable and welcoming stay, with exceptional service and amenities that often exceed expectations for a four-star hotel.
Sesta Terra Natural Resort is a remarkable destination that harmonizes nature and luxury in a tranquil setting, featuring breathtaking views of the Gulf of Framura and the Ligurian Sea. The resort offers an unparalleled glamping experience, with beautifully integrated safari tents and lodges, providing an ideal escape for sea view enthusiasts seeking peace and privacy. Its remote mountain locale benefits from convenient transport links, including shuttle services that offer easy access to nearby attractions such as Cinque Terre, making the resort a well-situated retreat complemented by warm and attentive staff.
Guests consistently praise the quality and variety of breakfast offerings, enjoying meals enriched by stunning views and a touch of authenticity through local products. The dining experience further impresses with refined international cuisine served in a setting that pairs perfectly with the beautiful sea views. Although some aspects such as price performance and dining consistency receive minor critiques, the overall satisfaction among diners is evident, particularly emphasizing the memorable experience of meals enjoyed with a view.
The accommodations, whether in glamping tents or cozy bungalows, offer a blend of comfort and nature, characterized by spacious and well-furnished interiors that enhance the serene environment. Guests relish the incredible sea views and comfort provided by high-quality bedding, ensuring a restful night amid the natural beauty surrounding them. Though some maintenance issues are noted, the overall thoughtfully designed rooms and attentive service outweigh these concerns.
Cleanliness at the resort receives commendations for its well-maintained cottages and environment, contributing to a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. The friendly staff plays a crucial role, consistently enhancing the experience through their politeness, efficiency, and dedication, creating a warm and hospitable environment that guests appreciate.
The resort's spa and infinity pool offer exclusive relaxation and stunning views, contributing to guests' overall sense of well-being, despite occasional accessibility and maintenance concerns. For dog-loving travelers, the resort stands out as exceptionally welcoming, providing amenities that ensure both owners and pets enjoy their stay in a serene and inclusive setting.
While the resort's luxury and elegant accommodations cater primarily to adults and older children, families may encounter challenges due to the mountainous terrain and design. Nevertheless, Sesta Terra Natural Resort presents a unique blend of opulence and nature, promising a memorable escape amid beautiful coastal views and a charming forest setting.
LHP Hotel Santa Margherita Palace & SPA in Santa Margherita Ligure offers an inviting experience with its modern elegance and superb location. Centrally situated, guests enjoy easy access to the beach, ferry and train stations and the vibrant city center filled with shops, restaurants and attractions. The hotel's design is both elegant and contemporary, complemented by clean, well-equipped rooms and exceptional service. Despite its central location, the hotel maintains a quiet ambiance, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring.
Guests generally commend the breakfast for its variety and quality, offering an ample selection of fruit, pastries, nuts and savory items, alongside gluten-free and healthy options. The breakfast service, extended until 11 AM, is highlighted for its friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere, particularly when dining in the courtyard. However, some guests noted areas for improvement such as limited choices and high costs.
The rooms are consistently praised for their spaciousness, cleanliness and modern aesthetics. Guests appreciate the comfortable large beds, functional design and amenities like private terraces and Jacuzzis. Though some mention small bathrooms and occasional annex access, these are minor concerns compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback on room quality.
Cleanliness is a standout feature with immaculate rooms and well-maintained facilities contributing to a fresh, inviting atmosphere. The hotel's exceptional cleaning staff receive frequent praise for their efforts.
The staff are highly praised for their professionalism, friendliness and helpfulness, significantly enhancing guests’ experiences. Individuals like Feliciano and Mateo are often mentioned for their attentiveness and ability to make stays memorable.
While the wifi service received mixed reviews with some guests experiencing connectivity issues, the hotel’s spa is widely celebrated. The spa’s facilities, including a heated pool, sauna, Turkish bath, ice cave and relaxation area, as well as superb massages, offer a tranquil and rejuvenating experience.
The convenience of parking services is appreciated, despite the high cost, given the central location where parking can be challenging. Guests value the ease and security provided by the hotel’s parking assistance service.
Guest feedback on the beds is generally positive, noting comfort and cleanliness. Some found the mattresses and pillows too firm, but this did not overshadow the overall positive bedding experience.
Despite positioning itself as a 5-star hotel, many guests feel the LHP Hotel Santa Margherita Palace & SPA falls short of true 5-star standards, suggesting it aligns more with a high 3-star or mid-range 4-star experience. While the hotel’s ambiance and luxurious elements are appreciated, the overall consensus indicates the need for improvements to match the premium billing.
In summary, LHP Hotel Santa Margherita Palace & SPA is celebrated for its central location, clean and modern rooms, excellent staff and inviting spa. While breakfast and wifi require some improvement and the 5-star rating is debated, the hotel still offers a memorable and comfortable stay mingled with elements of luxury.
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino is a luxurious hotel that offers breathtaking views of Portofino from every corner. The location is considered the best in Portofino and the hotel's shuttle service makes it easy to get to the port. The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer excellent views of the sea with spacious junior suites and classic rooms available. The staff is highly praised for their efficient, friendly and professional service with specific mentions given to Vladimir, Daniele and Luca. The pool is a standout feature with guests using words like "fabulous" and "wonderful" to describe it. Overall, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino is an exceptional and fabulous hotel that offers an unforgettable experience.