Best Luxury Hotels in Liguria

Those seeking more of an escape can stay a little further from the city, in this historic boutique property between Cinque Terre and the Ligurian Gulf of Poets. Back in the 17th century, the Grand Hotel Portovenere served as the Convent of San Francesco. Many of its original features have been preserved, with a creative, informal and elegant refurbishment bringing it into modern times. Looking out onto the marina and Porto Venere, the Grand Hotel’s Palmaria Restaurant has a stunning verandah for a sun-soaked lunch or candlelit dinner with top-notch service.

The chance to spend the night in a former 16th century monastery is sure to appeal to anyone who has an interest in history. The Belmond Hotel Splendido has managed to maintain much of its original structure while also making room for luxurious touches such as a tennis court, sauna and large swimming pool. Guests can follow in the steps of the former monks by taking a stroll through the large and lovely gardens, while stunning views are waiting to be enjoyed at the Terrazza restaurant. The spacious sea facing suites are simply sumptuous and feature wraparound terraces.

NH Collection Genova Marina provides deluxe accommodation in the heart of Genoa. There are 140 guestrooms made up of comfortable, contemporary rooms and suites which offer beautiful views, optional balconies and adjoining rooms. There is a spacious dining terrace where guests can dine alfresco overlooking the busy harbour. The hotel’s ideal location makes exploring a breeze while the hotel offers a high-tech gym for guests to get active from the comfort of the hotel. There is plenty of space available on-site for hosting any kind of event thanks to the state-of-the-art business equipment and wedding and event planning staff. There are dining options available at all times of the day thanks to 24-hour room service and the child-friendly selection ensures there is something for everyone. The on-site restaurant, Il Gozzo, is sure to impress with its array of modern and traditional Italian specialties.

Named Best Luxury Destination Hotel by the World Luxury Awards in 2022, this Grande Dame is set in a turn-of-the-20th-century building with views of the Gulf of Tigullio. 80 bedrooms and suites have features such as picture windows, wrought-iron balconies and jacuzzi baths. The Erre Spa offers multisensory wellness paths, with treatments using Esthederm and 5 monde products. And guests can experience Ligurian cuisine in the romantic Le Cupole Restaurant on the rooftop and at La Veranda Bistrot, while drinks are served at the Vie della Seta Bar and at the poolside bar.

Dating back to 1897, this is one of the oldest hotels in the land. And during its century and a quarter of business, the Grand Hotel Savoia has welcomed an illustrious list of guests. Each room is individually styled, with Belle Époque features and art representing the city’s connection to overseas adventure. Its pretty seventh-floor terrace provides views across Genoa’s rooftops – a charming spot to breakfast. Evening meals can be taken here, or in the interior dining room of Ristorante Salgari, with its frescoed walls and dark wood furnishings. And there’s the enveloping Spa La Spiaggia Segreta for a little self-care time.

This was a palace back in the early 16th century. Now it’s a palatial boutique hotel with 25 bedrooms that are fit for royalty. Just five minutes walk from the waterside, it has a suitably grand exterior, which gives way to minimal North-Italian designer interiors that are skillfully blended to accentuate original features (think beams, terracotta tiles and frescoes). There’s no restaurant as such, but a memorable breakfast is taken on the rooftop terrace. And with so many Genoan culinary hotspots on the doorstep, you’ll want to try as many as you can manage during your time here.

Providing guests with stunning views of the bay of Portofino, this refined hotel is set on the lush hills set above the fishing village. There are just sixteen rooms and suites for guests to choose from, which gives the hotel a very exclusive and intimate feel. Guests should make sure that they secure one of the rooms that look out over the village, which come complete with pretty wrought-iron balconies and spacious en suite bathrooms. The hotel really excels when it comes to its amenities and people who want the chance to get fit while having fun are treated to large tennis courts to make use of as well as a pretty outdoor swimming pool. Those who simply want to unwind in style will love the sauna and luxurious spa.

Hotel Bristol Palace Genoa is located in the very heart of the beautiful port city of Genoa and allows for easy exploration of the stunning and historical surroundings. The hotel is conveniently surrounded by incredible sights including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Via Garibaldi. The hotel has recently been renovated and incorporated modernity and functionality into its charming design. There are 133 rooms and suites to choose from and are completely pet-friendly. Each room is decadently decorated with a traditional design in spacious and brightly lit spaces. The hotel also boasts 10 reception rooms and 8 meeting spaces which are perfect for hosting any event. The on-site Giotto restaurant makes for the perfect venue for special occasions and banquets and includes a seasonal terrace option from June to September. The restaurant itself serves exquisite delicacies throughout the day and is open to guests and the public alike.

Set between Portofino Harbour and the mountains just two hundred metres from the heart of the village, Eight Hotel Portofino features elegant and very comfortable rooms for style lovers to choose from. Each of these rooms boasts beautiful wooden floors and has been decorated in warm and inviting colours. A special shuttle service is provided to the nearby Baia Di Paraggi beach, while guests can also splash around in the onsite swimming pool. This pretty pool comes complete with a sun deck that is set with hammocks and sun loungers, while there is also a Turkish bath and sauna to make use of. Food lovers will want to make sure they sample the Chef’s menu, which includes a whole host of gourmet treats that highlight the best of authentic Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood.

The Excelsior Palace Hotel Apollo is the exclusive 5-star getaway on Portofino Coast and is located 2km from Santa Margherita Ligure. The hotel offers spectacular views of the Bay of Rapallo and the Coast of Portofino. The guestrooms are luxurious and elegantly designed with a choice of spacious rooms and suites including the exquisite Presidential Suite – this accommodation option includes an expansive terrace with a deluxe jacuzzi. Fine dining is on offer at the Restaurant Lord Byron and Restaurant Eden Roc where guests can opt to dine alfresco and enjoy the Mediterranean air. The Yachting Bar is open all year round while the seasonal Sporting Bar also offers ambience and a mixture of tasty tipples. Guests can enjoy the relaxing Beauty & Wellness Club including a range of treatments. Excelsior Palace Hotel Apollo is also the perfect venue for hosting any event from an intimate business event to a grand wedding celebration.

A boutique stay in a residential area, Meliá Genoa places guests within a short stroll of attractions, yet offers lots of onsite amenities. Its Blue Lounge & Restaurant is a hit with visitors and locals alike, cooking up regional specialities – don’t miss its stone-baked pizza and Genoan focaccia. The lounge area frequently hosts events, plus there’s an excellent range of aperitifs and finger food for those wanting a lighter bite. Meliá’s wellness centre boasts an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, Turkish bath, rain shower and a 24-hour gym, and there’s a relaxation/reading room. Bedrooms have minibars, seating areas and soundproofing.