5 Beautiful Italian Riviera Accommodations Inspired by Hotel Portofino

A favorite of the international jet set since the early 1900s, the Rapallo-based five-star antique-filled hotel is synonymous with charm and history. Like with most of the hotels in the Italian Riviera, a spectacular view is customary, as guests can enjoy vistas of both the Gulf of Rapallo and Gulf of Portofino. It offers a beach club, spa, and outdoor infinity pool with proximity to restaurants and shops (a five-minute walk to be exact). Cinque Terre, a popular tourist spot, is a train ride away. And those interested in culture can enjoy a visit to Castello Brown, a 16th-century castle and former military fortress turned museum.

Grand Hotel Miramare

An Art Noveau jewel, the Grand Hotel Miramare stays true to its 1903 roots with its white façade, trompe l’oeil frescoes, and private Mediterranean gardens. The aesthetic is the feel of a private residence with a romantic nod to the past. Situated between Rapallo and Portofino, in Santa Margherita Ligure, the hotel features the classic Italian restaurant, Ristorante Les Bougainvillée. Guests can also enjoy a glamorous lunch on the terrace at Le Colonne, and cocktails at the Barracuda piano bar are a must.

Hotel Splendido Mare

Portofino’s second offering in the Belmond hotel family, the luxury Splendido Mare is an excellent choice for those who prefer a smaller spot. Once a respite for fishermen at Portofino’s Piazzetta Square, Mare is now a haven for the international jet set. The charming 16-room guesthouse features newly redesigned ultrastylish rooms (with handcrafted artwork and Loro Piana fabrics) inspired by the sights of the Ligurian landscape. The hotel’s roots in Hollywood run deep, and lore has it that Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor on the wisteria-filled balcony. Clark Gable, Rita Hayworth, and Greta Garbo are just a few of the luminaries who found respite during the ’50s in this timeless gem. Mare’s beautiful harbor views, rooftop garden, and vibrant social scene where notables mingle at the terrace bar and restaurant also contribute to its popularity.

Hotel Portofino is currently streaming on the PBS MASTERPIECE Prime Video Channel.