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 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.
Villa Riviera Resort is a luxurious and new resort located on the hill above Lavagna, offering a fantastic panoramic sea view. Guests rave about the beautiful surroundings and the stunning view, describing it as a dream location with an unforgettable view. The resort offers a great culinary experience with unique and delicious local food, although some guests found the prices at the pool restaurant to be a bit high. The rooms are consistently praised for their amazing views and super comfortable beds with guests describing them as superb. The top-notch staff are described as very friendly, helpful and willing to go above and beyond to assist guests with anything they need. The outdoor infinity pool, spa and restaurant are also highly praised. Overall, guests agree that Villa Riviera Resort is a top vacation spot on the Ligurian coast, offering exceptional quality, service and luxury.
Le Ville Relais offers an enchanting escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, perched high above La Spezia. Guests are captivated by its stunning location overlooking the Gulf of Poets, creating a serene atmosphere nestled among olive groves. This charming hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring the region, including attractions like Cinque Terre and Portovenere, though traveling by car is recommended due to its slightly remote access.
The accommodations at Le Ville Relais are lauded for their comfort and cleanliness, featuring spacious rooms with breathtaking views from private terraces. While room decor might seem dated to some, the well-appointed amenities and attention to detail make for a relaxing stay. The peaceful environment extends to the beautiful infinity pool, a central highlight that offers panoramic vistas of the sea and mountains, enhancing the overall ambiance of relaxation.
Dining at Le Ville Relais is a standout experience. The hotel's restaurant receives continual praise for its exquisite, top-quality Italian cuisine, complemented by attentive and friendly service. The breakfast, served with a view, is noted for its delightful variety and quality ingredients, catering to diverse dietary needs and setting a perfect start to the day.
Guests consistently commend the warmth and professionalism of the staff, whose exceptional service enhances the overall experience. This genuine hospitality is reflected in personalized attention and a welcoming demeanor, notably enhancing the feeling of being well-cared-for.
While some areas such as Wi-Fi connectivity and bed comfort have room for improvement, these minor concerns are overshadowed by the hotel's overall charm and allure. Le Ville Relais, with its boutique feel and romantic setting, provides a charming and memorable retreat, ideal for couples and travelers seeking a serene experience amidst spectacular views. Whether indulging in the culinary delights, relaxing by the pool, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, guests leave with cherished memories of their stay.
Agriturismo "I Castellari" offers an idyllic retreat set amidst a serene olive grove, boasting breathtaking views of the Ligurian coast. This enchanting location provides a perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility, with its proximity to Loano and Pietra allowing guests to enjoy both the peaceful countryside and urban conveniences. Accommodations feature triple exposure, providing stunning sea vistas from various angles, and are complemented by a fantastic, beautifully illuminated pool that enhances the ambiance even further.
Guests are welcomed into well-maintained and spacious apartments that ensure comfort and convenience. These accommodations are equipped for preparing simple meals and include air conditioning, private gardens, or fenced areas for outdoor dining, all maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. Although there was a minor mention of pet hair on a sofa bed, the overall cleanliness is impeccable, with bright and orderly spaces that contribute to a pleasurable stay.
The staff at Agriturismo "I Castellari" are consistently praised for their warmth and attentiveness. Hosts Ricardo and Andrea are especially noted for their professionalism and genuine hospitality, making guests feel right at home. Events such as pizza nights add a memorable touch to the experience, bolstered by the staff's accommodating and friendly nature.
The pool, set in lush surroundings, is a highlight for many visitors. It offers a relaxing escape with its clean and inviting waters, enhanced by charming evening lighting and an infinity design that provides stunning panoramic views of the area. Although some find the pool small for the property's size, it remains an intimate spot for unwinding.
Agriturismo "I Castellari" also earns high marks for the comfort of its beds, with guests frequently noting their super comfort, which contributes significantly to a restful night’s sleep. Combined with the picturesque setting and the genuine hospitality of the owners, guests often express their desire to return, drawn by the beauty, calmness, and charm of this Italian countryside oasis.