Rooms
A boutique hotel to its core, all the rooms at the Grand Hotel Portovenere are laid with parquet floors and are beautifully furnished with neutral tones and sumptuous bedding. The bathrooms are modern and equipped with either a bathtub or separate shower, depending on your preference. While some rooms overlook the courtyard to the back of the property, most rooms boast views over the medieval waterfront of Porto Venere or across the Gulf of Poets to Palmaria Island and beyond. Many of the rooms also offer a balcony or terrace (although these must be requested in advance). The junior suites on the second floor all have high vaulted ceilings and spacious terraces looking out over the water.
Location
Perched overlooking the waters of the Gulf of Poets and the haphazard medieval waterfront of Portovenere on Italy’s Ligurian Coast, the Grand Hotel Portovenere is an ideal base for exploring the area. Public ferries to the Cinque Terre depart from the dock just outside the hotel and the charming lanes of Portovenere are just steps away. The hotel also offers easy access via the ferry across the Gulf of Poets to nearby Lerici and the picturesque Palmaria Island, directly opposite.
Food and drink
The views from the dining room and terrace of the Grand Hotel Portovenere are particularly special. Guests can enjoy an extensive buffet breakfast each morning, either outside on the terrace or from the warmer confines of the panoramic restaurant. Renowned for its excellent menu, the restaurant attracts both hotel guests and other diners and is one of the best options in the town. However, for a change of scene, there are also plenty of charming alternatives available right on the doorstep.
Facilities and activities
While the hotel doesn’t have its own spa, it’s partnered with a small spa next door. It’s possible to book treatments here or arrange to use the gym and other facilities through the concierge. The hotel also offers a range of private boat tours around the Gulf of Poets and the Cinque Terre, which can also be booked through reception.