Grand Hotel Portovenere, Ligurian Riviera, Italy

• • Central location in Portovenere
  • 800 metres to the beach
  • 10 metres to the boat departure point for Portofino

Portovenere is often described as the sixth village of the Cinque Terre and the Grand Hotel Portovenere is ideal if you want to be on the doorstep of Italy’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village itself is very picturesque and the hotel is right in the centre. It’s a short walk from the harbour so it’s easy to explore the area by boat. There’s regular departure to Portofino and the Cinque Terre. The island of Palmaria is close by too and we recommend visiting – it’s got some fantastic walking trails.

The hotel’s got a nice, laidback feel and a modern style. Think wooden floors in the rooms and bright colours in the public areas. We love the restaurant here, it’s terrace has incredible views over the sea and village and the food is lovely and fresh. Make sure you try the grilled fish! If you find yourself with a few spare hours, head to the spa and chill out in the sauna or Turkish bath. It's payable locally and the massages are a welcome treat if you’ve been busy tackling the walking trails around the Cinque Terre.

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours from Genoa airport or 1 hour from Pisa airport by private car.

• Access to the Sporting Beach Club where you can rent sun loungers for approx. €40 per room per day (normally open May to September)
• Portovenere wellness centre about 30 metres from the hotel with Turkish bath, sauna and relaxation room (all payable locally) (the spa is normally open on Tuesdays from 3pm - 8pm and from Wednesday - Sunday between 11am - 8pm)
• Fitness room (free of charge, approx. 30 metres from he hotel spa)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Garage (payable locally, approx. €20 per night)

• No. of rooms: 49

• No. of floors: 4

• Official rating: 5

Local Fees and Taxes

A tourist tax or approx. €2 per person (Aged 12+) per day, for a maximum of 7 nights, is payable locally.

Rooms

Classic Rooms sleep up to two people and have a queen size or twin beds and views of the inner courtyard. They're decorated in subtle pastel tones and have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibar, TV, shower, bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer. Cots are available on request free of charge.

Executive Sea View Rooms sleep up to two people and are fresh and bright. They each have a cosy sitting area and marble bathroom.

Deluxe Rooms are more spacious and have sea and marina views. Most of these rooms are located at the corners of the building. These rooms have a bath or shower and sleep two people.

Scriptorium Studios have a living area with a desk and sofa bed and a double bed room. These studios have sea views and sleep up to three people. They are available on request, please call to book.

Single Occupancy Classic Rooms and Executive Sea View Rooms are available on request, please call to book.

• Lift accessible: Yes
• Lift serves all floors: Yes
• Access ramp: Yes

Breakfast is continental with cheeses, meats, fresh bread and freshly squeezed juice. Some hot options are available on request. If you upgrade to half board you'll have a choice of three courses from the à la carte dinner menu in the restaurant. This can we swapped for lunch too if you'd like to try out any other local restaurants in the evening.

Palmeria Restaurant has a large veranda that overlooks Portovenere. It is the perfect pace to try fresh fish. Open 12.30pm - 3pm and 7.30pm - 10.30pm

Venus Bar is housed in the high vaulted ceilings of the former Franciscan Convent. It the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine. On warm evenings head out to the sea-view-terrace with a beautifully prepared cocktail. Open 11am - midnight

Tastings & Cooking Lessons are available on request, locally. They take place in the Sala Magolia and the Sala Moby Dick. You can enjoy private dinners, tastings or join a cooking course with the hotel's Executive Chef. You'll learn how to cook and prepare some of the most delicious Italian food like fresh pasta and pesto, you'll be taught how to fillet and marinate fresh fish and how to make the famous Tiramisù dessert. The best bit is you they get to enjoy your own culinary creations for lunch. These cooking lessons must be booked at least three days in advance by contacting the hotel or speaking to reception while you're there and are payable locally.

Board basis options available

• Bed & Breakfast
• Half Board

This property caters for the following special dietary requirements

• Gluten Free
• Vegans
• Vegetarians

The Palmeria Restaurant is part of the Italian Celiac Association (IAC), so they are attentive to the specific dietary needs of their customer and have gluten free menus. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise at the time of booking.