Belmond Hotel Splendido
Portofino
OVERVIEW
Portofino’s olive trees and canary palms, wisteria and lavender were once the backdrop for movie stars like Bogart and Bacall, sailing into the harbour over the indigo waters of the Mediterranean. Peering down over it all, as it has done for centuries, is Belmond Hotel Splendido, surely one of the most romantic hotels in the world. The Belle Époque beauty is a former 16th century Benedictine monastery and the hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1902. Before then it was a private residence and the character of the property is reflected in the lovely interiors.
Splendido is a mix of all the great things that elevate a good hotel to a brilliant one: an unrivalled location, exemplary service, minute attention to detail and sensational cuisine including fish landed from the bay below. Oozing elegance and style, the Belmond-run hotel is accessed by a red-carpeted entrance where smiling bellboys will graciously relieve you of any additions you might want taken to your room. And oh, the rooms! Each of the 67 individually designed rooms and suites are grand and traditionally outfitted. Rooms are decorated in soothing pastel tones, while suites are accented with dashes of blue and pink – reflecting the sea and the tumbling flowers in the gardens.
The concierge is experienced in arranging tours of the region, from tasting walks through the countryside above the hotel to kayaking along the Riviera and immersive tours of the Cinque Terre and Genoa, both nearby.
SUMMARY
Rooms: 67
Location: Portofino, Italy
Nearest Airport: Genoa Airport
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board
6 Reasons to visit Belmond Hotel Splendido
- The hotel has some serious history: it first opened its doors in 1902
- Previous guests have included Winston Churchill, Clark Gable, Ava Gardner and Marlon Brando
- Views of Portofino’s charming harbour and the Ligurian Sea are sensational
- There’s a free shuttle bus into town so you can avoid the strenuous climb if you wish
- The small army of bell boys literally roll out the red carpet for your entrance
- The staff are unfailingly helpful and nothing is too much trouble – we loved the service
You can’t escape the romance of this hotel. Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor here, so if you’re looking to pop a very important question we can work with the hotel to create the most magical experience possible – a ‘yes’ is guaranteed.
Explore Our Other Portofino Hotels
Where to stay
Many of the rooms and suites at Belmond Splendido are decorated in soft pastel hues to complement the wonderful Mediterranean vistas. Offering a little more space, the Junior Suites have incredible views of the bay. The most luxurious of all, the recently refurbished Suites, offer at least two terraces on which to enjoy the Italian Riviera views. For those looking for complete privacy then the Dolce Vita Suite is perfect, it even has its own private garden.
You can’t escape the romance of this hotel. Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor here, so if you’re looking to pop a very important question we can work with the hotel to create the most magical experience possible – a ‘yes’ is guaranteed.
What to do
Dive into the underwater world of the Portofino Marine Area, there’s even an underwater photography programme for capturing the colourful sea life. Why not take a cycle tour through Portofino’s colourful streets and harbour? Further afield lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre where five exceptionally picturesque villages are connected by a coastal path, definitely worth a visit but don’t forget your camera.
You can’t escape the romance of this hotel. Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor here, so if you’re looking to pop a very important question we can work with the hotel to create the most magical experience possible – a ‘yes’ is guaranteed.
What and Where to Eat
Guests of Belmond Hotel Splendido have access to the restaurants at the hotel, as well as Splendido Mare in the town. The dining at both hotels aims to showcase the exceptional wines and cuisine of the area, with regional specialities and, of course, fantastic seafood.
You can’t escape the romance of this hotel. Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor here, so if you’re looking to pop a very important question we can work with the hotel to create the most magical experience possible – a ‘yes’ is guaranteed.
When to travel
The Italian Riviera is a hubbub of activity from June until early September, when superyachts bob in the harbour and the bays become a magnet for both chic Italians and travellers alike. Late September sees the amount of visitors dwindle to a trickle, while the last of the honeysuckle scents the streets; peace at last.
WEATHER: Portofino is a little suntrap on Italy’s west coast Riviera, with mild winters and hot summers. Visit from May to early October for the best weather.
| Month | Temp(C) |
Sun(hrs) |
Rain(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan |
9 | 2 | 80 |
Feb |
9 | 2 | 70 |
Mar |
12 | 2 | 100 |
Apr |
14 | 6 | 110 |
May |
17 | 7 | 80 |
Jun |
21 | 5 | 60 |
Jul |
24 | 7 | 30 |
Aug |
25 | 7 | 70 |
Sep |
22 | 5 | 80 |
Oct |
18 | 3 | 160 |
Nov |
13 | 1 | 70 |
Dec |
10 | 1 | 90 |