Grand Hotel Miramare

Portofino is magical enough, but it’s not the only destination on the Italian Riviera. Just next door is Santa Margherita Ligure, which, as classic seaside towns go, is scarcely less picturesque. And it’s got hotels to rival some of the best in Portofino; most notable among them, standing over the waterfront, is the Grand Hotel Miramare, a gorgeous old wedding cake of a palace in an elegant Art Nouveau style — or Liberty, really, this side of the French border, if we’re going to be pedantic about it.

That seaside location means most of the rooms look out over the bay; those that don’t look up the slope at a wooded area behind, which isn’t so bad either. The style remains more or less unchanged, which makes the Miramare something of a throwback — you’ll like it, if it’s the sort of thing you like.

Its offerings are typical for an old-school grand hotel: a fine restaurant, a pool with a view, a small wellness center. The beach club across the road is not managed by the Miramare, but space permitting they’ll be happy to book you a complimentary spot on a same-day basis. And access to Portofino is, of course, a matter of a few minutes’ drive (or an hour’s walk if you’re determined), and you’re well placed to experience the best of the Cinque Terre, a diner’s and drinker’s paradise on Earth.

Please note:
Grand Hotel Miramare operates seasonally and is closed from November 1 through March 31.

How to get there:
Grand Hotel Miramare is approximately 1 km (.5 miles) from Santa Margherita Ligure train station, 42 km (26 miles) from Genova Cristoforo Colombo International Airport and 140 km (86 miles) from Pisa International Airport.