ITALY

Portofino: Splendido Gulf and Golf

Where to stay

In 1952, the Duke of Windsor was the first person to sign, next to that of Wallis, his wife, the visitors' book at the Hotel Splendido in Portofino. They were the first in a long list of illustrious visitors from the most famous and noble families in Europe and the cream of the international jet-set.

The former monastery has changed. Revived by Baron Baratta, than transformed in 1901 in the Grand Hotel Splendid, it was rebuilt on an east-west axis, following the contour of the hill, so that as well as having views of the sea from all its principal windows, it also had the sun all day.

In 1985 Orient-Express Hotels bought the Hotel and started a pluriennal project of renovation. All rooms have since been completely redecorated and refurbished. The Indoor Restaurant and the Piano Bar have been re-positioned and decorated in a ligurian-mediterranean design that complements the style of the Hotel. Both border the terrace and enjoy an immediate link with the outside and a beautiful view over the entire bay of Portofino. Five new Deluxe rooms have been added in the Garden Wing and a gymnasium has been created below the pool, near the beauty salon.

Today the Hotel Splendido still has a patrician air but it is quietly democratic. The principal reception rooms are furnished with old looking glasses, gilt console tables and Persian rug, the dining room serves food based on local, even peasant, tradition - fresh fish, home made pasta and lots of local aromatic herbs.
The gardens run down the slopes beneath the hotel to the sea, bushes of lavender and wild herbs grow thickly under old olive trees and tangles of bougainvillaea obscure the paths and overhang secluded garden benches.

The Hotel Splendido continues to offer its guests the highest standards of international hotel-keeping in a relaxed, comfortable and informal atmosphere.

Splendido Mare is located on the village water-front in the pre-existent buildings inhabited by the indigenous people of the Ligurians, before Roman times, when Portofino was already a fishing village. And it has been the only hostel in Portofino in the first years of 1900.

In 1997 Orient Express Hotels acquired and renovated it, creating larger, sunny and well appointed double rooms, junior suites and suites with balconies or terraces overlooking the Piazzetta and the waterfront. The view is best enjoyed from the large "Terrazza" on the absolute top of the hotel with cold drinks at sunset.

But the best place is the "Chuflay Bar" right on the Piazzetta, where breakfast, brunch, dinner and in between drinks and high tea can be taken. stretching the day until the early hours of the morning, observing the strolling crowds and spotting, may be, a famous face.
The Chuflay Bar restaurant specializes on regional Italian dishes, mainly fresh sea-food, with herbs and olive oil (like the famous pesto).
The Splendido Mare is there with its comforts and elegant tranquillity

                                                                                       

Hotel in a former monastery, with sea view

Italian and regional cuisine

inside or outside restaurant

elegant and cosy suites
and waterfront view at the Splendido Mare

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