The Best Luxury Hotels in Portofino, Italy

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EUROPE

7/9/20256 min read

Portofino

Portofino is where pastel-colored houses hug the harbor, emerald waters lap against bobbing yachts, and cypress-lined hillsides glow under golden Ligurian light. With so many elegant hotels and cliffside retreats, choosing the perfect stay can feel overwhelming. Whether you dream of aperitivo on a terrace overlooking the marina, a dip in a sea-view infinity pool, or a sunset stroll through cobbled piazzas, this guide has you covered. From iconic seaside grand hotels to hidden boutique gems, these stays will help you experience the timeless beauty of the Italian Riviera. Let the scent of lemon blossoms and the sound of lapping waves guide you to your next unforgettable escape.

Here are the top 10 luxury hotels in Portofino that will make your Ligurian adventure truly magical. Let’s find your perfect Italian Riviera stay! 🇮🇹✨

1. Excelsior Palace Hotel

📍 Location: Rapallo, 15 minutes from Portofino
💰 Price: ~$500–$1,000/night
⭐️ Rating: 9.2/10
🔗 Book here with Flexible Cancellation

Excelsior Palace Hotel is a five-star seafront landmark in Rapallo, offering panoramic views over the Bay of Portofino and the Gulf of Tigullio. Rooms and suites feature classic Italian decor, marble bathrooms, and balconies with sea or marina views, perfect for morning coffees overlooking the Ligurian coast. The hotel boasts a private beach club with floating sun decks, two infinity pools facing the sea, and a luxurious spa offering treatments with local oils and sea salt. Enjoy fine dining at Lord Byron Restaurant or sip cocktails at the Yachting Bar as the sun sets over the bay. Its location makes it easy to explore Portofino, Santa Margherita, and the Cinque Terre while returning each evening to timeless Riviera elegance.

2. Eight Hotel Portofino

📍 Location: Portofino Village, near Piazzetta
💰 Price: ~$750–$1,000/night
⭐️ Rating: 9.5/10
🔗 Book here with Flexible Cancellation

Eight Hotel Portofino offers intimate, contemporary luxury in the heart of the village, just steps from the iconic piazzetta. Rooms feature minimalist chic design, oak floors, and lush garden or village views. You can enjoy breakfast in the peaceful outdoor garden, relax in the outdoor jacuzzi, or book a yacht experience to explore the hidden bays of the Ligurian coast. The hotel’s wellness offerings include massages and a Turkish bath, perfect after a day exploring the boutiques and harborfront cafes. Its tranquil yet central location lets you wander back from dinner in the piazzetta under starlit skies, ready to sink into crisp linens and the calm of your stylish retreat.

3. Belmond Splendido Mare

📍 Location: Portofino Piazzetta
💰 Price: ~$1,000–$2,200/night
⭐️ Rating: 9.6/10
🔗 Book here with Flexible Cancellation

Belmond Splendido Mare sits directly on the charming piazzetta, offering the best location for those wanting to live the vibrant Portofino lifestyle. Rooms and suites feature nautical-chic decor, balconies overlooking the harbor, and marble bathrooms. The on-site DaV Mare restaurant offers Ligurian cuisine with a contemporary twist, while you can sip sunset cocktails as yachts drift into the bay. Guests enjoy access to the facilities at Belmond Hotel Splendido, including the pool and spa, ensuring the perfect blend of village energy and relaxed luxury. Wake up to the soft sound of boat masts clinking below and step directly into Portofino’s colorful world each morning.

4. Hotel Piccolo Portofino

📍 Location: Seafront, short walk to the Piazzetta
💰 Price: ~$700–$1300/night
⭐️ Rating: 9.2/10
🔗 Book here with Flexible Cancellation

Hotel Piccolo Portofino offers modern elegance in a historic villa with direct sea access, just a scenic walk from Portofino’s center. Rooms feature contemporary decor with sea or garden views, and some suites offer private terraces. A private rocky beach invites morning swims in the crystal-clear Ligurian waters, while breakfast on the terrace offers panoramic views of the coastline. The vibrant village is just minutes away, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds—quiet mornings by the sea and lively evenings in Portofino’s restaurants and bars. This hotel is a wonderful choice for travelers who want comfort and simplicity wrapped in Italian seaside beauty.

5. Grand Hotel Miramare

📍 Location: Santa Margherita Ligure, 10 min from Portofino
💰 Price: ~$600–$1,200/night
⭐️ Rating: 9.4/10
🔗 Book here with Flexible Cancellation

Grand Hotel Miramare in nearby Santa Margherita Ligure offers Belle Époque grandeur with sea-view terraces and lush gardens. Rooms feature elegant, classic decor with high ceilings and balconies overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. You can relax by the saltwater pool surrounded by palm trees, enjoy spa treatments with a view of the sea, or dine on Ligurian specialties at Vistamare restaurant. A short scenic drive or boat ride brings you to Portofino, making this an ideal choice for those who want spacious elegance with easy access to the village. The live music evenings in the gardens and the warm, attentive service add an extra layer of charm to your stay.

6. Imperiale Palace Hotel

📍 Location: Santa Margherita Ligure, near Portofino
💰 Price: ~$550–$1,000/night
⭐️ Rating: 9.3/10
🔗 Book here with Flexible Cancellation

Imperiale Palace Hotel combines old-world elegance with sea views and private beach access on the Ligurian coast. Rooms feature classic Italian decor with marble bathrooms and sea or garden views. The hotel offers a private beach club, a saltwater pool overlooking the bay, and refined dining on a panoramic terrace. Spa facilities include treatments with local olive oil and herbs, ideal after a day exploring Portofino and the Riviera’s scenic trails. Its grand halls, chandeliers, and lush gardens bring a sense of classic Italian romance to your stay, perfect for honeymooners or anyone craving timeless luxury.

7. Eight Hotel Paraggi

📍 Location: Paraggi Bay, between Santa Margherita and Portofino
💰 Price: ~$800–$1,400/night
⭐️ Rating: 9.5/10
🔗 Book here with Flexible Cancellation

Eight Hotel Paraggi offers exclusive beachfront luxury on the stunning Paraggi Bay, just minutes from Portofino. Rooms and suites feature modern design with soft tones and terraces overlooking the turquoise bay. The hotel’s private beach club with sunbeds on the sand is a rare luxury on the Ligurian coast, while the restaurant offers fresh seafood and Ligurian specialties by the sea. You can paddleboard on the bay, explore nearby coastal trails, or take a short boat ride to Portofino for aperitivo in the piazzetta. Every morning here begins with the gentle sound of waves, setting the pace for slow, sun-kissed days by the water.

8. Hotel Continental

📍 Location: Santa Margherita Ligure, beachfront
💰 Price: ~$400–$800/night
⭐️ Rating: 9.1/10
🔗 Book here with Flexible Cancellation

Hotel Continental offers a relaxed, family-owned luxury stay with a private beach and gardens overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. Rooms feature classic decor with balconies, some with sea views perfect for sunrise coffees. You can enjoy Ligurian cuisine at the seaside restaurant, relax in the wellness center, or swim in the crystal-clear waters off the hotel’s beach platforms. The hotel’s lush gardens and peaceful setting make it easy to unwind after a day exploring Portofino or hiking the nearby coastal trails. This is an ideal choice for travelers seeking an approachable, welcoming slice of Ligurian seaside life.

9. Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi

📍 Location: Camogli, near Portofino
💰 Price: ~$350–$750/night
⭐️ Rating: 9.1/10
🔗 Book here with Flexible Cancellation

Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi is a stunning beachfront luxury hotel in Camogli, offering direct sea access and panoramic views of the Ligurian coast. Rooms are decorated in classic Mediterranean style with bright, airy spaces, many with balconies overlooking the turquoise waters or the charming village. You can unwind by the cliffside saltwater pool, enjoy sunbeds on the private beach, or dine on fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant while the sun sets over the sea. The terraced gardens filled with bougainvillea and lemon trees create a peaceful retreat, while Camogli’s colorful harbor and quaint shops are just steps away. Just a short drive or ferry ride from Portofino, it’s perfect if you want a serene yet elegant base for exploring the Italian Riviera.

10. Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort

📍 Location: Rapallo, 15 minutes from Portofino
💰 Price: ~$400–$900/night
⭐️ Rating: 9.0/10
🔗 Book here with Flexible Cancellation

Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort is a five-star luxury hotel overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio, offering sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea and Portofino Peninsula. Rooms and suites feature elegant Italian decor with marble bathrooms, some with sea-view balconies perfect for morning coffee or sunset prosecco. You can enjoy a beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, a modern spa with a wellness circuit and treatments using local ingredients, and fine dining at the rooftop restaurant Le Cupole with panoramic sea views. The hotel is a short, scenic drive or boat ride to Portofino, making it an excellent base for exploring the Riviera while enjoying spacious, resort-style luxury. Its warm service, sea breeze terraces, and spa sanctuary make it a perfect blend of relaxation and Italian elegance.

Time to Book Your Dream Stay

Portofino is filled with postcard-perfect views, but these top 10 luxury hotels offer the best service, style, and unforgettable Riviera experiences. Whether you want a cliffside infinity pool, a beachfront suite, or an elegant villa tucked away among olive groves, these stays will make your Ligurian trip as magical as its sunsets. Let yourself wander through lemon-scented streets, savor handmade pasta by the sea, and sip a crisp Vermentino while watching yachts drift in the bay.

✨ Remember, these book out quickly—reserve early to secure your dream Italian Riviera escape.

🇮🇹 Ready to discover Portofino in style? Book your luxury stay now and let your Riviera adventure begin!