Dream Hotel: Hotel Splendido

portofino, italy

“A small village, Portofino, stretches crescent-shaped along the edge of this calm bay.” – Guy de Maupassant

When I woke up around 10am, I felt like the previous day had been a dream—the short train ride from Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure; the bus trip around winding, blind curves hovering on cliffs just above the sea on the way to Portofino; and finally, the arrival at the gorgeous Hotel Splendido.

But when I wandered out of the bedroom and into the living room, and clicked the button to raise the electric blinds, I realized it was all very real. I couldn’t help but stand in that exact position with a wide smile as I watched the view of Portofino’s yacht harbor come into view. I eagerly threw the glass door open and walked out onto one of the two terraces in the suite in which I was staying. For a few minutes I soaked up a bit of sun, breathed in the fresh air, and marveled at view of the tree-covered hillsides and sparkling blue waters dotted with boats.

hotel splendido portofino italy

hotel splendido portofino italy

hotel splendido portofino italy

Hotel Splendido is the place where dreams come true. I have stayed in my fair share of top-of-the-line accommodation, but this place—this place takes the cake. And it’s not just one thing that makes it so special; it’s every single attention to detail.

Once a monastery, Hotel Splendido is an Orient Express hotel offering almost 70 rooms with expansive views of the harbor of Portofino. It’s perched up on a hillside in a completely secluded and perfectly quiet and relaxing location above the city and away from the hordes of tourists arriving almost hourly on cruise boats.

hotel splendido living area hotel splendido bedroom hotel splendido bathroom hotel splendido bathroom

Beyond the gorgeous suite, complete with a hidden TV in the bedroom, spa-like bathroom, and generous living space, the hotel offers an incredible array of amenities: terrace dining with incredible views of Portofino; a saltwater infinity pool; nightly entertainment provided by the pianist, Vladi (who wears the sparkliest jacket I’ve ever witnessed); shuttles to the main town; a tennis court; and the ability to go out in their boat for exploration.

hotel splendido portofino italy hotel splendido portofino italy

The two days I spent in Hotel Splendido were some of the most extravagant and incredible I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. They treat each of their guests as though they were celebrities—champagne welcomes, personalized attention from the staff, and an eagerness to help out in any way possible. I was wined, dined, and showered with gifts, and by the end of my stay I really wished I could just move in. A girl can get used to nightly turndown service, dessert on the terrace overlooking the sea, and a daily stroll down to one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

I eagerly await my return to this little piece of heaven in Italy’s beautiful Liguria region. If you are looking to spoil yourself a little bit, Hotel Splendido is exactly the place to do just that.

My stay was courtesy of Hotel Splendido. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Author: Megan

Megan is an ordinary girl who outgrew her small town and decided to try the world on for size. She's on a mission to travel, photograph, and write about the world.

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