Belmond Hotel Splendido Portofino Review: Italian Riviera Glamour or Just a Name?
“Now, it’s big black cars and Riviera views”
Staying at a hotel where celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and George Clooney have vacationed sounds pretty dreamy, right? That’s exactly what you get at Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino.
Overlooking the colorful harbor of Portofino, this legendary hotel has long been considered one of the most iconic places to stay on the Italian Riviera. But the building itself has a much older story. Long before it became a luxury hotel, the property was a 16th-century monastery, quietly sitting on the hillside above the Ligurian coast. In the early 1900s, it was transformed into a hotel, and it didn’t take long for artists, writers, and Hollywood stars to discover it.
Since then, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, has become synonymous with Riviera glamour. Over the decades, it has welcomed some of the world’s most famous guests—from Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to more recent visitors like George Clooney. Standing on the terrace and looking out over the harbor myself, I could immediately see why this place is so legendary.
With its panoramic terraces, lush gardens, and sweeping views over Portofino’s harbor, it’s easy to understand why so many travelers consider it one of the most beautiful hotels in Italy.
Of course, a hotel with this much history and reputation comes with a pretty serious price tag. So the big question is: is staying at Belmond Hotel Splendido actually worth it?
Here we go! Let’s determine if staying here is worth it while we cover all aspects of the hotel, from the rooms to the location:
The Location
Located on a hillside above Portofino’s harbor, the hotel offers sweeping views of the Italian Riviera. Portofino itself is a small fishing village that has become one of the most famous destinations on the Ligurian coast, known for its pastel-colored houses, luxury yachts, and charming harbor lined with cafés and restaurants. Despite its global reputation, the village is actually quite compact, which makes it feel surprisingly intimate once you arrive.
Getting there is relatively straightforward. The nearest airport is Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo Airport, about an hour’s drive away. The hotel offers a shuttle service, but if you’re up for a scenic drive along the Ligurian coast, arriving by car is a great option.
When we arrived in Portofino, the police were stopping cars at the entrance to the village to let drivers know parking was full. However, once we mentioned we were staying at the hotel, they allowed us to continue. From there, the road climbs up toward Splendido, and while the drive is a bit narrow and steep, it’s also where the views really start to open up over the harbor.
That being said, to get those incredible views, you do have to work for them a little, as the final stretch into Portofino is definitely an adventure. The roads are narrow and winding, and once you start heading uphill toward the hotel, they become even tighter. In some sections, they’re essentially one-way mountain roads, so it helps to feel comfortable navigating small streets and steep inclines—especially if, like in our case, another car suddenly appears coming down the hill.
The Rooms
The rooms at Belmond Hotel Splendido are spacious and stocked with everything you might need for a comfortable stay. There’s even a Dyson hairdryer and complimentary toiletries, including sunscreen and after-sun, which is a nice touch. We originally booked a deluxe room with a sea view but got upgraded to a junior suite, which was amazing! The view from the balcony was stunning, and since the view is such a big part of the hotel's charm, I’d definitely recommend splurging on a room with a sea view.
My only drawback was that the mattress had a dent, and since I’m very sensitive when it comes to sleeping—my family even nicknamed me “Princess and the Pea” when I was younger—I found it a bit uncomfortable. I’m guessing most people wouldn’t have even noticed, but it did affect my sleep a bit. Since we were only staying one night, I didn’t bring it up, but I’m sure the staff, who were super friendly throughout our stay, would’ve sorted it out if I had.
The Restaurant
Dining at Belmond Hotel Splendido is definitely a highlight! The main restaurant, La Terrazza, serves delicious Mediterranean dishes and comes with the kind of views you’ve probably seen all over Instagram and Pinterest. The restaurant overlooks Portofino’s harbor, making it one of the most scenic dining spots in the area. It’s also where breakfast is served each morning, and starting the day here while looking out over the Ligurian coast is pretty hard to beat. Breakfast is à la carte rather than buffet-style, so you can order dishes like eggs, pastries, and other breakfast classics while enjoying the view.
Just a heads-up: even as a hotel guest, you’ll need a reservation for dinner, so make sure to contact the hotel ahead of time to secure your table.
Right next to La Terrazza, there’s a cozy bar area where a local pianist plays in the evening, creating a lovely atmosphere for a pre-dinner drink. If you're in the mood for something more casual, there’s another restaurant one floor down where you can enjoy dishes like pasta and pizza in a more relaxed setting.
During the day, the pool area is another great spot for food and drinks. You can order lunch classics like burgers and club sandwiches, or simply relax with a cocktail. And if you really want to embrace the vacation mood, you can even enjoy your drink while sitting in the pool itself—which is a pretty memorable way to take in those views.
The Amenities
When it comes to amenities, the star of the show at Belmond Hotel Splendido is definitely the pool. While it looks like your typical hotel pool, the water actually comes straight from the sea below and isn’t heated. It’s refreshing and with the warm Italian temperatures, it feels just right.
If you’re looking to burn off some energy, there are also tennis courts where you can have a fun match. Plus, there’s a gym if you want to keep up with your workouts. Want to explore Portofino? The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service into town.
And for a truly special treat, don’t miss the outdoor spa at the end of the gardens—imagine enjoying a massage while gazing at the bay of Portofino. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and soak in the views around you!
The Verdict
Overall, my stay at Belmond Hotel Splendido was wonderful. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The rooms were spacious and had everything we needed, plus the views were simply incredible. The food at the restaurants was delicious, but as I mentioned earlier, the main attraction is the pool—it's a fantastic spot to relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
The hotel is small, with only 70 rooms and suites, and is open only during the summer, so I can understand the price tag. While I do find it a bit steep, experiencing the Italian Riviera’s glamour, even just for a day, is something I’d recommend at least once in your life!
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, you can always reach out here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer any of your questions. Happy Travels!
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