Hotel Splendido

Wow, we returned from this hotel a week ago and it is still in my dreams. While expensive; the service is impecable, the veiws are incredible, and I can't wait to wake up there at some point in the future. The Splendido has two properties. The main hotel is located on a cliff and the second property has a prime location in the small town. The main hotel is the better option due to the amenities and the level of service. However, the smaller hotel in town has more reasonable rates and the shuttle service between the properties was very good. The rates generally include breakfast plus lunch or dinner at either property. We used the dinner credits for our three night stay and enjoyed two meals at the main hotel and one meal at the second property in town for a change of scenery. I recommend dining at the main hotel due to the quality of service. Initially, I was worried about the quality of the restaurants; however, we found them to be extremely good. It was nice being able to order whatever we wanted without cosideration for the prices. The only charge was for wine. Portofino is a small town. The shopping is good, but limited. There is maybe a dozen restaurants plus a couple coffee shops and gelaterias. There are a number of extraordinary walks from Portifono. We really enjoyed the short walk to Brown Castle and we plan to take a longer walk to San Fruttouso on our next visit.

Splendido? I can only hope to go to Heaven and be as happy there as I am whenever I'm at Splendido! I've been fortunate to see many places so far in my lifetime but each year I'm lucky enough to return I stand on my terrace each night still marveling at the view and the lights on Monte Portofino. It never bores me. The staff is delightful. As I've heard some say and I would agree "Antonio, their Head Barman of 41 years, is Splendido's 6th star. Vladi, the pianist in their bar each evening connects with the guests. He plays music you can dance to and offers those who wish to sing an opportunity to join him. We've enjoyed many memorable evenings in Vladi's company over the years. Luca, the dining room manager is the definition of charming! What do we do at Splendido? We feel "at home." We play tennis, we enjoy the pool, we venture down to town to enjoy the beauty of the most beautiful small harbor I've ever seen. We eat, we drink, we relax and look forward to dinner, the view and an evening of enjoying Vladi at the piano. Yes, I would agree that the air-conditioning can be inadequate during a heat wave. I've been there during such and I have suffered from it. As for the hotel boat? We rented it once some years ago when the dollar was strong to see the Cinque Terre. It was worth it then as a "Special Occasion Moment" but I'd be unlikely to rent it again now given the current cost. As for the rooms? Yes, for the price you could find something more luxurious but you won't find Antonio, Vladi, Luca or the peace along with the views at any of those places! I've tried and this explains why we return to Splendido as much as we do. One last point. As for the beds? I NEVER sleep better than I do at Splendido. We all have our favorite beds but the beds there work for me! (That and the shutters that keep out the morning light.)

Splendido what can I say? impeccable grounds, great staff, wonderful food nice touch with splendido mare - be sure to tell clients to have dinner or lunch there did not think the boat hire was worth it (unlike pellicano) for those clients up for it, the cinque terre was nice but the walk between portofino and san fruttouso even nicer (can be done from the hotel) only negative I can think of - a nearby villa being worked on, so some construction noise during the day. Small fitness rooms

At the Splendido--flawless service, views that take your breath away and total attention by the exceptional staff to every detail June 2011

Just returned, absolutely loved the hotel. Staff was welcoming and gracious, room had a nice private terrace with sea views, food was absolutely wonderful. The purchase of the Splendido Mare in town provides guests with a nice (and more casual) dining alternative. Loved the piano music in both settings. Portofino itself has to be one of the more romantic places on earth. Along with Hotel Le Sirenuse in Positano my favorite destination in this beautiful country. By the way, there is a small fitness center on the property - I don't believe that is shown on the website. You need one when you spend time in Italy.

Splendido is high over picturesque Portofino with a stunning view. The grounds are lush and well maintained, with beautiful gardens. You can take a foot path to Portofino or the hotel offers a shuttle. The staff, for the most part, was very nice if a bit condescending. Our room was on the small side, with a small terrace. The closet (which included the minibar and drawers) was miniscule! We did have a lovely view. The public rooms seemed a little tired. Food was great, but no prices on anything but the wine list. This is a great hotel for resting and enjoying the view. They do provide a daily list of "activities", including spa treatments, boat rentals, and side trips they are happy to book. Other than the pool and tennis, there is nothing else to do on site. All in all, overrated.

The Hotel Splendido is on one of the great hotel sites in the world perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean just up the hill from Portofino.  Our room is large, no missing anything and a great balcony. The staff of the hotel is delightful.  The dining experience on the terrace of the restaurant was stunning.  Our biggest mistake was not booking more days in this hotel.  Only drawback is that the room can be a tad noisy since we are close to an open stairwell which a lot of people use and they talk a lot but that quiets down a night and you could ask to be a little way away from that stair.  One more thing about the room which is very freshly done.  It has a wood floor and an area rug which is a nice change from the carpet we all encounter in many hotels.  Last note is that we drove from Lake Como to Portofino.  Great fun and part of the trip is a beautiful curvy road through steep hills but plenty safe.  Rented a little BMW with manual and had a lot of fun.