Hotel Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast, Ligurian Riviera, Italy

• • 500 metres to the centre of Rapallo
  • 1 kilometre to the train station

Hotel Excelsior Palace couldn’t get much closer to the sea. It’s right on the edge of Rapallo with amazing views over the marina and Bay of Portofino. The best views are from the infinity pools in the beach club, which is normally open from mid June to September. There’s two pools to choose from; one saltwater and one freshwater. You can also chill out on the cabanas, relax in the whirlpool or eat lunch at the Eden Roc Restaurant. It’s a five-star experience spending the day here. For a real ‘La Dolce Vita’ moment, jump on one of the boats from the beach club’s private jetty and sail down the Italian Riviera. You can organise and pay for this locally at the hotel.

The main hotel building dates back to 1901 and there’s lots of historic touches like antiques and paintings on the walls. The rooms have an old-world glamour about them with parquet floors and large windows, or sea view balconies if you upgrade to an Exclusive Room. The Lord Byron Restaurant is in the main building and you eat seasonal, local dishes – we love dining al fresco here during the summer. If you fancy something different, head into town where there are lots of local restaurants and bars to try. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the centre of Rapallo (bear in mind there's a steep hill and steps to get there) so you can easily explore the town and drink in the views from the beachfront promenade. There’s lots to see and there’s a train station in the town so you can get further afield too.

Transfer time: approx. 45 mins from Genoa airport or 1 hour 30 mins from Pisa airport by private car.

• Beach Club with two outdoor infinity pools, access to the sea and lounge serving drinks and snack (open during summer)
• Beach towels can be provided (one per person).
• Spa with a heated indoor swimming pool, treatment rooms and gym (the use of the spa, its facilities and treatments are payable locally)
• E-bikes can be hired from the hotel subject to availability (payable locally approx. €18 per bike for a maximum of five hours)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free Parking (subject to availability)
• Garage payable locally (approx. €16 per night)

• No. of rooms: 119

• No. of buildings: 2
• No. of floors: 7

• Official rating: 5

Rooms

Superior Rooms are about 22m² and have partial sea views from the window. They are elegantly decorated in light tones with some offering a partial view of the bay. They sleep two people with a third bed available on request for a supplement. All rooms have private bath or shower, air conditioning (01 Jun - 30 Sep weather dependent), TV, safe, minibar and hairdryer. Cots are available on request.

Exclusive Rooms are spacious at about 28m². These rooms have a balcony and views of either the the Gulf of Portofino or Rapallo Bay. They sleep two people with a bed for an additional person available on request for a supplement. Some of these rooms can be interconnecting if requested.

Junior Suites are about 50m² and have sea views from the window. They have a small lounge area and some of these rooms can be connected with Exclusive Rooms, on request. These rooms are available on request, please call to book.

Classic Suites are about 50m² and have views of Rapallo Bay with a furnished balcony and a lounge. They are decorated with original Imperial style furniture and sleep up to two people. These rooms are available on request, please call to book.

Deluxe Suites are about 60m² and have breath-taking views along the coast of Portofino and over the harbour of Rapallo. They're elegantly decorated with antique furniture and original paintings. They have a terrace with sea views, a private whirlpool and an open bar with a choice of spirits. These rooms are available on request, please call to book.

Single Occupancy Superior and Exclusive Rooms are available on request, please call to book.

• Lift accessible: Yes
• Lift serves all floors: Yes
• Access ramp: No

Please note that this hotel may not be suitable for guests with walking difficulties as it's located on a hill with steps to get into the resort centre.

A full buffet breakfast is served each morning with a wide selection of fresh fruit, pastries, fresh bread, cheeses, meats, yogurt, fruit and cakes.

Half Board options are available at a supplement. If you choose half board you'll have a choice of three courses from the a la carte menu at the Lord Byron Restaurant.

Lord Byron Restaurant is housed in an elegant and refined setting that opens out onto the terrace. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving authentic Ligurian cuisine including fresh fish and pasta dishes.

Eden Roc & Lounge Restaurant is open during the summer (Jun-Sep) and located at the Beach Club. It is the ideal setting for a light lunch, cool drink or even just a snack by the pool. The restaurant serves pizzas and salads as well as drinks and cocktails. On a warm summer's evening you can have dinner here, overlooking the bay whilst listening to live music play.

Sporting Bar located by the pool serves drinks and light snacks from 10.30am - 7.30pm in the summer.

Yacthing Bar has a cosy atmosphere perfect for an evening aperitif. Or head out onto the terrace in the summer with a delicious cocktail.

Board basis options available

• Bed & Breakfast
• Half Board