Grand Hotel Miramare

Description:

• This was one of the first grand hotels on this coast, converted in 1903 from a massive private villa a 10-minute walk from the town center along the road to Portofino. Rooms are enlivened by some modest stucco decorations on the walls and ceilings, from which hang chandeliers over parquet floors scattered with Persian rugs and slightly funky walnut and veneer furnishings. The first-floor suite where Marconi stayed when conducting his radio experiments has been kept in 19th-century style, while fifth-floor suites are more modernized. A very steep, pretty park rises behind the hotel, from which a trail leads over the headland to Portofino (it also makes for a pleasant view, especially if you don't get a room with that preferred sea view). There's a small, private pebble beach/beach terrace across the busy road.

  Facilities: 2 restaurants (1 poolside lunch buffet; 1 international/regional); 2 bars (piano bar inside, pool bar); outdoor heated saltwater pool; nearby golf course; nearby outdoor lighted tennis courts; nearby exercise room; nearby sauna; watersports equipment/rentals; nearby bike rental; video arcade; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; courtesy car; small business center; limited room service; massage (in room); babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010