The Best Hotels to Book in Rapallo, on the Italian Riviera

Welcoming the great and the glamorous through its doors for the past century, the Excelsior Palace is a haven of class and tranquillity on the Portofino Coast. Rooms have a feel of classic luxury; particularly lavish are the suites, which feature large seating areas and balconies and, in the case of the presidential suite, an outdoor hot tub. Massage, wellness and beauty treatments are on offer at the indulgent spa and fitness club.

Housed in an elegant property dating from 1908, the Grand Hotel Bristol has been updated in the rooms and suites to lend a modern feel, with pine floors, balconies and whirlpool tubs in some rooms. A sauna, Turkish bath and icefall shower are among the facilities at the Erre Spa, while Ligurian cuisine and wine are on offer at the restaurant – try the trenette al pesto.

Dramatically positioned immediately in front of Rapallo’s dramatic castle, this hotel’s pink villa exterior exudes vintage glamour. Dating from 1877, the hotel retains a historic feel but has been carefully updated in the rooms that have colourful feature walls, aquamarine bathrooms and Juliet balconies. Even more modern is the spa, with a Himalayan salt room, Finnish sauna and thalasso steam bath.

Exhibiting the Baroque stylings of classic Liberty architecture, Hotel Vesuvio sits right on Rapallo’s promenade and has comfortable guest rooms, appointed in a modern style but with some original features like balconies and vaulted brick ceilings. Rapallo’s beautiful beaches are within walking distance of the hotel, as are other attractions like the Christopher Columbus monument and the historic Villa Tigullio.

Overlooking the sea from its position in a renovated historic villa, the Hotel Astoria is a classic Rapallo hotel. Rooms feature dark wood furniture handmade by the acclaimed brand Le Fablier; this attention to detail also extends to the beautiful spa, decorated with Roman-style mosaics and featuring multiple saunas, a herbal tea room and chromotherapy shower, among other high-tech amenities.

Combine the reliable comfort of a Best Western Plus with a spectacular setting overlooking the sea on Rapallo’s waterfront, and you have a winning hotel. Polished wood floors, comfy sofa sets and a marine colour scheme characterise the rooms, while the rooftop bar, affording lovely views over the bay and the sea beyond, is one of the most popular spots in town to enjoy a spritz as the sun goes down.

With a heritage dating back to 1929, the Hotel Canali drips with Art Nouveau glamour. The villa’s historic vibe is offset by the modern feel of the guest rooms, which overlook either the Mediterranean Sea or the green hills which rear up photogenically behind the hotel. Despite the hotel’s historic nature, it is barrier-free and has lifts, making it a great option for those needing wheelchair access.

A waterfront location at the foot of Rapallo’s medieval castle sets the tone for this lovely hotel, which has sea views from many of its modern guest rooms and terraces complete with chairs and sun beds. The restaurant also has a waterfront terrace, where you can enjoy Ligurian specialities like veal with white wine as you drink in the ocean views. Attractions you can walk to around Rapallo’s pleasant bay include the lovely gardens of the Parco Comunale Luigi Casale.

The teal textiles that adorn the spacious, wood-floored guest rooms at this popular hotel evoke the blue of the Mediterranean Sea outside your window. Windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling are among the maritime activities which the hotel can help you organise, or you could just opt to laze on a sun lounger on the nearby golden beach. There’s history close by, too, with the Basilica of Sts Gervasius and Protasius just a few minutes away on foot.