Grand Hotel Bristol Review | Hotels Above Par

"A five-star Art Nouveau seaside villa that pairs traditional boutique luxury with playful, modern flourishes. Monogrammed touches and flamingo-pink accents give the property a cheeky, less-stuffy personality, while curated music in the hallways shifts by time of day to set the mood. Rooms are unpretentious but spacious, with high ceilings, oversized bathrooms and balconies framing views of the Ligurian Sea, ideal for fiery sunsets and leisurely mornings in robes and slippers. The hotel’s standout wellness offering is a large Erre Spa tucked in the basement, featuring saunas, shower journeys, cold plunges, steam rooms, relaxation areas and an indoor pool with projected nature scenes — a handy spot to unwind on arrival. Dining is strong: breakfast highlights locally sourced cheeses, ham and on-site baked bread; the main restaurant, La Veranda, opens onto a lemon-filled patio perfect for aperitivos and al fresco meals; and the rooftop Le Cupole presents a tasting menu of elevated regional fare (think fresh-caught red mullet, blistered tomatoes, handmade pastas and pasture-raised proteins) served with inventive touches, such as an amuse-bouche that mimics a cherry tomato. On-site amenities include a gym, spa, free breakfast, Wi‑Fi, a beach club and an art gallery. Its location — a short drive to the lively city center yet set apart from the bustle of nearby Portofino — is perhaps the biggest draw, offering easy access to boat trips to Portofino, the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montallegro, the Rapallo funivia, Rapallo Castle and nearby beaches."