Grand Hotel Portovenere, Porto Venere, Liguria, Italy - Explore & Book

"Curling around the Gulf of Poets, just along the coast from La Spezia, Porto Venere is often dubbed the sixth town of Cinque Terre. It’s recognised as a part of the same Unesco World Heritage Site and boasts the trademark row of colourful houses lining the harbour, winding cobblestone streets and charming restaurants. To see it from the water, the impressive Doria Castle perched on the cliff face above, it’s certainly just as picturesque. But, being off the 5 Terre Express, it enjoys fewer crowds, and also boasts one of the area’s best 5-star hotels. Grand Hotel Portovenere was a convent many centuries ago, and through careful restoration, was transformed into this modern boutique hotel – dressed in all the traditional trimmings of the Italian Riviera. Many of the luxurious rooms have terraces or balconies with views over the marina and across the water towards the island of Palmaria – the namesake of their highly acclaimed rooftop restaurant. Drenched in sunlight, with a veranda and panoramic views, the refined Palmaria serves up Ligurian seafood and other local delights in elegant dishes. Then, for cocktails in the sea breeze, there’s the striking Venus Bar spilling out of the old stone vaults onto the terrace. After a day of exploring the town, lounging on the beach, or touring nearby oyster farms and wineries, there’s no more welcoming place to return to. Highs The location is superb, with all the beauty of the Cinque Terre in a quieter and less crowded package This is one of the only 5-star hotels in the area The spectacular views from the restaurant and many of the rooms will leave you speechless We love that this building has been restored with respect to its storied history and heritage We've heard great things about their food Lows Luxury and location like this doesn't come cheap The restaurant and bar have a dress code to keep out the flip flop-wearing riff-raff Children of all ages are welcome, but only a couple of the rooms can sleep three, and children over three are charged adult rates" - Handpicked by our hotel experts