Grand Hotel Miramare
N. Italy: Liguria: Santa Margherita
Built in 1904, this wonderfully managed hotel is located just five kilometers from Portofino and a short ride (train is most convenient) from the Cinque Terre. It is a well-established "grande dame" hotel with a warm and accommodating longtime staff. Facilities are kept in excellent condition through an ongoing commitment to refurbishment.

There is a huge heated, outdoor seawater pool, a popular spot for summer guests. The "beach" (no sand!) across the street from the hotel has a restaurant, bar, and deck chairs. Just off the attractive lobby is the Barracuda Lounge, providing evening piano music indoors during cooler months while music is outdoors during warm weather. The panoramic restaurant "Les Bougainvillees" and the buffet and barbecue "Barracuda" by the pool are famous for their Ligurian cuisine.

The well-maintained rooms here are geared to long stay clients and are, therefore, spacious and well appointed; connecting accommodations are available for families. Many have antique furnishings and a few have small balconies (never confirmed prior to arrival!). Half of the rooms have sea view (normally given to clients with longer stays) and half face the hotel's beautiful gardens that are perfect for an afternoon stroll. All garden view rooms have balconies. Guests can also enjoy various treatments at the Hotel's beauty center "eSPAce".