Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The hotel is nestled between the famous Cinque Terre and the inspirational Gulf of Poets in eastern Liguria. Once upon a time, this historic building hosted the Convent of Saint Francis. Following careful renovation works, today it features a charming hotel with sea-view rooms, a Mediterranean restaurant and luxury services. Grand Hotel Portovenere overlooks the marina and the historic center of Porto Venere. The seafront hotel is just steps away from the boats that take you to the Cinque Terre (9 km away) and the Bay of La Spezia, which inspired poets such as Lord Byron and Mary and Percy Shelley. Palmaria Restaurant, with its scenic terrace overlooking the sea, pays homage not only to the flavors of the Italian Riviera but also to many of Italy’s most beloved dishes.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
This hotel is situated with a beautiful view of the Portovenere marina and a convenient stroll along the water to historic churches high on hilltops. The hotel itself is impeccably renovated and the staff is kind and helpful. It is located with a bus stop that offers low cost access to the railway at La Spezia that goes to all the towns along Cinque Terre. The food in the restaurant is excellent and the wait staff is attentive in every way. The town of Portovenere is still preserved with narrow streets and picturesque houses and doorways. It is, in many ways, different that the other Cinque Terre towns with a little more antiquity to see.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Polesel, Direttore generale at Grand Hotel Portovenere
Responded 18 Oct 2024
Dear billgT1464NX , Thank you for the very kind review after your recent stay at our Portovenere Grand. We are glad you have mentioned how you have appreciated the Decor and especially location of the Hotel, but above all it is important your words for the quality of food and service at our Palmaria Restaurant and the Team coming out of their way ! And yes it is true Portovenere has infact much more History and monuments of the other Villages nearby , it has been a strategical port especially during Middle age and it is mentioned through the centuries in the History books. We hope to welcoming you back in the near future ! Kind Regards, Antonio Polesel General Manager
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Spent 5 nights at this amazing property located on the footsteps of Cinque Terre and on the Ligurian Sea. Our room was facing the water with stellar views where you can see the sunrise every AM. Hotel is less than 5 min walk to all the shops and restaurants and also the ferry boats to take you to the villages of Cinque Terre. Also located between Genoa and Pisa so easy to use this location as a home base to visit those other cities either by car or else take a train from La Spezia (can take local bus or ferry).
Hotel does have a parking garage underneath BUT the entrance is right before the hotel so do not pass or else you need to drive back around the one way street in and out which could be 15 mins! Garage was small but with a small rental we were OK.
Bak to the hotel where we enjoyed a modern room - just large enough - with modern bathroom including shower stall. Enjoyed breakfast everyday out on the restaurant patio. Great selection of pastries, eggs, bacon, fresh fruits and yogurts, all the meats and cheeses and breads, etc. Staff was extremely polite and helpful.
Also town of portovenere has a great castle (big walk up the hill) and small church to see. And you can also jump off the rocks and swim in the sea.
This truly is the place to stay if you want to experience Cinque Terre.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Polesel, Altro at Grand Hotel Portovenere
Responded 25 Aug 2021
Dear michekara, Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely and detailed review and for choosing to stay with us. It is lovely to read you enjoyed your accomodation and the location of the Hotel which is unbeatable ! I am glad you have been able to try many of our F&B offerings at Breakfast! I hope we have the opportunity to welcoming you back again soon. Kind Regards, Antonio Polesel General Manager
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This is one of the best hotels that we have stayed in. The staff were very friendly and the customer service was excellent. The hotel itself was immaculate and very clean. Our sea view bedrooms were roomy with crisp white linen and a well appointed bathroom. The buffet breakfast was delicious serving a variety of fresh fruit, breads and spreads, hams and cheese etc with a hot choice available including eggs,omelettes and otehr choices such as pancakes for a supplement. I would thoroughly recommend this as a fantastic base to explore the Cinque Terre by ferry.
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Date of stay: July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Polesel, Direttore generale at Grand Hotel Portovenere
Responded 23 Jul 2022
Dear Karen T, Thank you for taking the time to share a feedback from your recent stay at the Grand Hotel. It is so rewarding to read our team were able to assist you in both a hospitable and courteous manner to ensure you had such a wonderful stay with us. I appreciate your feedback concerning your Breakfast experience and thank you a lot for such a nice recommendation ! In case you are planning a return to this part of Italy please do not hesitate to reach out to our team, we would be delighted to assist. Kind Regards, Antonio Polesel General Manager
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One would imagine a relaxing stay at a Five star hotel — the view is nice and the staff in the spa and parking lot very kind and helpful— the Reception hostess and managers are incredibly arrogant and seemingly ignorant. We had a feee upgrade and early check-in included, they faked. Or knowing this to rudely tell us that we did not book a room with a view, so we had to show them our Gold standing with Hotel.com where in the reservation they could clearly see that we have early check-in and an upgrade. They acted as if they were going far out of their way to do what was clearly indicated on our reservation and did not provide check-in until 4pm.. our bags were not event in the room until 5pm. During dinner we asked for a local dish recommended by the staff prior and were told it was not on the dinner menu, the confusion would have been fine had they not served us over cooked, shriveled up mussels, mostly empty shells with no flavor in a heavy garlic sauce. We enjoyed the sea bass and dessert. In the morning, I placed my mat outside to practice yoga at 9am. The place I chose had an outstanding view and was a public place, that was overlooked by the restaurant, but open to the public. The hotel staff asked me to move and I placed myself more uncomfortably under the wall t be out of view and provide ample space event though there are not crowds passing so early in the morning. My practice was disrupted every 5 minutes by a staff member complaining the inside the closed windows of the restaurant, the servers were unable to work with a person doing yoga insight. This was hilarious as no guests minded, guys passed exercising without shirts, kids from the hostel above wandered around and just below there was an open market selling bras and underwear. So I’m still not sure how my calm and professional yoga practice was so bothersome. This hotel by no means should be considered 5 stars. Five star properties that command high prices are generally places where the client is treated as a guest, where there is a certain level of flexibility and customer service. Acting aloof and conducting oneself as an upper echelon snob is not the ambient 5 star clients are looking for. We would like to be treated kindly and given the best possibility for some peaceful and relaxing time away from our work!
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Polesel, Direttore generale at Grand Hotel Portovenere
Responded 27 Jul 2022
Dear JoannaS583, I was really sorry to read of your disappointment following your stay with us . We have to admit that we can’t please every guest as with your stay. I had a meeting with the Team to better understand your comments as this is not our usual service delivery like yourself have read in the vast majority of our customers reviews. My biggest concern was to learn that you found some of the staff lacking in knowledge and approach, and echelon snob it is the opposite of the friendly approach it is recognized by our clients . The Team it is trained to go out of their way and Flexible approach it is an attitude here at the Grand Hotel ! We do receive so many positive comments on our staff and service that it is disappointing to hear that we have failed with you in this occasion ! I would not go through all the points you have indicated , but I would be pleased to discuss them with you personally if you would like to write to me at a.polesel@portoveneregrand.com Once again, my sincere apologies for your disappointment and hope that your next visit to this part of Italy you may find a more satisfying experience. Kind Regards, Antonio Polesel General Manager
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If I could give 10 stars, I would. Every part of the experience was wonderful! This enchanting boutique hotel is located in the best location with breathtaking views of Portovenere, Palmaria island and the beautiful Gulf of Poets. The staff are all charming and friendly always wanting to please the guests providing superior service! This was my second summer stay at the hotel and it was even better than I remembered! There is a perfection about every aspect and that is because of the team from management to each person working there seems to do their best! The hotel is elegant yet comfortable and the rooms are unique, some have the most outstanding views! Be sure to enjoy an exquisite handcrafted cocktail handcrafted on the terrace. Sometimes they have jazz musicians and its splendid! The restaurant is a must! Absolutely delicious dishes from high quality ingredients prepared with care and served by kind and knowledgeable staff! I enjoyed dinner every evening during my stay ... it was very special! The front desk kindly arranged some activities for me which I highly recommend! I had great fun in a cooking class; an amazing sunset boat tour with Skipper Marcello; and visited a vineyard on the steep slopes of Riomaggiore! The location is not just breathtaking it is also convenient to visit the cinque terre and other parts of the Gulf. My stay here is the highlight of my travels! I am grateful to the team and look forward to returning soon!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Polesel, Direttore generale at Grand Hotel Portovenere
Responded 02 Sept 2022
Dear BrigittevonG, Thank you for such a great review ! I am so pleased to hear that once again you had a great stay and our team were able to help in so many ways. Your kind comments about our Grand Hotel and how you enjoyed the activities outside too, are beyond any expectations , We're so glad that you love it as much as we do and it was a pleasure for our team to look after a special returning guest as yourself! Thank you again for such a wonderful review and We all looking after for your return in the near future. Kind Regards, Antonio Polesel General Manager
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We just spent 3 nights here, and had a great time! Our room was lovely with a wonderful view and a porch with 2 chairs, which we enjoyed using each evening before heading out to dinner.
Our stay included breakfast each morning, and the choices on the buffet table were the best we saw during our 12 nights in Italy. I have a dietary restriction, yet I had many choices, clearly labeled with ingredients. This made my choosing easy!
We also chose to eat dinner 2 of our 3 nights at the hotel. Again, many options for me, and our waiter Alessio went out of his way both at breakfast and dinner to help me. I am very grateful for his kindness and help.
Heading out to the other towns is easy as the ferry stop for Portovenere is an easy walk from the hotel. The town itself is a lovely place to explore. We chose to do so our first day in the area, after we had checked in. There is a supermarket (Conad) just steps from the hotel, should you need to stock up on anything.
Again, many thanks for a wonderful stay!
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a meeting scheduled in La Spezia, but we were looking for to stay at a more special place since La Spezia for us is a way too industrial city. So we Found this magical and hidden town of Portovénere just a short drive away (20-25min). My husband and I like to stay in stylish, more upscale places, well the Grand Hotel Portovénere is just the most perfect hotel we could get. Amazing location with a gorgeous view over the bay, super clean and modern rooms and excellent service. The rooms are very well equipped, comfortable and of course the beautiful view over the water and the colorful houses of the port from our bed. We had dinner 2 times in the restaurant, where the staff is so polite, knowledgeable, detailed and attentive and the food was absolutely delicious!!! Very reasonable prices, it worth every penny! Definitely recommend for anyone who likes high end services! We will surely return!!
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Polesel, Altro at Grand Hotel Portovenere
Responded 23 Jul 2020
Dear agikah2015 , Thank you so very much for such a wonderful review. I am so happy to hear that you were impressed with the team, they make The Grand Hotel what it is, and will be encouraged to read your comments. We truly appreciate your kind words about the "cleanliness, ambience, service and cuisine" and we do agree : Location makes the difference ! We look forward to seeing you again very soon in the near future! Kind Regards, Antonio Polesel General Manager
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This clean, bright, and exceptionally well-located hotel was made perfect by the warm, welcoming and accommodating staff. The workers at this hotel could not have been nicer, making reservations, selling us ferry tickets, giving us detailed directions, and more. Our room was spacious and well designed; there was a desk and chair and additional space for toiletries under the large rimmed sink (which was enough for our things). The included breakfast is elaborate: incredible croissants and pastries; fresh whole and sliced fruit; salmon with capers, onions, lettuce and tomatoes; almonds, walnuts, flax seed and more. We sat on the terrace in the afternoons enjoying cocktails. There was no nickel and diming: wifi, beach towels, nuts, olives and other treats with cocktails, so much was included.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Byron's grotto is a beautiful place to swim. Ask for beach towels at reception and head out...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Polesel, Direttore generale at Grand Hotel Portovenere
Responded 29 Jun 2023
Dear ericahC3518PI, Thank you for fantastic review beginning from the title you have chosen! We are so glad that you enjoyed so much your time with us. I consider our main goal to go above and beyond to ensure our guests have a memorable experience and in your case the Team accomplished the mission! We look forward to welcoming you again at the Portovenere Grand in the near future! Kind Regards, Antonio Polesel General Manager
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This hotel has the best location in Porto Venere and gives the most fabulous view from its terrace where we ate breakfast each morning. The breakfast choice was excellent and the staff were attentive and very friendly. Having said all that I don’t think it deserves its 5 star status. The room we stayed in certainly didn’t feel very luxurious and the common areas had nothing special about them. If you’re going to charge top dollar prices you’ve got to make it really special.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:If you want a room with a view you’re going to have to spend a lot!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Polesel, Direttore generale at Grand Hotel Portovenere
Responded 15 Oct 2023
Dear juliejV5640SN , I feel sorry to read of your disappointment ant title you have chosen for your review following your stay with us . We know well that we can’t please every guest as with your stay, I think that ratings and stars are not assigned according to square meters or luxurios furniture and decorations , but mainly for the level of the service and the coming out of the Team that you have recognized. We also are aware that prices we are charging are significantly lower than what it is apllied in the Iconical and Luxurious properties around the world ! All of the bedrooms within our Portovenere Grand have completely different layouts, including a variety of dimensions , some with the added value of an outside space, and we renovate them constantly with great attention at details and materials ,same for the public spaces where we proudly display contemporary artwork appreciated by the vast majority of our clients ! We are confident that we could have the chance to find a perfect layout and size to suit vast majority of our customers , I know the staff at the Front Office offered to show a different room type and category but you have declined the offer ! That's the reason why we are here for, to provide a service and try our best to help out and accomodate at the best for our clients, and with this getting back to the previous and the sense of the category of the Hotel ! In the end I am glad that you have recognized our service and dedication , which really does mean a great importance to us. I hope that we may have the chance to welcoming you back in the future, so that we can try to exceed your expectations on your next stay with us! Kind regards, Antonio Polesel General Manager
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We stayed here for 2wks. Our room was very comfortable, decorated to a very high standard, catering for all our needs from slippers to coffee machine!! All areas of the hotel were very clean. Extremely courteous, friendly, helpful staff from "Bell boys" to the Manager. The Front Desk Team assisted us with arranging boat trips and restaurant reservations, likewise other local staff offered advice & knowledge of the area. We enjoyed delicious breakfasts on the terrace in glorious sunshine, similarly in the evening enjoyed excellent seafood in the backdrop of memorable sunsets! Looking forward to returning next year!
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Hold on to your hat as the weather can be very windy at times!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Antonio Polesel, Direttore generale at Grand Hotel Portovenere
Responded 24 Sept 2022
Dear Willson-Rebecca45, That is a fantastic review to read and thank you for taking the time to share such compliments following your recent stay at our Portovenere Grand ! . I certainly could not ask for a better feedback! What I consider the main task here at the Hotel is trying to guarantee that the approach of the Team is always caring, professional and attentive and always trying to go out of their way to build great memories for our guests. In your case we have succeded in the mission! Thank you for acknowledging all this and We hope that we will have the pleasure of welcoming you back in the near future ! Kind Regards, Antonio Polesel general Manager
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Dear Guest,
You can arrange a rental car , reserved through our concierge , or organize a Car transfer with a Limousine Service. It will take more than 3 hours to get to Milan International Airport Malpensa . Regards Guest Relations
Dear Hippo1021,
thanks for your message.
We can either organize a day trip to Portofino by private boat with a skipper or by private car. To know the details please email us.
We remain at your disposal for any further assistance.
Kind Regards
Debora Bonati
Front Desk
Dear guest ,
Parking is 20 euro per day , breakfast it is 15 euro per person with a stay of 2 nights onwards , otherwise it is 20 euro with the one night stay. This is valid from May through beginning of October .
Kind regards.
Guest Relations
Dear Guest ,
Taxis can be booked in advanced in the evening won't be a problem overnight has to be requested in advance. Fares are different according to different destinations of course ; ie taxi from Portovenere to Railway station in La Spezia is about 45 euro and there's a 3 euro overcharge after 10pm.
Kind Regards,
Front Office Team
Dear dsmith171,
Size of MiniVan is fine to get in but the spaces in the CarPark are quite reducedl to manevuer ... what I would suggest is before getting to the hotel on the same day to get in touch with us so that we can organize with the Parking staff to be there on your arrival to better accomodate the Van.
Kind Regards,
Front Office Team
There are more places to choose from in the Porto Venere area.
PRICE RANGE
R 7,049 - R 9,952 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
portovenere grand hotel, grand hotel portovenere
LOCATION
ItalyLiguriaItalian RivieraPorto Venere
NUMBER OF ROOMS
48
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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