“A historic gem on the Ciappadea Cliffs. With an ambiance founded in the classical and romantic history of Liguria, think antique furnishings, parquet flooring, and plush canopy beds. Enjoy a multi-level beach club, exquisite dining and bar. A perfect stay for anyone wishing to inhabit the past”

Hotel review

Set on the Ciappadea Cliff overlooking the Portofino Coast, the Excelsior Palace was, at its opening in 1901, the seat of the first casino in Italy. It quickly became a favourite destination for the high society of Italy and abroad—writers, actors, painters, and scientists. Closed in 1974, it was remodeled, reorganized, and reopened in 1995: three extra floors were added (bringing it to seven), and the walls fitted with wood panelling, tarnished mirrors, Rococo paintings. The rooms share the feel, with antique furnishings, and bathrooms with jet tubs. Both sea-view rooms and those facing the city of Rapallo come with balconies. The result is an antiquated, classic feel, that feels lived-in but not ostentatious.

Waterfront access is prime real estate on this coastline, and the Excelsior offers both privacy and convenience by employing a unique bridge link to connect the hotel to the beach club, which offers a multi-layered complex of sun beds, swimming pools, and bars. There is also staired access to the water, and floating platforms in the bay. The Eden Roc Lounge and Restaurant and the Sporting Bar are also here, allowing one to indulge while lying back to enjoy unimpeded access to the sea.

This being Italy, it is the Restaurant Lord Byron where the hotel shines. The menu, split between“sea” and “inland” offers a wide variety of local Ligurian dishes—seafood salad, spring lobster, millefoglie, pansotti, and beef fillet.

James Patterson
James Patterson Review published: 10/31/2018

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Why do people love staying in your hotel? Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast with its wonderful views is located in a privileged position, close to Portofino and Cinque Terre. Since the early 1900's it has been the symbol of "Dolce Vita", conquering the International Elite, thanks to its natural beauty and legendary art of Hospitality. Today an exclusive Beach Club, open from June to September, offers two infinity pools and Jacuzzis, a SPA with 5 treatment rooms and a new functional Gymnasium. The hotel is open all year around, ideal for families, couples, honeymooners, congresses and it is pets friendly.

The hotel offers two delicious Restaurants: the main one, the Lord Byron Restaurant situated in the main building and the summer Eden Roc Lounge & Restaurant, a romantic terrace facing the Portofino Coast, two charming Bars: the main Yachting Bar and the Sporting Bar near the pool. 

What is there to do in the area? EXCURSIONS: Santa Margherita Ligure, Montallegro Sanctuary by cableway in Rapallo, 18 Golf course in Rapallo for golf lovers, Portofino and its protected wildlife park, Camogli and San Fruttuoso, Cinque Terre, Genova and its aquarium and its ancient town centre-, Sanremo, Serravalle Outlet, Forte dei Marmi, Pisa and many other destinations.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We offer buffet breakfast featuring regional and low-calorie delicacies. 

Do you offer other meals? We offer lunch as well as dinner à la carte at our 2 restaurants detailed here above with regional cuisine and fresh fish

Which are your most popular room types, and why? The most popular room types are the superior room with a partial view on the Rapallo Bay and the exclusive room with balcony and a sea view guaranteed . They are the most room types, but the Hotel has also 11 Junior Suite with a french faux balcony, 12 Classic Suite with balcony, 2 Deluxe Suite with jacuzzi on the terrace, a Relax Suite with private sauna in the room and Jacuzzi on the terrace, a Presidential Suite with 3 bedrooms, steam bath in the bathroom shower and a Jacuzzi on the 150 mq of terrace.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We have babysitting service on request, children menu, extra crib free of charge and extra rollaway bed with charge.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? The Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast, open all year around, is recommended for its wonderful views and services, where Guests can choose to stay relaxing at the hotel pampering themselves at the Spa as well as at the Beach Club or mixing with some of the amazing excursions nearby by sea or by land.

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