7 Best Hotels in The Italian Riviera, Italy

This simple and utterly charming inn is a stone's throw away from the main train station (Piazza Principe), and is handily located near most sights. Rooms are large, beds are comfortable and many look out onto a very quiet courtyard, and there's an ample buffet breakfast. There's no on-site parking, but guests receive a discount at a local garage.

Its location—set amid hills of olive trees yet steps from the village center—makes this hotel with bright rooms and contemporary furnishings one of the best places to stay in Lerici. Junior suites have large terraces and spa baths, but any sea-view room is a value. The welcoming, relaxing atmosphere is evident in a sitting area surrounded by a garden, an ideal place for enjoying a bountiful breakfast. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood.

This 1920s luxury hotel oozes charm, taste, and lovely scenery, with a particular attention to color—from the coordinated floral linens in corals and gold in the guest rooms to the fresh flowers in the reception rooms, the two restaurants, and on the large terrace. Offering a tennis court, water sports, boat excursions, and plenty of activities for children, the hotel has become quite family-friendly, and a spa offers further pampering. A frequent shuttle runs down to Portofino's center.

A classic Genovese building tucked away on a side street, with the original staircase from the 1900s, is home to a welcoming inn on the border of the historic district and Via Garibaldi. Rooms include family-friendly spaces with a bunk bed, and the bathrooms are mostly bright and spacious. A reading room is an added amenity. The staff are more than happy to offer advice, especially on dining options. Breakfast is ample, and the price is reasonable or included in the room rate.

Prepare to relax at this family-run seaside establishment, where one pleasure is lounging on one of the deck chairs on the hotel's rooftop solarium and enjoying its sea views. Guest rooms are simple and bright, some with maritime decor, and all have a balcony. A generous breakfast buffet is served in the indoor dining area. From the hotel, you can easily get to nearby tennis courts, a public outdoor pool, and a golf course, but being so near the beach is the biggest plus.

The grand former home of a musician and composer, this 18th-century villa perched on a fragrant hillside above white-sand beaches has since had a wing added, creating a wonderful retreat from the crowds at the water's edge. Lush gardens, beautiful views, and a natural grotto with Jacuzzi and bar are among the amenities, and free parking is available.

On a street filled with beautiful old villas, this Victorian-era former residence has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, beautiful gardens, a spa, and well-appointed rooms at reasonable prices. In the back garden, there is a swimming pool and a small playground, making it a good choice for families. The hotel has one apartment.