20 Best Hotels in The Italian Riviera, Italy

This lovely little guesthouse on the seafront promenade of Noli is stylishly done with wood floors, uncluttered white walls with splashes of bright colors, and modern decor. A bountiful breakfast is served in a cheerful dining and sitting room, and a nice beach club owned by the same family is just across the road. There's a two- or three-night minimum stay outside the winter months, and children are not accommodated.

Perched majestically above Camogli's beaches, the former summer palace of Genoa's doges features many guest rooms with expansive balconies and commanding vistas of the city's port. This is indisputably among the best addresses in town. Aside from enjoying the lovely lounges, you can relax in the well-kept park, or swim and soak in the sun. There's a week's minimum stay in July and August.

As you enter this 1890s-vintage hotel above Piazza Acquaverde, you’ll be transported from the modern city to a more glamorous era, thanks to details such as the original marble floors and lush gilt and richly colored velvet furniture in common areas. Traditionally styled guest rooms have details like steamer trunks, wooden minibars that evoke an age of grandeur, and artwork that depicts Genoa’s maritime history. Some rooms have soaking tubs, and there are also a fitness room and a small spa with a private waterbed and a hot tub room.

On a street filled with beautiful old villas, this Victorian-era former private residence has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, beautiful gardens, a spa, and well-appointed rooms (some with balconies). There are also family suites and a self-catering apartment sleeping five. Breakfast can be enjoyed in a sunroom, and just outside its windows, citrus trees sway. An in-house bar offers the perfect place to have an aperitivo, either in one of the well-appointed rooms or outside in the flower-filled garden. There is a minimum two-night stay in summer.

With wood-beam ceilings and stone walls, the stylishly restored and updated rooms in this 16th-century house in the historic center of Monterosso ooze comfort and old-world charm. Owners Fausto and Mariapia go out of their way to make you feel at home, and staff can whip up a fantastic breakfast, served in the lovely private garden under the lemon trees (or in your room in bad weather). Do not miss Fausto's limoncello, made from lemons in their garden: you'll find it in the minibar in your room.

One of the Cinque Terre's few "boutique" hotels is in a 17th-century tower that sits high on the hill above the rainbow-hued village of Manarola, with truly lovely views of the terraced vineyards, colorful village homes, and the Mediterranean sea; inside, decor is chic, sleek, and antiques-bedecked. Guest rooms vary from cozy to nearly luxurious suites, while the solarium is perfect for an aperitivo (aperitif), served each evening, and for taking in the enchanting views.

The hotel, a 19th-century merchant's mansion modeled after a Chinese temple, has a pool, a private park, access to the famed clifftop walk, and magnificent ocean views; request a tower room for the best vantage point. This retreat is the best of both worlds, as you can enjoy peace and quiet or be in bustling Genoa in 15 minutes.

One of Europe's gracious 19th-century grand hotels, the Bristol Palace guards its reputation for courtesy, service, and elegance, offering mostly spacious, handsomely furnished, high-ceilinged guest rooms and lovely public spaces. Some of the rooms have original multicolor inlaid marble floors and other period details. Surrounding the hotel's central oval staircase, the welcoming salons set the tone: they are comfortable, small, and pleasantly discreet, with paneled walls and soft lighting. Booking online can result in great deals.

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.

They may not have sea views, but the stylish, comfortable rooms here are decorated in a classic style, and some have large balconies. Most bathrooms have been remodeled. The location is very central, within easy walking distance of a choice of eateries, and there is a modestly priced in-house restaurant that offers a daily changing menu. Valet parking and spa facilities are available at additional charges.

Formerly the Grillo family palace, this sumptuously comfortable boutique hotel integrates architectural details from the 1500s to the 1700s—like an original marble entryway and staircase, frescoed ceilings, and frieze details in some rooms—with clean-lined modern luxury. All of the furniture has been handpicked and combines vintage pieces with those from some of Italy's best designers, with an emphasis on minimalism and surprising pops of color. Public spaces such as the ballroom-size living room, billiards room, and top-floor terrace add to the appeal.

There's an air of seclusion and a respite from hectic San Remo in these bright, well-equipped rooms—some with balconies and sea views—that face a quiet, palm-fringed garden and pool. The hotel is surrounded by manicured grounds and an adjacent, lush public park. A pleasant restaurant offers a fixed-price menu for lunch and dinner, or a variety of à la carte options. There's a four-night minimum stay in July and August.

Sea-view rooms at this small hotel along the promenade have nice little balconies, and there's a terrace perfect for enjoying the sunset and vistas of France. Many of the clean and simple accommodations have been updated in a pleasantly contemporary style.

Ask for a room on the third floor.

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.

The tastefully decorated and bright guest rooms at this small inn with a pool on the Punto Mesco headland have unobstructed vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and Riviera coastline. Lovely gardens and terraces surround the stone building, and the nice sunning area provides a perfect spot for an easygoing day.

A cut above other lodging options in the Cinque Terre, these small, white-walled guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, marble showers, and comfortable bedding and have views of the sea or the port, which can also be enjoyed at their most bewitching from a shared terrace literally suspended over the Mediterranean. Call ahead to be met on arrival in the village for help with finding the place and carrying luggage—and make sure to reserve far ahead, as the four rooms book up quickly. There's a two-night minimum stay. 

Far from the madding crowds, Porto Roca is perched on the famous terraced cliffs right over the main beach, with large balconies to savor panoramic views of the magnificent sea. A good restaurant serving well-prepared Ligurian cuisine and a spectacular cliffside pool and solarium make up for the somewhat basic rooms. Book directly with the hotel to take advantage of a discount at the restaurant. There's a two- or three-night minimum stay in high season, and under-14s are not accommodated.

Just a short walk from the old town, this well-kept and well-equipped hotel offers modern rooms with contemporary furnishings and spa and gym facilities. Some guest rooms are in a stylish annex 50 meters away, while the common areas in the lobby and outdoor garden have modern furnishings with pops of color. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable and will arrange local tours for you.

A beautiful Ligurian villa in the Camogli hills offers chic, contemporary, and comfortable accommodations along with well-manicured gardens and outdoor sitting areas, arbors, and a welcoming pool. This tranquil retreat is a 15-minute walk up shady staircases from the seaside village, and light lunches are available for those who don't feel like venturing out. Minimum stay is two nights.