Grand Hotel Portovenere
This 13th-century Franciscan monastery turned elegant hotel incorporates modern enhancements while retaining the structure's impressive rose facade, arches, and frescoes. Guest rooms, done in earth tones and blues, are stylishly modern and some have great views of Palmaria Island, the Gulf of Poets, and the town's historic center; Cloister suites set under the building's original arches have expansive terraces. The hotel's Palmaria restaurant offers a robust breakfast (with robust views), and candlelit dinners on its terrace, where you can also watch the sunset with a drink at its Venus Bar. Book direct for free garage parking.