Excelsior Palace Hotel

Excelsior Palace Hotel is a grand hotel on the hillside between Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure, with views across the Gulf of Tigullio and a long tradition of welcoming Riviera guests. The building dates from the early twentieth century, and its terraces, gardens and formal rooms continue the style of the golden age of Italian seaside holidays. It is a quiet, relaxing base that suits travellers who prefer a resort pace. Rapallo's centre, castle and promenade are a short drive or bus ride away, Santa Margherita is nearby, and Portofino can be reached by ferry or road. Genoa is roughly forty minutes by train from Rapallo station.

Rooms vary, with many offering sea views and balconies, and updated bathrooms and air conditioning. Suites are available for families or longer stays. Because the hotel sits on a hillside, expect some walking or a short ride to reach the shore, and check shuttle or transport options in advance.

Facilities generally include restaurants, a bar, terraces, gardens and a pool or sea access arrangement in season. Breakfast is a highlight, often taken on a terrace overlooking the bay, and dinner can be a long, relaxed affair. The staff can help organise boat trips, hikes and excursions to Portofino and the Cinque Terre area.

A stay here suits couples, honeymooners and families who want space and views rather than nightlife. The hillside setting gives quiet evenings and starry skies, and the sound of the sea carries from below. Those who like to be in the middle of a town may prefer the waterfront hotels in Santa Margherita or the city centre in Genoa.

Spring and early autumn are lovely, with mild weather and fewer visitors. Summer is busier and more expensive. Winter is mild but some services may be reduced, so confirm what is open if you travel in the colder months.

As a day-trip base, the hotel works well for Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Camogli and Genoa itself. Travelling by train from Rapallo gives flexibility, and organised tours can collect guests from the area.

Because the hotel is above the shore, check how guests normally reach the town and the beach, whether by shuttle, taxi, bus or on foot. Dinner on the terrace after a day of sightseeing is the natural highlight, so plan a slow evening rather than a late return from Genoa. Early booking helps secure a sea-view room, which makes a noticeable difference to the experience. Families can plan relaxed days around the terraces and gardens, with a train trip to Genoa or a ferry to Portofino as a single highlight rather than a daily rush.