Imperiale Palace Hotel

Imperiale Palace Hotel is one of the landmark hotels of the Italian Riviera, a late nineteenth-century grand hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure, on the waterfront road toward Paraggi and Portofino. Its architecture, gardens and public rooms recall the era when European aristocrats and writers wintered on this coast, and it is a reminder of what Riviera glamour once meant. Staying in Santa Margherita rather than Genoa gives a very different trip: sea views, palm trees, quiet evenings and the ferry to Portofino a short walk away. Genoa is about forty minutes by train, so you can still spend days in the city and return to the coast at night.

Public areas are large and formal, with a ballroom-style feel, terraces and gardens facing the sea. Rooms vary by category, from classic doubles to suites, with updated bathrooms, air conditioning and, in many cases, sea or garden views. If a view matters, specify it at the time of booking.

Facilities typically include a restaurant, a bar, a terrace and in-season pool or beach access arrangements, though exact services change by season. Breakfast is usually generous, and dinner on a terrace overlooking the water is a highlight of the stay. The hotel's staff can help with boat tickets, taxis and excursions.

The waterfront setting makes it an ideal base for the Tigullio coast. Santa Margherita's centre, harbour and ferry pier are within a pleasant walk, and Portofino can be reached by ferry, bus or a scenic coastal path. Rapallo is a short train or taxi ride in the other direction, and San Fruttuoso is accessible by boat in season.

This is a hotel for people who want atmosphere and are happy to pay for it. Peak summer is expensive and fills early, while spring and autumn offer better rates and gentler weather. In winter, some services close, so check what is available if you plan a cold-season stay.

For a trip that combines Genoa with the Riviera, many travellers spend two nights in the city and two on the coast, using trains to move between the two. The Imperiale is a natural choice for the coastal leg.

Plan at least two nights if you can, so that you have a full day to explore Portofino, San Fruttuoso or Rapallo without rushing. Ask the concierge about boat times early, because services change with the weather and the season. A light jacket is useful for evenings on the terrace, and shoes with grip help on the coastal paths and wet quays. Couples celebrating an anniversary often choose a sea-view room with a terrace, and it is worth asking about dinner reservations at the same time.