A list by Anna Pinto & Ted Valentin. Updated February 2024.
We have created a list with the best castle hotels in Italian Riviera, Italy. We have also included hotels in palaces, historic properties, resorts, historic villas, french "relais" (mansions), beautiful country residences, old châteaus and country estates. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
Cosy. Great views. Set upon the Sestri Levante Peninsula, overlooking a wonderful park overlooking the sea, Grand Hotel Dei Castelli offers panoramic views in a quiet and privileged position. Forget the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace a fascinating blend of history and art, in the perfect environment of the area's natural beauty. You can easily reach the town centre, the promenade and the harbour by a private lift from the Grand Hotel Dei Castelli, or you can simply relax in the impressive premises, set in a former castle. On the enchanting terraces of the castle of you will find the delightful Restaurant dei Castelli. In the park is present a 1 KM ring walking trail. The panoramic solarium is ideal to relax, enjoying the sounds of the sea and the perfumes of the surrounding vegetation. It is a privileged spot for watching romantic sunsets on the Gulf of Tigullio. Sample excellent international and local dishes, with sea-food specialities. The panoramic American bar is ideal for a relaxing break. From mid May to mid September, guests can also enjoy a pool and private beach with sandy and rocky areas, at an additional cost.Show full description
The Grand Hotel Dei Castelli is a one-of-a-kind hotel situated in a castle with breathtaking sea views. It has a private beach, a park, and a swimming pool. The hotel creates a romantic atmosphere and serves delicious meals at its restaurant.
Charming. Superb breakfast. Just 2 km outside Levanto in the Cinque Terre region, this charming country estate dates back to the 1700s. Guests enjoy a swimming pool, hot tub, free parking and a free transfer to Levanto. All antique-style rooms come with air conditioning, a satellite TV and free WiFi. Rooms at the Villanova are located in a main building and 3 annexes, in a radius of 100 metres. Agriturismo Villanova serves local organic products for breakfast, including cheese, fruit and cold meat. You can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the garden during the summer. Cooking classes and food tasting sessions can be organised at extra charge. Levanto Train Station is a 5-minute drive away, for services to other Cinque Terre towns. There are plenty of restaurants in Levanto, 5 minutes away by car. The A12 motorway is 13 km away and it is a 30-minute drive to La Spezia.Show full description
Villanova is a charming hotel located. It has a beachfront location with stunning hill views. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated in a traditional Italian style.
Luxurious. Set in a picturesque garden overlooking the Gulf of Sanremo, Miramare The Palace Resort offers a private access to the promenade and main beaches. It has a heated swimming pool with sea views, free parking and rooms with a satellite LED TV. Rooms feature a minibar, safe and a private bathroom with hairdryer. Continental and English breakfast is buffet style, and the Palm Bar provides snacks and drinks throughout the day. Guests can enjoy also the Sunset-Bar with sea-view. Miramare The Palace Resort has a peaceful location surrounded by tropical plants and trees. It is set just off the seafront promenade in Sanremo, a 20-minute walk or short bus ride from the harbour and Ariston Theatre.Show full description
The historic 19th-century resort has a beautiful beachfront location. Recently refurbished, it offers cozy rooms and suites with balconies. The resort has a stunning sea-view garden gazebo and private access to the promenade and beaches.
Delightful property. Friendly staff. Villa della Pergola Relais et Chateaux is set in a 19th-century building surrounded by a large park. Located on a hill, it has a terrace with panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea, 1 km away. Villa della Pergola Relais et Chateaux, which in the past was home to noble families, is 1 km from Alassio. Set in a botanical garden of two hectares , Villa della Pergola offers to its guest 19 different rooms divided between the Villa, Villino, Casa del Sole, Casa Wisteria and Casa Nirvana. All rooms are non-smoking, some have stairs and there is no elevator. The wooden-floored rooms feature English-style furniture. Each room comes with a flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar. Most have a balcony with views of the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. Wi-Fi is free. Guests can enjoy the Villa’s sun terrace, bar and hot tub. The gardens are filled with flowers, conifers and citrus trees. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves Ligurian cuisine using only fresh, seasonal ingredients. The A10 Motorway is 10 km away.Show full description
This historic mansion in Alassio, Italy, has a prime beachfront location and is surrounded by a lush botanical garden. The villa's elegant English colonial style and stunning sea views make it a unique and luxurious place to stay.
Historic property. Great location. The Bristol Palace features an impressive elliptical staircase, leading to its elegant rooms. This historic building is in central Genoa, 100 metres from Piazza De Ferrari. The classic style rooms feature antique furniture, and are soundproofed and air conditioned. Each offers free WiFi and a TV with a selection of free Sky and international channels. The large bathroom is equipped with bath or shower and comes with luxury toiletries. A turndown service is provided daily. The Palace has an elegant restaurant and a coffee shop. Breakfast is a varied American buffet with a selection of gluten-free foods. Business facilities are available at the property, including 9 meeting rooms. A private garage is available at extra charge and a valet service is at guests' disposal. Genoa's Aquarium and harbour area are a 15-minute walk away.Show full description
I really like this place... I think it is one of the most HISTORIC luxury hotels in Italian Riviera.
Luxurious. Popular among couples. An elegant, 19th-century villa, lush gardens, a private beach, and a spectacular view across the bay, these are just some of the reasons to choose Imperiale Palace Hotel. Once the residence of a noble family, this impressive villa has now been turned into a luxury hotel. It has a panoramic location in Santa Margherita Ligure, 5 km from Portofino and 3 km from Rapallo. Your room comes with air conditioning and Satellite TV, and some have a beautiful sea view. Throughout the summer you can relax on the private beach or at the sea-water pool with sunbathing terrace. You will also find a fitness centre, which includes a Turkish bath and a massage room. The Imperiale Palace features modern conference facilities with a maximum capacity of 200. The restaurant with sea-view terrace provides a special setting for a candlelit meal. In summer, lunch is served on the beach in the form of a rich buffet of local specialities and fresh fish.Show full description
Unique. Great restaurant. Popular among couples. Le Ville Relais is made of 2 typical Ligurian houses, set in a splendid position in the West of the Gulf of La Spezia. The premises are surrounded by by olive groves and Mediterranean countryside, with a swimming pool and sun terrace. The garden is scattered with olive groves and lemon trees. Enjoy breathtaking views, great walks amongst nature, and plenty of reading space. Visit nearby Portovenere, a small, former fishing village, still unspoilt by mass tourism. Take a boat trip to beautiful spots like Cinque Terre, Portofino, Lerici and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Capraia.Show full description
Very cosy. Gorgeous surroundings. The Sostio is a Ligurian agriturismo with views of the sea. It offers rooms overlooking the garden. The Sostio a Levante is set in a working farm at 400 meters above sea level. The property is surrounded by vineyards, and produces its own Golfo dei Poeti Terre di Framura wine, oil, honey and cheese. The restaurant of the Sostio is family-run and serves organic food. It is open for breakfast and dinner. There is free parking at the Sostio, the nearest bus stop is 2 km away. Wi-Fi is free and is available in the rooms and in the TV room, where wine tastings are also arranged.Show full description
I rate this as the most COSY farm stay in Italian Riviera. It also has beautiful surroundings.
Comfortable beds. Doria Park Hotel offers free parking and is just outside the pedestrian area, only 2 minutes’ walk from Lerici historic centre via a staircase. The terrace offers stunning views of the Gulf of Poets, the castle, and the old town. Rooms at Doria Park Hotel are air conditioned and feature an LCD TV, minibar, and free tea and coffee. A generous buffet breakfast is served on the terrace until 11:00. Offering local specialities, the hotel's restaurant is open at dinner. The hotel is easily reached following the road signs for Tellaro. The beach is just a 5 minutes’ walk away.Show full description
Great location. Hotel San Terenzo overlooks the Bay of Lerici and San Terenzo village with its 15th-century castle. It offers a panoramic terrace and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. Free private parking is available 700 metres away. All rooms come with a minibar and satellite TV. Some rooms feature a balcony and views of the Ligurian Sea. At San Terenzo Hotel you can rent boats and rubber dinghies at reception, which is open 24 hours. Breakfast is available at the restaurant at ground floor, under a different management but available for half or full board options. A partner private beach is available near the hotel. You have excellent public transport links with buses stopping right outside the hotel. You can catch a ferry from Lerici Bay to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere.Show full description
Beach front location. Elegant. Featuring panoramic views of Portofino Bay, Excelsior Palace is a luxury 5-star hotel offering 2 restaurants, sun terraces and spacious rooms, many with sea views. Breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner are served at the on-site Lord Byron restaurant, overlooking Tigullio Gulf. The à-la-carte Eden Roc restaurant is at the private beach, open in summer for both lunch and dinner. Featuring free WiFi, rooms at the Excelsior Palace come with air conditioning and satellite TVs. The private bathroom includes luxurious bathrobes and slippers. The wellness centre features a gym with sea view. Guests can treat themselves to a massage or beauty treatment. On-site facilities also include 2 snack bars. From June to September, guests can also access a private beach with 2 infinity pools. Portofino is 7 km from the hotel, reached along the scenic SP227 coast road. Rapallo Station is a 5-minute taxi ride away.Show full description
Lovely property. Superb interior design. Villa Agnese has a peaceful location surrounded by vineyards, 3 km from Sestri Levante city centre and from the beach. It offers a sun terrace with swimming pool and loungers, and free parking with CCTV video surveillance. Rooms at Villa Agnese are bright and large, and feature LCD TV and free internet. Some rooms offer a balcony or a private garden. A standard room suitable for disabled guests is available on request. Villa Agnese uses geothermal energy for air conditioning and photovoltaic energy for electricity. Breakfast includes organic products and gluten-free food and is served in an elegant dining hall, overlooking the gardens and swimming pool. Guests can have access to free bikes on request. The Ligurian Coast, the Cinque Terre and the Tigullio Gulf areas are just a short drive away on the nearby A12 Motorway. The tennis courts in front of the hotel offer discounted rates.Show full description
I rate this as the most WELL DESIGNED small hotel in Italian Riviera.
Historic. Cosy rooms. Set right on the promenade in Finale Ligure, Hotel Medusa is just a few steps from the beach and historic centre. Relax on the panoramic terrace overlooking the beach. The Medusa Hotel is housed in a completely renovated property, dating back to the 17th century. It features a storage room and washing facilities for bikes. Cyclists can also pick up useful maps and join guided excursions. Some guest rooms feature a balcony with sea view. You can sunbathe on the hotel's spacious terrace and relax in the bar and TV lounge. Enjoy the finest regional cuisine at the restaurant with its 2 elegant dining rooms.Show full description
Beach front location. Historic. Great breakfast. Hotel Bellavista is set in a panoramic location 700 metres from the sea in San Bartolomeo al Mare. Your room comes with satellite TV and either a private balcony or garden. The Bellavista Hotel also features a large garden with swimming pool and hot tub, plus a children's playground and table tennis. Bellavista offers a free car park and free internet point. A buffet breakfast is served each morning and cocktails and snacks are available throughout the day from the poolside bar. The hotel's restaurant offers views of the ancient town of Cervo.Show full description
Hotel Bellavista is a charming and historic property located near the beach. It has a laid-back atmosphere with an outdoor pool and a restaurant. The rooms are comfortable, some with private balconies and sea views.
Elegant. Wonderful SPA facilities. Popular among couples. Set in over 16000 m² of tropical gardens, this luxury hotel is set on the seafront promenade, a 5-minute walk from Sanremo Casino. It features a modern spa and outdoor pool with large sun terrace. From June to September, guests can enjoy a paid partner beach opposite the hotel, which includes changing huts, sun loungers and parasols. Guests can relax year-round in the wellness centre with sauna, hot tub and Turkish bath. There is also a gym and tennis court for an active holiday. Rooms at the Royal Hotel combine antique furniture with modern amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV and a minibar. All rooms feature a marble bathroom with a bathrobe and slippers and some have a sea view. A buffet breakfast is served each morning while Fiori di Murano restaurant offers fine Italian cuisine and park and sea views. During summer, you also have the Corallina poolside bar and restaurant, plus a gourmet restaurant, Il Giardino, for a candlelit dinner on the terrace.Show full description
Charming. Great restaurant. Featuring a swimming pool and free Wi-Fi, La Riserva di Castel d’Appio offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is set on a hilltop halfway between Monte Carlo and Sanremo, just above Ventimiglia. Dinner is served in the La Riserva’s elegant winter restaurant or on the flower-filled terrace near the pool. Enjoy delicious fish specialities as well as international cuisine. Ideal for visiting towns in both France and Italy, La Riserva is 20 minutes from Monaco and 30 from Sanremo and there are also lesser-known pretty medieval towns nearby such as Dolceacqua.Show full description
Great views. Offering an outdoor swimming pool, wellness centre and restaurant, Dominio Mare Resort & SPA is located 1.5 km from Bergeggi’s sandy beach. It offers self-catering accommodation with modern furnishings and free Wi-Fi. Offering a balcony or a garden, all air-conditioned apartments come with a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchenette with a dishwasher. The private bathroom includes a shower and hairdryer. Guests can enjoy panoramic sea views on the terrace or enjoy a treatment in the Spa. An array of activities can be enjoyed in the surroundings, including diving, golf and mountain biking. Guests can visit Spotorno with its crystal-clear beaches, a 10-minute drive from Dominio Mare. Offering ferry links to Sardinia and Corsica, Savona Port is 10 km from the property. Genova Airport is about 50 km away.Show full description
Close to beach front. Great value. The secluded Castellaro Golf Resort is set in the hills just 9 km from San Remo and 5 km from the Ligurian Sea. It features spacious accommodation, a pool, and sports facilities. Rooms at the peaceful Castellaro offer a minibar, LCD TV with SKY satellite channels and a balcony or terrace. Tennis, football and golf are available for guests’ fitness at the Castellaro Golf Resort. Some have sea views. Apartments and studios also include a fully equipped kitchenette. Guests can also enjoy light meals overlooking the 9-hole golf course at Country Club wine bar. You will also find a relaxation area. The hills around Pompeiana provide the ideal landscape for hiking and horse riding.Show full description
This hotel has a great beach front location, lovely pool facilities and a great SPA.
Luxurious. Popular among couples. Boasting a luxury spa, heated outdoor pool with salt water, and private beach, Grand Hotel Del Mare Resort & Spa is surrounded by beautiful gardens right on the seafront. It is 2 km from Bordighera centre. Grand Spa Del Mare includes a vitality pool with hydromassage corner and salt water, a sauna, Turkish bath and sensory showers. There is also a modern gym and a corner with fresh fruit and herbal teas. You have a wide choice of rooms and suites, all air conditioned and most with a sea-view balcony or terrace. All rooms include a flat-screen satellite TV and a bathroom with luxury toiletries. Room service is available 24 hours per day. La Veranda and The Outdoor Sunrise Restaurant serves Italian and Mediterranean specialties from 7:00 until 00:00. Pool Bar offers a wide selection of cocktails and fresh smoothies, whilst Lounge Bar & Terrace is open 24/7. This elegant 5-star hotel displays antiques and historic paintings in rooms and common areas. Staff will take excellent care of you, arranging car rental, personal shopper and personal trainer services.Show full description
Beach front location. Great location. Hotel Palace is situated in a beautiful spot of the Riviera Dei Fiori, facing a sandy beach and connected to the town centre through a splendid seaside promenade. Free Wi-Fi is available in the entire property. Palace Hotel is a certified eco-friendly hotel. It offers charming and nicely furnished rooms with balconies, some of which have sea views. Make sure you pay a visit to the Palace’s restaurant, offering excellent Italian food with many regional fish and meat dishes and homemade pasta.Show full description
We do our best to keep this list very up to date. It was last edited in February 2024. If you know of a castle hotel that should be on the list, let us know. Click here to contact us. Thanks!
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