Belmond Hotel Splendido

We spent three nights at the Belmond Splendido at the end of September with my family to celebrate my father’s birthday, and honestly, I don’t think we could have chosen anywhere more special. If you want to be transported into a world where everything feels perfect and you can truly experience the Italian Dolce Vita, this is the place to book. I had wanted to visit the Splendido for years, and it absolutely did not disappoint. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like literal royalty — but in the most natural and genuine way, almost like coming home to a family you’ve known for years. Ermes, the hotel ambassador, greeted us so warmly and introduced us to the new hotel manager. We were then quickly taken under the wing of Marisa, who kindly escorted us to the bar for a lovely welcome drink before showing us to our room and around the hotel. We were incredibly lucky to be upgraded to a beautiful suite with a double balcony overlooking the Ligurian Sea and the Bay of Portofino. Waking up to that view was simply unforgettable. We had a wonderful meal at the Splendido Grill, and the hotel went above and beyond to make my father’s birthday special. They surprised us with a beautiful birthday cake, along with a lovely bottle of Ruinart Champagne. It was such a thoughtful gesture and one that we really appreciated. The evenings at the Splendido were also great fun. Vlad, the piano singer, was hugely entertaining and created such a wonderful atmosphere. He had guests getting involved, joining in with the singing and really brought everyone together. It was exactly the kind of relaxed, glamorous and slightly playful atmosphere you hope for when staying somewhere like the Splendido. Federico, the concierge, and his entire team were exceptional. They were so kind, friendly and genuinely interested in making sure we were enjoying our stay. It never felt like they were simply doing their job — they really cared. As others have mentioned, the setting of the Splendido is absolutely stunning, and the recent renovations speak for themselves. But for me, the true gems of this hotel are the staff. Rita at breakfast was so efficient and lovely, and Gian Luca was an absolute hoot when we were having drinks! He remembered us and looked after us so well. We also had a wonderful experience with Ermes, who took us through the hotel’s famous “Golden Book” and shared so much of the history of the Splendido. He was incredibly down to earth, warm and genuinely interested in hearing about how we were enjoying our stay. We also had a wonderful olive oil tasting experience, which I would highly recommend to anyone staying at the hotel. The team were incredibly kind and even gifted us some beautiful Ligurian olive oil to take home — such a thoughtful touch. We also visited the Dior Spa, which was excellent, and every meal we had during our stay was absolutely divine. Thank you so much to all the managers and staff at the Splendido. You can tell that this is a truly special place, and that is an absolute credit to every single person who works there. We had the most wonderful family stay and made some very special memories celebrating my father’s birthday. We will be back! Thank you again for making our stay so unforgettable.

The service here is second to none. Attentiveness, care & support of the guests is there at very turn and by everyone. We stay and have stayed over the years at some top class hotels around the world, but there’s something about the Splendido that sets it apart. It truly is a very special place, with very special staff and a very special ambience!

I first stayed at the Hotel Splendido in 2001 . I wrote then that it was the most beautiful hotel at the most beautiful place I have ever been to. This is my 20 th visit . What I wrote back in 2001 is even more true today. Since my last visit in 2022 the hotel has undergone an absolutely stunning renovation . I was blown away by the quality and extent of the renovation. It provides a truly 6 star experience that I have not experienced anywhere else . I was greeted like a long lost friend . I was upgraded to an amazing Prestige Suite on the 4 th floor with views to die for , but not yet ! I was presented with an exquisite bottle of 2001 Barbaresco and accompanying framed certificate to commercial my 20 th visit. It was a most generous and unexpected gesture . The quality of the service has improved as has the quality of the food offerings particularly the breakfasts . It is really not possible to write anything negative about this hotel. One leaves or is about to leave and immediately thinks ‘when can I come back’. It is a great privilege and joy to stay here . I shall return !

It feels like coming home — and somehow, it keeps getting better every time. There is something truly special about this hotel. It has an extraordinary sense of place, where timeless elegance meets effortless Italian chic. Every detail feels considered, from the beautiful décor and exquisite flowers to the textures, colours, and little touches that create such a sophisticated yet wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Nothing feels overdone; everything feels perfectly in its place. I absolutely loved the Riviera Suite — without a doubt, my favourite to date. Beautifully elegant, incredibly comfortable, and made even more special by the extraordinary attention to detail. From the gourmet treats and chilled champagne waiting for you, to the thoughtful personalisation of your stay, every little touch makes you feel genuinely known and welcomed. Even the smallest details are personalised, from your initials on everything from pyjamas to pillows. It is these touches that transform a beautiful stay into something truly personal and memorable. And dining in the suite is spectacular — intimate, effortless, and beautifully executed. The food throughout the hotel deserves a special mention too. Terrazza is a real highlight, with wonderful food, beautiful presentation, and an atmosphere that perfectly captures the elegance of the hotel. From breakfast to dinner, there is a genuine sense of pleasure around food here — refined, generous, and unmistakably Italian. But what truly sets the hotel apart is the people. The attention to detail is exceptional, yet it never feels formal or impersonal. From Alfonso, the GM — truly the very best — to Clarissa and her natural elegance, Rita at breakfast, and Martina at Dav, to mention just a few, every member of the team brings warmth, personality, and genuine care. You feel remembered, looked after, and completely at home. And then there is the pool. The service is simply second to none — attentive without ever being intrusive, effortless, and always with that extra touch that makes you feel special. And, of course, that view… It is impossible not to fall in love with it. The whole experience feels like a celebration of Dolce Vita — beautiful surroundings, exquisite food, impeccable service, flowers everywhere, elegant interiors, sunshine, champagne, and those little unexpected details that make you smile. This is more than a beautiful hotel. It has soul, personality, and a true sense of place. A place where luxury is not about excess, but about thoughtfulness, elegance, and making every guest feel special. Every visit somehow manages to be better than the last — and every time I leave, I’m already looking forward to coming back. ❤️

Exceptional stay once again! This icon gem delivers like always… the team was fantastic and the views! Breakfast on the terrace, some tennis with Flavio and a bottle of Rose at nearby Langosteria … a Riviera Classic!