Hotel Grand Hotel Torre Fara

The breakfast was great and the views are beautiful. Check-in was professional, and the room was okay, though it was on the first floor facing the train tracks. We tried to have lunch downstairs, but the bartender said there were no tables and told us to come back in an hour, even though half the room was empty and plenty of tables were free outside. Maybe they didn't think we were hotel guests, so we ate at a nearby restaurant. Dinner upstairs was nice, but my filet was tough and the pasta was good. The service was friendly, but still has a way to go. The chef and restaurant show a lot of promise, but things need tightening up.

We've spent three summers here in a row, starting with our honeymoon, and for the price it's an exceptional hotel. Chiavari is a beautiful town. The breakfast buffet is amazing, dinner is pretty good, and the location is nice. We usually take a taxi from the station when we arrive, then walk to the train station when we leave, about 12 minutes. The wait staff are very friendly, especially the bartenders. The managers can seem a little cold or serious, maybe for cultural reasons or something I don't understand. It's nicer than hotels I've paid two or three times as much for in the US. Take the morning ferry to Portofino and the later one back in the afternoon!

The rooms are roomy, modern, clean, and comfortable. Housekeeping does a great job, as do the breakfast staff. Breakfast was included and good, though there was very little variety from one day to the next. Weekday front desk staff seemed friendly and knowledgeable. When we checked in over the weekend, the women at the desk seemed almost bothered by us. I'm not sure I'd stay again, mainly because of all the extra charges. We paid about 1000 Euros a night for a two-bedroom apartment and still had to pay for everything imaginable. You get one beach towel per person at check-in, but swapping it for a fresh one costs 5 euros per towel. Renting two beach chairs for half a day was 50 euros. Our apartment had no balcony, and when the beach was closed because thunderstorms were forecast, we couldn't sit outside with a sea view at the bar unless we bought something. At that price, adding cost after cost feels ridiculous. They should raise the room rate a little and include everything.

Our five-day stay was very disappointing, even though the waiting staff were lovely. After we'd spent hours by the pool, we were suddenly told to leave our loungers. When we arrived, there were no signs, ropes, or reserved notices, and no hotel staff watching the pool area. We asked to speak with the manager, who talked over us and dismissed our concerns instead of listening. He also insulted us by saying, “the English always complain when they don’t get their own way.” Given what we paid, that felt especially rude and disrespectful. This was upsetting in particular because our daughter is marrying a local man, and her future in-laws from Chiavari recommended the hotel. More than 100 guests are due to travel for the wedding, so it could have been a good option. We can't recommend it after this experience. What should have been a relaxing stay became a visit we regret, and we left uncomfortable and very let down.