Grand Hotel Portovenere

We first came to Grand Hotel for two nights in May and loved it enough to return in September, this time to get married in Portovenere. We booked rooms for ourselves and four guests, including a very distinguished golden retriever, and dinner after the ceremony. The Cloister Suite was spacious, with a lovely terrace overlooking both the bay and the town and marina. The whole team was wonderful. Marta and Francesco helped with bookings and arrangements, Simone assisted before we arrived, and Alessio guided us through the menu and our meals, even arranging a tiramisu wedding cake. Everyone in the restaurant, bar, housekeeping, room service, bell team, and reception was so kind and welcoming. Our guests kept commenting on the exceptional service. They treated us like family, greeting us with Prosecco and a congratulatory letter. The day after the wedding, when my husband called for room service, someone said, “good morning Nate, how is your wife?” Little moments like that made it special. In my normal life I'm a sales operations manager for a bespoke travel company and have discerning hotel tastes, and I've been recommending Grand Hotel almost constantly since we got back. Thanks so much for the wonderful stay. You were right, Alessio, small weddings are magical! See you next September for our anniversary.

The views were amazing, the rooms very clean, and the breakfast might be the best I've had at any resort, even compared with some five-star hotels in New York. The staff were wonderful and helped with activity suggestions and bookings. My wife and I weren't sure at first we'd get our money's worth, but after leaving, I felt the service and location made it a great deal. We'll be back next year.

The sea views from our room were so beautiful I could lie on the bed and stare out the window. The staff at the lobby desk were friendly, full of useful advice, and always ready to help with anything we needed. We even got a few surprise gifts. The restaurant and enoteca were fantastic, with great food, wonderful sea views, and attentive wait staff. Breakfast in the same spot was a pleasure too. From check-in on, the team made us feel comfortable and welcome. I can't recommend The Grand Hotel Portovenere enough, and I'd tell anyone traveling to Italy to make Portovenere a must-stay destination. A truly wonderful experience!

The front desk staff were welcoming and nice, and the rooms and views were lovely. Still, the hotel doesn't offer enough for its price, and what it provides feels completely out of line with the cost. The restaurant food wasn't good, and the breakfast buffet definitely didn't meet the standard of the hotel category they're aiming for. I wouldn't book it again at this price.