Excelsior Palace Hotel

The Excelsior Palace Hotel -- first opened in 1901 and attracting guests including Rita Hayworth and Ernest Hemingway -- retains the classic charms of past eras. A large wooden reception desk with green marble accents greets guests, a design touch that continues along the floors and elevators. The large lobby is opulently filled with satin sofas and gold-framed paintings; a wooden harp with gold trim and antique furniture continue the regal appearance. There’s a friendly and cheerful vibe indoors as well as outdoors; the two-story terrace has potted flowers and plants surrounding iron tables and benches to sit while taking in the impressive panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and boat dock next to the hotel. Couples frequent the upscale hotel for its romantic setting, but families also make use of the children’s playground area and the two pools.

The Excelsior Palace Hotel is high up on a hill along the Italian Riviera in Rapallo. It’s in front of the Portofino Bay overlooking the neighboring Porto Carlo Riva boat marina. The seaside location provides stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and lush surrounding hills. Only a five-minute walk to the town center, hotel guests can make their way to the area of Rapallo that has shopping and dining options. The train station is a 15-minute walk and can take travelers to the popular tourist destinations of Cinque Terre, Portofino, and Genoa.

While being off a private road up on a hill has its advantages, hotel guests have to climb dozens of stairs to reach the hotel entrance, which can be troublesome. Guests can rent bikes from the hotel and there is free parking in their outdoor lot.

Rooms are elegant and traditional with antique furniture and opulent accent pieces. Some rooms are classic with patterned carpet (that could use replacing) and wallpaper while others are more modern, with hardwood floors. All rooms have balconies overlooking the sea. All bathrooms have modern fixtures and are colorfully tiled; they either have a separate shower and bathtub or a combination.

The suites are more romantic and sophisticated, such as the Junior Suite with pale blue walls, wood-framed maps, and white linens. The Presidential Suite is spacious on the inside and outside; there’s a huge terrace with lounge chairs, a private hot tub, and area sitting under a cover. The aptly named Relax Suite has the same features but also has an in-room sauna to really up the leisure ante.

The Excelsior Palace Hotel knows its greatest asset is its view and uses it wisely; several outdoor areas have beautiful views of the sea and surrounding hillside. There’s a private beach area for guests, but there’s no sand and it’s quite rocky. An indoor heated pool is available, but there’s also a serene infinity pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrella shades. Guests can reserve chairs on the multiple deck areas, so it’s best to do so to ensure you get a spot. Also facing the sea is a children’s area containing a large sandbox and play structure with a slide.

There is a seashell-themed spa, with various treatments, a sauna, whirlpool, and steam room; during select times, an outdoor gazebo can be requested for massages. There’s also a tiny fitness center and several meeting and event space options, which can be used for a wedding.

The fine dining Lord Byron Restaurant is decorated with gold-framed portraits and coral booths for a traditional feel; the breakfast buffet is served here, but isn’t necessarily included in the room fee. In the summertime, the Eden Roc Lounge and Restaurant is open and best for light dishes and looking out at the sea. Two bars are on-site- the nautical-themed Sporting Bar is inside and the Yachting Bar has an ritzy feel indoors and a more casual outdoor setting with green wrought-iron tables and potted flower plants.