Hotel Canali

Built in 1929, the four-story Hotel Canali is set in a splendid Art Nouveau building. This property is still run by the same family that opened the hotel in the Jazz Age. From the moment guests enter, there's a charming, homey feel throughout, from the cozy and traditional lounge -- with comfortable sofas, an open fireplace, crystal chandeliers, and a piano -- to the lobby area with a small wooden reception desk with ornate carving and a sweeping marble staircase with a dramatic red-runner carpet and decorative wrought-iron banister. There are polished wooden floors, antique furniture, and decorative ceiling cornices throughout. Most guests at this traditional Italian residence are couples or families, but the occasional business guest stays here too.

The Hotel Canali is located in the town of Rapallo, between Portofino and the Cinque Terre. Set in a residential area between the sea and the hills of the Ligurian Riviera, it's a good spot for guests seeking relaxation and tranquility off the beaten track, yet it's a short walk to the beach and local promenade. Just steps away from the hotel is the popular Park Casale, which has many rare species of plants and birds. A five-minute walk through the park leads to the beach. Shops and restaurants line the seafront and pier. Boat trips can also be taken from here to Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, Cinque Terre, and Portovenere. The Rapello Golf Club is around a five-minute drive from the hotel, where the 18-hole course winds through towering trees and includes the enchanting Abbey of Valle Christi. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is a 35-minute drive away.

The hotel's 28 rooms are available in five categories: Classic, Superior, Single, Junior Suite, and Family. They all have air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, minibar, hairdryer, and safe. Rooms are decorated with touches of classical Italian elegance -- chandeliers, brass room numbers, and marble-topped nightstands -- though patterned bedspreads, doilies, and worn furnishings can make them feel dated and tired. But rooms do get plenty of natural light from large windows. And Superior Rooms have the addition of a balcony, and some have sea views. The Suites have a separate lounge area and a large bathroom, and the Family Rooms can accommodate four or five people. Bathrooms vary in size and decor. Some are very small and feel cramped with basic beige tile. Others are more spacious with modern, slate-gray tile and towel warmers. Most just have a shower stall rather than a bath. 

The Hotel Canali has a good amount of outdoor space. There’s a pretty garden filled with lemon, orange, and grapefruit trees, and a hot tub is available for guests' use during the summer months. There’s also a sun terrace with plenty of loungers. An excellent breakfast buffet is served daily, which includes fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, breads, cereals, eggs -- and even gluten free options. During warmer weather, the breakfast is served outside, though it’s not always included in the room rate. Wi-Fi, parking, and use of the computer station are all free. There’s a small fitness center with weights, an elliptical machine, and a treadmill, plus a Turkish bath. Bikes can also be rented via the hotel. There’s a small lounge bar, and 24-hour room service is available. Business guests can make use of the meeting room which seats up to 12 people.