Via Roma 9, Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy | (586) 210-9239
Stylishly decor throughout with lots of modern Italian flair
Located a short walk to cafes and restaurants in the town center
Elegant rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, bathrobes, and hairdryers
Some rooms have sitting areas or terraces with hot tubs
Breakfast is free and offers lots of continental options
Small but gorgeous spa offers a wide range of standard and more unique treatments
Excellent base for exploring the Riviera region's towns and scenery
Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property
Attic-level rooms are tiny and some lack windows
No kid-friendly or fitness facilities, though this is fairly common in Italy
No sea views from the property's rooms or common areas
No full restaurant
On-site parking is expensive (cheaper lot across the road)
The upscale, 26-room Hotel Santa Margherita Palace's stylish boutique digs make for a great base to explore the surrounding Riviera region -- and a comfortable place to end the day. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of everything in town -- it's just a two-minute stroll to a large restaurant and shopping area. There's no full restaurant, but all rates include a free buffet breakfast. Elegant rooms are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and bathrobes, but some attic-level rooms are tiny and lack windows. Additional downsides are the lack of sea views and kid-friendly facilities. Those who prioritize being on the water and need a bit more to do for the family should look to the beachfront Metropole, although it's a five-minute walk outside of town.
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Scene
Sleek and stylish Italian design and quiet atmosphere
Although this 2011-opened boutique hotel was originally built in the 18th century, a renovation by Architettura e Design - Napoli modernized the property with sleek, stylish design. The first hint of this guests see is a bold, circular black-and-white pattern of concentric circles in the pavement by the entrance -- topped off with two hot pink chairs for some true Italian style. Many of the common areas, like the lobby, have a black-and-white theme, with handmade furniture and sheet-metal art adding chic touches. While the property lacks sea views, it has a quiet vibe that's suitable to the couples who stay here.
Location
Close to everything in town and a good base for exploring the Riviera's towns
The 18th-century Hotel Santa Margherita Palace is located on a tiny side street in the center of Santa Margherita Ligure, so the elegant old resort town's shops, abundance of cafes, "gelaterie", and marina are within a short walk -- many within just two minutes. The town's sightseeing attractions (which are few, as this is a town for relaxing and soaking up the Riviera lifestyle) are also close: the Villa Durazzo's gorgeous grounds, for example, are just a seven-minute walk away. It's also just a two-minute walk from the beach and five minutes to the train station. For getting out of town, charming villages are a short drive away, making the property an excellent base for exploring the Riviera. Portofino is 11 minutes away, Rapallo is nine minutes, Camogli is 20 minutes, and the larger city of Genoa is 50 minutes by car (some trips are even shorter by train, surprisingly).
Rooms
Rooms are modern and stylish, from the metallic accents to black bathrooms
The hotel's 26 rooms and suites continue the common areas' neutral color scheme and Italian flair: Rooms are mostly furnished in white with pops of jewel tones, dark grays, and metallics highlighting the modern furniture (much of which, as the hotel's website notes, is handmade). Some have charming canopied four-poster beds and sitting areas with comfy sofas. Each room has a minibar, safe, and satellite flat-screen TV, plus bathrobe, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Note that the Romantic Double Mansardata rooms are located on the attic level and tiny, measuring 20 square meters (215 square feet); some also lack windows. Bathrooms are done in either black or glittering mosaic tiles, and come with shower/tub combos or showers. Some have jetted bathtubs, and all have a hairdryer and free toiletries. Several room types have furnished terraces -- a few with hot tubs -- but be aware that none of the rooms offer sea views.
Features
Small but beautiful spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments
This boutique property doesn't offer a ton in the way of amenities, most notably lacking a full restaurant and kid-friendly features. It does, however, have a small but mighty (and gorgeous) spa, which offers standard treatments like massages, a sauna, Turkish bath, manicures and pedicures, and waxing services, as well more unusual offers -- think thermal mud and personalized aromatherapy treatments. Fitness buffs should know that there's no on-site gym (though this is fairly common in Italy). The free breakfast offers a wide selection of fruits, cheese, cured meets, and pastries that should suit most guests. There's also a small bar in this area, though it's better for a nightcap or drink before heading out than a place to spend the evening. There's on-site parking, but a car park across the street offers parking at a much cheaper price. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property.
