Hotel Paradiso

From the exterior, Hotel Paradiso resembles a classic Italian villa with green shutters and a stone wall. It's built into the side of a hill overlooking the harbor, so it has gorgeous views of the water. It's actually the first hotel in Porto Venere (if you're arriving by car instead of by ferry), and it's simply signed with the word "Hotel" in large white vertical letters, so it can be easy to miss. Once inside, the pleasant lobby is furnished with modern orange club chairs placed in front of large windows that look out on the water. Terra-cotta potted plants, brick archways, and vintage photographs of the area add a touch of local interest. Public areas are limited to the lobby and a lovely covered terrace where breakfast and dinner are served. The modern elevator brings guests up their rooms. Guests are mostly tourists, and a mix of couples and families -- it's rare to see folks in the hotel outside of meal times as almost everyone is out exploring. 

Hotel Paradiso is located near the harbor (a one-minute walk) and beach (a three-minute walk) of Porto Venere. There are a few good Italian seafood restaurants underneath the hotel, on the way to the beach. Paradiso is right on the outskirts of the medieval town and the ferry docks are reachable in about a picturesque five-minute walk. It takes eight minutes to reach the breathtaking Castello Doria and church of St. Peter (which was a temple to the goddess Venus in 1 B.C.) at the edge of town, right on the coast. The medieval city rivals Vernazza in terms of charm, souvenir shops, Italian restaurants, gelato stands, and people watching. Ferry services up to Cinque Terre are available on a seasonal basis, with costs and schedule varying each year. Note that rough waters can delay or suspend ferry service. It takes about an hour to drive to Vernazza. Pisa International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes from the hotel. Florence Airport is almost two hours by car. 

The simple and comfortable rooms at Hotel Paradiso are fresh, bright, and nicely maintained. Double Rooms tend to have a neutral color scheme with tile or parquet floors, white walls, and simple wood furniture. Some units feature custom green wicker cabinetry, while others have large cream-colored closets in the entryway. Family Rooms can provide bunk beds and a double bed or a double bed and single twin bed. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, refrigerated minibar, electronic safe, and air-conditioning. Renovated gray-tile bathrooms feature singular sinks and glass-enclosed showers. Toiletries, wall-mounted hairdryers, and slippers are provided. Some of the rooms have balconies. Units in the back of the hotel overlook the picturesque harbor, while units in front of the hotel have street views. 

Features are quite limited, but what's on offer is a nice addition to the pleasant rooms and convenient location. Free continental breakfast buffet (no hot items) is served in a covered terrace overlooking the harbor, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The spread includes coffee, cake, breads, hard boiled eggs, and fresh fruit. At night, the same space provides an a la carte Italian menu with a focus on seafood. A small selection of cocktails, wines, and beers are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Free parking is available on the street directly in front of the hotel, or there's a small garage nearby. Airport shuttle services are available for an additional cost.