| Hotel Splendido, Portofino
We have chosen this famous Italian beauty because, for some, opulence on a grand scale combined with perfect picture postcard shishi views, is an indulgence you simply can't resist.
There is no chicanery: it's just in a class of its own and is a real treat for Springtime sprucing. There is a distinct nostalgia of how it must have been fifty years ago and yet it is contemporarily impeccable.
The situation
The Hotel Splendido, described by Harpers and Queen as a "peaches-and-cream villa" is situated on a hillside overlooking the quaint scene that is Portofino; dotted with luxury yachts in a turquoise sea. An essential pit stop for the followers of luxury circuit hotels worldwide. It is impossible to ignore the staggering array of Ferraris and Bentleys as you enter the magnificent reception hall. There is so much splendid eye candy to behold that a large dark pair of Gucci's with an Hermes scarf wrapped lightly around the bouffant a-la-Loren will hide your natural curiosity.
Apart from the crowd there really is immense pleasure to be had at this coastal landmark, where the terrace for dining is totally divine. By booking a table closest to the view you can dine on Ligurian delights while sipping some of the finest wines in Italy; with a view that makes you feel a million dollars. It's just special. The pianist, Vladimiro Gatto, who has played for many years on the terrace and in the bar, is not only dapper, but talented as well.
Nostalgic Night Caps
Some great hotels hold the secrets of patrician partying and the Splendido is no exception. Sitting languidly in the Cocktail and Piano Bar sipping a sticky digestif and singing along to Sinatra, you have the nearest thing to fifties nostalgia you will find in any grand-luxe hotel worldwide. Sliding off to bed up the Scarlet O' Hara staircase is the perfect end to a perfect evening.
Credit card control
Forget that! You will lose all memory of statement horror because a shuttle down to the port could end in credit card incontinence. Not only are all the haute designers there but also the best of Italy; and that is hard to beat. It isn't even necessary to mention favourite shops because the port is teeny considering all the debt damage you could cause. We did find a couple of fantastic restaurants; one at the sister hotel, Splendido Mare, in the port, and the other next door. Book in advance; as siestas are between meals. We also had a chill-out cocktail on a boat moored in the Port with a divine plate of San Danieli ham and little green olives. It was the only boat-bar available to the non-nautical crowd but it was great and it really helped ease the conscience of the little suede purchase by our side.
The Health and Wellbeing Centre
Spa indulgence has become an imperative for many and the Splendido has not forgotten that. There are saunas, Turkish baths, hot stone massages and all the redefined beauty treatments. Hair, unlike many grand hotels, is also pampered and a pre-terrace-dinner-hair-do is very important for some of us.
Yes it really is dreamy and seems like another world. However, you can combine all this great style with a striking panoramic view and make it part of your world.
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Special Offer |
 Grand-luxe tour of Italy Explore the splendours of Italy and enjoy a very appealing flat rate from Euros 720 per night, available at all Orient-Express Hotels in Italy. Book a minimum of seven nights in advance at the participating 5 star hotels listed below and create your own Italian grand-luxe tour.
You can create your very own 'couture' itinerary staying at any combination of the following legendary hotels: Hotel Cipriani, in our opinion Venice's most exquisite luxury hotel; romantic Villa San Michele, a Michelangelo facaded former monastery in the hills above Florence; glamorous Hotel Splendido in pretty Portofino on the Ligurian coast; and charismatic Hotel Caruso, Ravello's cliff-top gem on the glittering Amalfi Coast.
2011 rates - 7 nights
Double room - Euros 5,040
Junior Suite - Euros 8,750
Additional nights
Double room - Euros 720
Junior Suite - Euros 1,250
The above rates are quoted on a per room basis and include full American breakfast and
service charge. Rates are exclusive of 10% tax. Conditions and rates are subject to change without notice.
Terms and conditions
- Minimum seven nights booked in at least two different hotels
- Nights do not have to be consecutive but the complete itinerary must be taken within 30 days
- A complete itinerary must be submitted at time of reservation with exact dates and hotels and is subject to availability
- Full prepayment is requested within seven days from confirmation
- Bookings are non-transferrable and fully refundable only if cancelled 14 days prior to first arrival date
- This promotion is not available at Hotel Splendido and Hotel Caruso between 18 June and 11 September 2010
- Nights do not have to be consecutive but the complete itinerary must be taken within 30 days
- A complete itinerary must be submitted at time of reservation with exact dates and hotels and is subject to availability
- Full prepayment is requested within seven days from confirmation
- Bookings are non-transferrable and fully refundable only if cancelled 14 days prior to first arrival date
- This promotion is not available at Hotel Splendido and Hotel Caruso between 18 June and 11 September 2010
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