Grand Hotel Miramare

Grand Hotel Miramare: A Glimpse into Italian Riviera Glamour

The Grand Hotel Miramare, a distinguished Michelin Key One-Key property in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy, consistently earns high praise for its timeless elegance, exceptional service, and breathtaking location on the Gulf of Tigullio. Operating since 1903 and owned by the Fustinoni family since 1945, this hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort, making it a beloved destination on the Italian Riviera.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with ratings frequently in the "Exceptional" range (e.g., 9.2 on Agoda, 10/10 on Virtuoso). Guests consistently describe their stays as "fantastic," "amazing," and "perfection," highlighting a strong sense of satisfaction and a desire to return.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of the Grand Hotel Miramare:

• Location & Views: The hotel's prime position overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio provides stunning sea views, with many rooms offering breathtaking vistas.
• Exceptional Service: The staff's warmth, attentiveness, and friendliness are frequently lauded, with many guests considering the service "outstanding" and "impeccable."
• Beautiful Amenities: The saltwater swimming pool, lush tropical garden, and inviting terraces are significant draws for relaxation.
• Cleanliness & Comfort: The hotel consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness and overall comfort.
• Classic Design: The hotel retains its Art Nouveau charm with elegant interiors, antique furnishings, crystal chandeliers, and parquet floors.

Room Quality

The 72 rooms and suites at the Grand Hotel Miramare blend classic charm with modern comforts. They are elegantly decorated with high ceilings, crown moldings, and gold headboards. Rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs, free non-alcoholic minibars, and renovated white marble bathrooms. Many rooms offer furnished terraces or balconies with captivating views of the sea or the serene park. While generally praised for comfort and style, some guests have noted that certain room sizes can be small.

Dining Experience

The hotel offers a varied dining experience with "Vistamare" and "Le Colonne" restaurants, serving the best in Ligurian cuisine and a selection of Italian wines.

• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is a consistent highlight, with guests appreciating its quality and the gorgeous setting, especially when enjoyed outdoors on the terrace.
• Restaurant Quality: The food, particularly Ligurian dishes, is generally well-received, though some past reviews noted very generous portion sizes. There are also casual poolside dining options.
• Bars: The comfortable lounge bar and the lively Barracuda piano bar provide pleasant settings for evening drinks and entertainment.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Grand Hotel Miramare are consistently rated as excellent. Guests frequently commend the staff for their warmth, attentiveness, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Many describe the service as "outstanding," "impeccable," and very friendly and helpful. The concierge service also receives specific praise for assisting with local arrangements and activities.

Location & Accessibility

The Grand Hotel Miramare boasts an excellent location in Santa Margherita Ligure, directly overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio and across the street from a public beach where hotel guests receive free entrance and service in the summer.

• Neighborhood & Attractions: It is ideally situated for exploring the Italian Riviera, with the charming fishing town of Portofino just minutes away and the Cinque Terre easily reachable by train or boat. The hotel is also within walking distance of excellent local restaurants and shopping in Santa Margherita Ligure.
• Transport: The Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino Train Station is approximately 1 km away, offering convenient access for exploring the region.

Value & Pricing

The Grand Hotel Miramare is considered a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. While offering an unparalleled experience, average room prices can be significantly higher than the city's average, with rates from around $198, but commonly ranging from $456 for a Deluxe room to $764 for a Double room, and up to an average of $922 for the exquisite experience. Many guests feel the experience is well worth the cost, particularly for those seeking a splurge on Italian luxury.

Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Room Size: Some guests have mentioned that certain room sizes can be small.
• Street Noise: Lower-floor rooms facing the street may experience some noise from traffic, especially during the daytime in summer.
• Heating: A few guests have suggested that the heating could be improved in some instances.
• Beach Club Access: While there's a public beach across the street with free hotel guest service in summer, some past guests have noted that only a limited number of sun loungers are free for hotel guests at the beach club, and additional ones may incur a charge if the complimentary ones are occupied.
• No Gym (Historically): Older reviews sometimes mentioned the lack of a gym, however, a new fitness center was built in 2023.
• Pool Not Heated: The outdoor saltwater pool is not heated.

Sources

1. travel-buddies.com
2. lhw.com
3. grandhotelmiramare.it
4. virtuoso.com
5. agoda.com
6. hotels.com
7. michelin.com
8. booking.com
9. oyster.com
10. kayak.com
11. swisstraveler.net
12. luxury-executive.com