Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino

Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino: A Comprehensive Review

Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, a Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently delivers an exceptionally luxurious and memorable experience, highly praised by guests for its prime location, exquisite design, and impeccable service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Splendido Mare is overwhelmingly positive, often described as a true 5-star experience. Guests frequently rate it as "excellent" or "superb," highlighting it as a truly splendid and elegant luxury destination. The hotel lives up to its prestigious reputation, evoking the glitz and glamour of the Italian Riviera.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Splendido Mare. Its location directly on Portofino's main piazza, just steps from the picturesque harbor, is a major draw. The design, reimagined in 2021 by Studio Festen, masterfully blends a modern flair with timeless Italian Riviera style, drawing inspiration from the village's nautical history and mid-century glamour.

A significant highlight is the reciprocity and access guests receive to the facilities of its sister property, the iconic Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, located on the hillside above. This includes access to Splendido's saltwater heated swimming pool, wellness center, fitness center, and acclaimed restaurant La Terrazza.

Furthermore, Splendido Mare offers unique complimentary amenities that set it apart. These include a free one-hour boat ride around Portofino and access to the amazing Bagni Fiore beach club in Paraggi, which has even featured chic pop-ups from brands like Dior.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Splendido Mare are celebrated for their superb decoration, comfort, and luxurious design. Following a 2021 renovation, the attention to detail is evident, with a perfect balance of modern sophistication and traditional Italian Riviera charm. Rooms feature antique pieces, custom lighting crafted in northern Italy, and Carrara marble bathrooms. Options range from Superior Village View Rooms to lavish suites with private balconies offering sea views. The opulent Ava Gardner Suite, named after the Portofino-loving movie star, occupies the entire penthouse level and boasts a generous panoramic terrace. Guests appreciate the spaciousness, even in some of the more entry-level rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Splendido Mare is highly lauded. The hotel's main restaurant, DaV Mare, in partnership with the Cerea family, offers exquisite Ligurian fare with a focus on fresh, seafood-focused cuisine, served in a convivial fine dining atmosphere directly on the Piazzetta.

Breakfast, often included in the room rate, is described as delicious, plentiful, and made-to-order, featuring a variety of fresh egg dishes, pastries, fruits, meats, cheeses, coffee, and fresh juices. Guests also have the option to book breakfast at the main Splendido property to enjoy its fabulous buffet and breathtaking views over Portofino. For a sweet treat, the hotel boasts its own charming 1950s-styled Gelateria San Giorgio, serving authentic gelato. The DaV Mare Bar provides a perfect spot for aperitivi and drinks, with timeless cocktails and unique concoctions made from locally sourced ingredients.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Splendido Mare receive consistent praise for being "fabulous," "friendly," "professional," and "impeccable." Guests report a true 5-star experience where they feel pampered and spoiled. The team's hospitality contributes significantly to the overall luxurious and welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel like they are coming home.

6. Location & Accessibility

Splendido Mare boasts a privileged and highly sought-after location directly on the iconic Piazzetta of Portofino, placing guests at the heart of the village's vibrant life, just steps away from the picturesque harbor, shops, and open-air cafés. The area around the hotel is pedestrianized, enhancing the charming ambiance.

The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service for easy travel to its sister property, Splendido, located on the hillside, and to the Bagni Fiore beach club in Paraggi. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) is the nearest airport, approximately a 40-50 minute drive away, and airport transfers can be arranged.

7. Value & Pricing

Splendido Mare is undeniably a luxury property, and its pricing reflects that. Guests can expect rates for even the cheapest rooms to be substantial, with one guest noting nearly $1,400+ a night in early June. Other sources suggest rates starting from around $573. While some reviews acknowledge the high cost, many guests consider the experience to be worth the splurge, calling it a "true 5-star experience in every way." However, the "value for money" rating on some booking sites is slightly lower (8.6 out of 10) compared to other categories, indicating that some guests do find it to be an expensive stay.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted. A few guests have mentioned that certain suites, despite being luxurious, might be "extremely small" for their price point. The high pricing itself is occasionally a point of discussion, with some finding the food and suites "overpriced". However, these appear to be isolated comments rather than widespread recurring issues, with the overall sentiment leaning heavily towards satisfaction.

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