There’s no wrong way to do Italy. The Southern European country is a hotbed of indulgent food, gregarious locals, and artistic culture that has made it one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the world. But even its undeniable allure can’t detract from the annoying hoards of tourists, especially during peak summer season when, combined with the oppressive heat, it could make a week at Burning Man feel more like five-star hospitality in comparison.
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Around the corner of uber-popular Portofino is an equally beautiful and more remote town of Rapallo, which is home to the Grand Hotel Bristol. The iconic property takes a more playful approach to traditional luxury with monogrammed everything (down to tissue boxes), along with flamingo pink accents and an iconic pool that spells out “Too Sexy for Portofino” at its base. While the hotel can certainly lean into its high-end nature due to its picturesque surroundings and Art Nouveau architecture, this departure makes it feel less stuffy and predictable. The hallways also play music, curated by the time of day, to either lift the mood or lull guests to sleep. Little touches like these blend seamlessly into the background but do not go entirely unnoticed.
Rooms are no-frills, yet spacious with high ceilings and oversized bathrooms, complete with balconies that look out onto the sparkling Ligurian Sea. Guests can enjoy cozy robes and slippers to take in these views, as well as fiery sunsets and postcard-worthy peeks of the Italian countryside.
But what separates the hotel most and, frankly, will come as a surprise to any guest is its giant Erre Spa in the basement, complete with an impressive array of cutting-edge features. These include saunas, shower journeys, cold plunge therapies, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. Its pièce de résistance is an indoor pool with relaxing images of nature projected on one of its walls. Though startlingly grandiose compared to the rest of the building, it’s a wonderful spot for a first day to rest weary legs and stave off pesky jet lag.
Top Takeaways
Location: Rapallo, Italy
Address: Via Aurelia Orientale, 369, 16035 Rapallo GE, Italy
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Upon arrival, the property evokes the vibes of a traditional villa-style boutique hotel, but it’s the small, aforementioned details that make it quirky and unique. Modern artwork and florals tucked into various walls and displays will also have guests feel as if they need to explore, find, and appreciate the lodging’s more intricate and elusive choices in decor.
Food + Drink: Food and beverage options on-site are stellar, with a morning breakfast that incorporates locally sourced cheeses, ham, and bread that’s made on property. Its primary restaurant, La Veranda, which extends to a patio and is adjacent to lemon trees so vibrantly yellow that they look fake, also offers an ideal spot for an aperitivo or dining al fresco. For special occasions, rooftop restaurant Le Cupole is a memorable gastronomic experience, featuring a chef’s tasting menu that highlights Italy’s most celebrated culinary gems, from fresh-caught red mullet and blistered tomatoes to handmade pastas and pasture-raised proteins. These ingredients, however, are presented in new and innovative ways that challenge tradition (i.e., one amuse bouche of fish is presented in the shape of a cherry tomato).
Amenities: Gym; Spa; Free breakfast; Wifi; Beach club; on-site art gallery
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Its location. Grand Hotel Bristol is only a quick drive to the city center, which is chock-full of shops and delis to buy local goods and interact with residents. It’s also removed from the hustle and bustle of nearby Portofino so that extended stays feel more like vacations instead of reprieves from constant human interaction.
5 Nearby Attractions: Boat ride to Portofino; Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montallegro; La Funivia Rapallo-Montallegro; Rapallo Castle; San Michele di Pagana Beach
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Take a food tour through ParleComeMangi. Actor-turned guide and entertainer Guido is an absolute character who will make you fall in love with the region. Learn to make pesto, sip new wine varietals, and nosh on Ligurian delicacies with the hilarious small business owner at the helm. Guido also owns a shop bearing the same name as his company, and it is here where you can purchase a robust number of products to take home, from olive oils and jams to cookies and canned seafood.
Pricing: Rooms start at $379/night
Closest Airport: Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
