Timeless Riviera elegance and sea views at Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast—five-star luxury with best rates for CountryClubuk Members in this hidden gem hotel

There are hotels that occupy a destination—and there are those that define it. Overlooking the yacht-dotted Bay of Rapallo, five-star Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast rises above the Ligurian shoreline in a sweep of marble, terraces and sea-facing grandeur. For more than a century it has presided over this glamorous stretch of the Italian Riviera, where pine-fringed cliffs tumble towards the Mediterranean and the light seems permanently gilded. And CountryClubuk Members enjoy some of the best available rates at this five-star Riviera favourite—with savings up to 20% year-round …

Step inside and the sense of occasion deepens: cool marble floors beneath your feet, chandeliers casting a soft glow, and vast windows framing uninterrupted views of the sea. Yet despite its scale and history, the atmosphere remains warmly Italian—privately owned, lovingly maintained, and shaped by a team who have welcomed returning guests for decades. This is Riviera glamour without affectation; heritage without stiffness; five-star refinement with genuine heart.

The hotel is located on Via San Michele di Pagana, overlooking the Bay of Rapallo between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino on the Italian Riviera. Its 117 guestrooms and suites blend classic Italian elegance with polished comfort. Many rooms and suites feature private balconies overlooking the bay—arguably the hotel’s greatest luxury. Here, mornings begin with espresso against a backdrop of endless blue; evenings unfold slowly, marked by the ritual of aperitivo as the sun melts into the horizon. For longer stays or special occasions, the suites offer additional space and commanding sea views that make the most of this extraordinary setting. And within the rooms, antique-style furnishings, refined fabrics and authentic prints nod to the property’s turn-of-the-century origins, while marble bathrooms and thoughtful modern touches ensure a thoroughly contemporary stay.

A rare privilege on this dramatic coastline, the hotel’s private Beach Club is carved into the cliffside directly above the Mediterranean. Two infinity pools appear to merge seamlessly with the sea, their edges dissolving into the horizon. Sun loungers line the terraces, outdoor Jacuzzis bubble discreetly in sheltered corners, and the gentle rhythm of the water sets the pace for unhurried afternoons. Guests may swim in the pools, descend to the sea platforms for a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or simply bask in the warm Ligurian sun with a book and something chilled in hand. Outdoor massages can be arranged overlooking the sea—the sound of the waves replacing any need for music—making relaxation here feel entirely natural, either here or in the full-service spa.

Dining on the Ligurian Coast is pure pleasure. The cucina at Excelsior Palace celebrates its coastal setting. Fresh seafood, handmade pasta, fragrant basil and sun-ripened produce take centre stage in the Lord Byron, paired with Ligurian olive oil and crisp local wines. Breakfast overlooking the bay is a lingering affair. Lunch at Eden Roc is light and elegant—perhaps grilled fish or a simple caprese served with chilled Vermentino. Evenings invite candlelit dinners on the terrace, where Mediterranean views stretch endlessly and conversations drift long into the night.

The hotel’s bars complete the experience with beautifully judged cocktails—from classic Negronis to Champagne by the glass—perfectly suited to golden-hour views across the water.

While it would be easy to remain happily within the hotel’s embrace, the surrounding coastline is irresistible. Portofino itself is just moments away—its harbour framed by pastel façades and polished wooden boats. Santa Margherita Ligure offers elegant promenades and boutique-lined streets, while Rapallo retains an authentic charm of its own.

From the hotel’s jetty, private boat trips can be arranged into the historic bay. Guests may choose a leisurely cruise along the coast, seek out secluded coves for swimming and snorkelling, or anchor offshore for a Champagne lunch against one of Italy’s most cinematic backdrops.

Farther afield, the dramatic villages of Cinque Terre cling to the cliffs in postcard-perfect formation, rewarding those who venture out, with panoramic walks, terraced vineyards and sweeping coastal views. Golf enthusiasts, too, will appreciate nearby courses overlooking the sea—a rare pleasure in such a setting. The hotel is just a short walk from Rapallo’s marina and rail station, making leisurely excursions to Portofino and Cinque Terre beautifully easy.

And this Mediterranean escape is remarkably accessible. Some two hours’ flight from the UK to Genoa, followed by a scenic coastal transfer of about an hour, the Portofino Coast feels surprisingly within reach.

Thanks to its temperate Mediterranean climate, spring and autumn are particularly appealing times to visit. Balmy days, golden light and comfortably warm temperatures make this an ideal escape—especially for those wishing to trade a British winter for sea air and sunshine, or to avoid the height-of-summer crowds and extend our own British summer with some Mediterranean sunshine in late autumn.

In a destination often associated with eye-watering rates, Excelsior Palace offers something refreshingly considered. CountryClubuk Members enjoy savings of up to 20% year-round across all room and suite categories—with rates starting from only £139 per night for two, including tax, breakfast, room upgrade (subject to availability) and early check-in.

Entry-level rooms at Excelsior Palace are classically styled and generously comfortable, offering an elegant base from which to explore the Riviera. For those seeking private outdoor space and uninterrupted Mediterranean views, sea-view rooms with balconies begin at Exclusive Room level—the first category to guarantee both a balcony and panoramic views over either Rapallo Bay or the Gulf of Portofino.

Members wishing to make the most of the setting may find the modest supplement to Exclusive level particularly worthwhile, allowing mornings and aperitivo hours to unfold against the sweep of the Ligurian coastline. At the very top, the hotel’s suites—particularly those on higher floors—offer commanding panoramic views across the entire bay, with generous terraces designed for long, sun-drenched afternoons.

Combined with the hotel’s ongoing reinvestment, high guest satisfaction and privately owned character, it represents a rare opportunity to experience authentic Riviera heritage at exceptional value.

For those who appreciate history, sea views, warm service and the unhurried pleasures of Italian coastal living, Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast is a natural addition to the CountryClubuk collection.

Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
Via San Michele di Pagana, 8
16035 Rapallo (GE)
Liguria, Italy

Link to the hotel’s official website here.

Nearest major airport: Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA)—approximately 40-45 minutes by car along the scenic Ligurian coast.
Check-in: from early afternoon.
Check-out: typically by midday (exact times vary by booking).

For the ultimate stay in Portofino, Hotel Splendido, a Belmond hotel, click here for Club rates.

For Caruso, a Belmond Hotel in Ravello, click here for Club rates.

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