Where timeless elegance meets modern indulgence.
On Italy’s picturesque Portofino Coast, the Grand Hotel Bristol in Rapallo stands as a testament to timeless luxury and modern sophistication. Celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, this five-star jewel has undergone a remarkable transformation, introducing a state-of-the-art 22,000-square-foot spa and a dazzling beach club. These updates, coupled with its historic charm, position the hotel as a must-visit destination for discerning travelers.
A Spa Like No Other
The Erre Spa, now the largest hotel spa in Liguria, is a sanctuary of wellness and relaxation. Spanning an impressive 22,000 square feet, the facility offers “multi-sensory wellness paths” and personalized treatments designed to rejuvenate body and mind. Guests can indulge in Turkish baths, hydrotherapy, and “emotional showers,” or unwind in herbal tearooms and on relaxation beds. A cutting-edge fitness center featuring Technogym equipment, the same used by Ferrari’s Formula One team, ensures a top-tier workout experience. This commitment to excellence has earned the spa “Best Luxury Spa” honors from the World Luxury Awards, solidifying its status as one of the finest in Europe.
A Coastal Haven
Complementing the spa’s serenity is the newly unveiled Marina di Bardi Beach Club. This seasonal escape boasts a private beach, an open-kitchen restaurant, and an oyster and sunset bar equipped with a Jacuzzi. Two spacious terraces offer breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea, while a beach concierge ensures guests’ every need is met. It’s a slice of paradise that perfectly captures the essence of La Dolce Vita.
Culinary Excellence
The Grand Hotel Bristol’s culinary offerings are led by Michelin-trained Executive Chef Andrea Cannalire. His expertise extends across the hotel’s dining venues, including the rooftop restaurant Le Cupole, the casual yet refined La Veranda, and the Flamingo Pool Bar & Pizzeria. Cannalire emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, collaborating with farmers, fishermen, and wild herb gatherers to craft menus that celebrate the flavors of Liguria and beyond.
Le Cupole, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, delivers a sophisticated dining experience with dishes inspired by Ligurian and Piedmontese traditions. The intimate setting, paired with panoramic views of the star-lit Ligurian Sea, creates an unforgettable ambiance. For a more laid-back vibe, guests can enjoy burgers, poke bowls, and wood-fired pizzas at the poolside pizzeria, while the beach club offers fresh seafood and expertly mixed cocktails.
A Storied Past
The Grand Hotel Bristol’s history is as rich as its offerings. Established in 1904 by the Costa family, Corsican entrepreneurs with diverse investments, it was the first hotel in the region to feature private bathrooms and an elevator. Its elegant Art Nouveau design and lush Mediterranean gardens quickly attracted winter tourists, particularly wealthy Britons seeking a Mediterranean retreat.
Over the decades, the hotel became a magnet for literary, artistic, and architectural luminaries, including Nobel laureate André Gide and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. By the 1950s, it had evolved into a favorite destination for jet setters and Hollywood icons, with legends like Ernest Hemingway rumored to have stayed there, arriving by seaplane to enjoy its grandeur.
Modern Elegance
In recent years, the Grand Hotel Bristol has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation under the ownership of R Collection Hotels, restoring its five-star status. The property’s 80 guest rooms and 11 suites have been reimagined with a blend of traditional and contemporary design elements. Creamy yellow palettes, bleached wood floors, and rich velvets create an atmosphere of understated opulence, while custom-designed furnishings and locally crafted olive oil bottles add authentic Ligurian touches.
The hotel’s picture-perfect pool, framed by Mediterranean greenery and the pastel hues of Rapallo, has become a favorite Instagram backdrop. Public spaces, too, reflect the same balance of history and modernity, making the most of Liguria’s celebrated natural light.
Cultural Immersion
Art has always been integral to the Grand Hotel Bristol’s identity, and its recent collaboration with Rome’s Nuar Gallery reinforces this tradition. Guests can admire works by renowned contemporary artists like Simafra and Marco Battaglini, displayed throughout the property. For a cutting-edge twist, the hotel also offers virtual reality experiences that bring the art to life.
Exploring Liguria
The Grand Hotel Bristol serves as a gateway to the treasures of the Portofino Coast. Guests can embark on private boat excursions to nearby Santa Margherita Ligure, the enchanting Cinque Terre, and the iconic Portofino itself. Whether exploring the cobblestone streets of Rapallo or savoring the region’s world-class wines, there’s no shortage of experiences to indulge in.
Timeless Hospitality
General Manager Riccardo Bortolotti describes the Grand Hotel Bristol as “timeless, spanning generations, encapsulating the best of the Italian expression of ‘the good life.'” From waking up to the sound of the waves to setting sail on an elegant wooden boat, every moment at the hotel is steeped in effortless luxury.
The Grand Hotel Bristol Legacy
As part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) association and R Collection Hotels portfolio, the Grand Hotel Bristol continues to uphold its legacy of excellence. Its sister properties, including the Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio, each represent the same commitment to craftsmanship and elegance.
With its stunning location, impeccable service, and a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern luxury, the Grand Hotel Bristol remains a cinematic escape on Italy’s Portofino Coast. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a little of both, this historic gem promises an unforgettable experience.
