Via Carpanini 9, Lerici, Italy | (888) 989-6591
Incredible views of Lerici and the Gulf of Poets from many rooms, restaurant, and terrace
Easy 10-minute walk to beach, through the picturesque town
Elegant rooms with spacious bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and minibars
One suite features a private whirlpool on a spacious terrace
Substantial and quality free breakfast includes freshly squeezed juice and hot items
Restaurant serves tasting menus and seafood for dinner; room service available
Full lobby bar for aperitifs and wines
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free parking in a large lot
Wi-Fi can be slow in the rooms
No pool or communal whirlpool
A few rooms don't have views
The three-and-a-half-pearl Doria Park Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in Lerici, and it definitely has the best jaw dropping views of the Gulf of Poets. The hotel takes advantage of its prime hilltop location by showcasing stunning views from the elegant terrace, fine-dining restaurant, and most of the 46 sophisticated rooms. It's an easy two-minute walk down to Lerici and the harbor via a private gate, and the beach is another five minutes from there. The free breakfast buffet is high quality and the space turns into a fine-dining Italian restaurant in the evenings, after sunset aperitifs on the terrace. The biggest downside is the lack of a pool or communal whirlpool, though one of the suites has an outdoor hot tub. For something eco-chic on the beach, check rates at Eco del Mare.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Elegant decor and am emphasis on the sea views
Lerici is known for being one of the most romantic seaside towns on the Italian Riviera. The pastel-painted residences, intensely blue waters, castle on the harbor, and forests have inspired loads of artists and poets over the years, including Lord Byron. Doria Park Hotel takes full advantage of all the picturesque scenery from it's hilltop perch above the village. Guests (mostly couples, and some families) linger over the views from the breakfast patio in the morning, then gather on the elegant patio, with brown wicker furniture, for aperitifs while the sun sets over the water. Inside, the hotel has a refined atmosphere and beautiful trimmings like gemstones, fresh flower arrangements, and seashells placed on the windowsills in the lovely sitting room. Fresh fruit, white candles, and soft music are nice touches, and classic Italian decor includes blue patterned carpets. The hotel has been lovingly owned by the same family since it opened in the 1950s.
Location
On a hilltop overlooking Lerici and the Gulf of Poets
At first glance, Doria Park Hotel may seem like it's too out of the way to properly enjoy Lerici and the beach. By car, the hotel is accessed from the top of a hill and the driveway winds down (and would be difficult to walk up) the hillside until it ends at the hotel's parking lot. However, the hotel has a handy shortcut via a gated entrance that leads down a pedestrian set of steps (two-minute walk) directly to the heart of Lerici's square. The square is filled with al fresco restaurants, gelato shops, and souvenir stores, and leads to the harbor, promenade, and castle. A five-minute walk down the promenade brings you to a pair of beach clubs where visitors can rent chairs and have lunch. Farther afield, it's about a 45-minute drive to Riomaggiore, the first village in Cinque Terre. Pisa International Airport is a 50-minute drive. Plan on about two hours in the car for visiting Florence.
Rooms
Elegant and refined, most with gorgeous sea views
Rooms at Doria Park are as elegant and refined as the public areas. Most of them have been refreshed to incorporate a more modern design with wood floors, a gray color palette, and Frette linens, but some rooms still have a classic Italian design that features blue patterned carpet and a gold color scheme. All units feature a refrigerated minibar, flat-screen TV, phone, electric kettle, air-conditioning, and large closet or wardrobe. Wi-Fi is free, but it can be spotty. Junior Suites have the most floor space, and some of them have a separate sitting area. One unit includes an unusual glass closet in the center of the room, designed not to block light or views. The centerpiece room, Junior Suite Special Golfo dei Poeti has a private terrace with a whirlpool and sun loungers, but the room itself shows a bit of wear in the carpeting. Most of the rooms have a spacious bathroom that can include either a huge shower with horizontal and overhead jets, or a whirlpool tub. Toiletries, hairdryers, and towel warmers are provided. The best part of the rooms are the stunning views of the village and water, which are especially nice from units with balconies. However, Comfort Rooms have small windows that overlook the back of the building with no views to speak of.
Features
Free high quality breakfast buffet, fine-dining restaurant, and free parking
Features are well thought out and mostly take advantage of the hotel's sweeping water views. The day starts with a gourmet breakfast buffet that's included in all rates. There's a machine for blending fresh veggies and oranges into juice, plus hot items like eggs, bacon, and oatmeal. The spread uses high quality and local ingredients, and many guests linger over cappuccino and croissants to enjoy the views from the breakfast area, either indoors or out. Lunch isn't served, but the dining room opens at dinner for excellent Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and tasting menus. Room service is also available. There's a lovely lobby bar for a full selection of premium liquors, specialty coffees, and wines. Parking if free in a large lot. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
