Grand Hotel Alassio Resort & SPA

Black shutters adorn the stately exterior of this historic Beaux Arts building that's filled with elegant and modern interiors. The lobby has checkered gray tile floors, red curtains, and gray couches. Original wood features, like the revolving door, stand out next to and black-and-white photos on the walls, and tufted burgundy leather armchairs look smart against the otherwise light and neutral color scheme. However, shadowboxes with jewelry and pet clothes for sale feel a little cheap for a hotel of this category. Passage Restaurant, the fine dining option on site, is a bright space with high ceilings that make it to feel open and airy, while the lobby bar has a comfortable white leather couch and dark wood chairs near the light wood bar. Outside, the Beach Club Gazebo Terrace sits on stilts over the beach and has exceptional sea views. A swirling staircase reaches the three floors of the Thalassio Spa, a chic space with a oceanic theme throughout and light wood accents. Guests at the hotel are primarily couples, though features like a kids' club draw families too.

The Grand Hotel Alassio is in the heart of Alassio, with the Wall of Alassio (Il Muretto) and the Parish Church of St. Ambrogio a five-minute walk away. The Budello di Alassio, an ancient thoroughfare that runs almost the length of the town and is lined with shops and restaurants, takes seven minutes to reach on foot. The town is most well known in Italy for its Miss Muretto pageant, an annual beauty contest that takes place in town. The Marina di Alassio is a five-minute drive from the hotel, while the Garlenda Golf Club and the Caravel Water Park, great for families, take 15 to 20 minutes to reach by car. The Toirano Caves and Cervo, one of the Italian Riviera's most historic villages, are both about 30 minutes away by car. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, the closest major airport, takes an hour and 15 minutes to reach by road.

Contemporary rooms rooms have classic, mid-19th century Italian elements blended with a modern, beachy minimalism. Handsome light wood floors complement soft walnut furniture with simple, Scandinavian lines while sharp blue-and-white striped curtains provide a dash of color. Black-and-white photos add the aforementioned dose of mid-century class, an effect enhanced by white leather chairs with vintage silhouettes. All rooms have either superb mountain or sea views, and some have terraces or balconies with seating or outdoor dining areas. Reading lights are attached to wood headboards over firm beds, while flat-screen TVs hang over desks. Minibars are stored in the closets along with safes, and all rooms are air-conditioned. Suites have large living rooms with couches. Stylish bathrooms are covered in tan tile and have antique-style fixtures, with white bowl sinks, makeup mirrors, and heated towel racks. Bathrobes and slippers are offered and all shower/tub combos have rainfall showerheads. Some bathrooms have large walk-in showers offering windows with sea views and high-end toiletries are provided.

A jetted indoor salt-water pool, a Kneipp bath, sauna, and steam room are offered at the full-service Thalassio Spa. The facilities also include a relaxation zone with herbal tea, sea salt medical treatments, and massages. The spa also includes an assortment of modern cardio and weight machines plus free weights. Guests have access to the hotel's private beach, which has white lounge chairs and outdoor showers in addition to a beach bar with cocktails and beer. However, the beach is open to non-hotel guests too for an expensive daily fee, and it can get very crowded.

Passage Restaurant, the hotel's fine dining venue, serves international and local-influenced menus, though reviews are uneven. Wood-fired pizzas at Grill & Pizzeria Lentini’s are excellent, though, and this more casual dining option serves grilled meats and fish as well. The Beach Club Gazebo Terrace offers cocktails and coffees, and the hotel has an impressive wine cellar. Cocktails and beers are provided at the lobby bar as well. Breakfast is included with room rates and receives mostly good reviews, and room service is available around the clock. Rental bikes, paddle boats, canoes, and the hotel’s yacht with a personal skipper are available, and there is a free kids' club. On-site parking costs extra and car services can be arranged, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Train station transfers can also be arranged for a fee.