Hotel Helvetia

The stunning views from the Hotel Helvetia -- sailboats in the water, the colorful buildings lining the sandy beach of the bay -- are hard to rival. The Art Deco facade with white and yellow awnings feels straight out of another era. The white interior is bright, yet calming with elegant furniture and relaxing sitting areas. The decor is tastefully beachy, with carefully placed shells, paintings of the bay, and candles and coral nestled in the lobby fireplace. Attention to detail and personal touches provide a certain homey feel that can be hard to find at a hotel. With a romantic setting, it's a great getaway for couples, but is also an ideal spot for singles or families who enjoy the beach.

Hotel Helvetia sits on cliffs above the Baia del Silenzio, and is located in Sestri Levante -- one of the lesser known villages along the Italian Riviera, but increasingly popular among Italians. It is small, but lively with great little restaurants and stores within walking distance. Just a 10-minute walk from the train station, the hotel is easy to get to even if you don't have a car. It is also a great location for those exploring other parts of Italy, as it's close to many popular vacation spots. Portofino, Genoa, and La Spezia are all a 40-minute drive away while Cinque Terre is a 1 hour 10-minute drive away.

The tranquil nature of the hotel continues throughout the spacious rooms. With Tuscan-style furniture, pale walls, white bedding, and gauzy window curtains, the rooms have a light, airy elegance. All include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, and a safe. Some rooms also have a balcony with a table and cushioned chairs. Guests have a choice between a garden or seaside view, but the stunning scene of the Baia del Silenzio makes it worth spending extra for the seaside view. The bathrooms are luxe, with marble-tiled floors and walls, but are small and narrow. Fluffy white towels and rubber flip-flops are a welcome extra.

One of the standout features of Hotel Helvetia is its variety of locations to take in the phenomenal views of Baia del Silenzio. Guests can bask in the Mediterranean sun on the Solarium Terrace, enjoy cocktails and free snacks at the Citto Beach Bar, or have breakfast on the breakfast terrace, all while overlooking the vibrant blue water. One of the best spots to absorb the scenery is from the two, small infinity pools -- they are heated all year round and open at night, so guests can swim under the stars. The hotel is right across the street from a private beach, which is pretty but small. It is next to the public beach, so it can tend to be a little crowded. Guests can also explore the town of Sestri Levante on the free rental bikes.