Lido Palace Hotel

The Lido Palace Hotel stands out among its competitors thanks to its excellent setting and lighter decor choices. Unlike several hotels in the area, you'll find soft floral patterns and lighter wood furniture here. The hotel is housed inside the shell of a historic Liberty building constructed in 1901. In the late 1970s, a complete renovation of the interior was made, leaving only the original Art Nouveau facade unchanged. Though updates have been made since, the old-fashioned style and fixtures are due for an upgrade. Overall, the Lido Palace is a good value, particularly for couples and tour groups, especially considering its across-the-street proximity to the beach and ferry pier. 

Lido Palace Hotel is located in the center of Santa Margherita Ligure, a small coastal town between Rapallo to Portofino. The hotel's privileged position across the street from the beach and the busy pier give guests easy access to the ferries departing for Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Rapallo, and Cinque Terre. Shops, bars, restaurants, and the Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure are all within quick walking distance, and the Santa Margherita/Portofino train station is less than five minutes away on foot. Genoa's Cristoforo Columbo Airport is a 40-minute drive west along the coast. Portofino is a 20-minute bus ride (with ferry service in the summer); Cinque Terre's westernmost village of Levanto is an hour train ride (with ferry service in the summer); and Rapallo is a seven-minute drive or eight-minute train ride away.  

Classic Italian style and decor outfit the spacious rooms -- think terra-cotta tile floors, rattan, painted wood, and wrought-iron furniture, and minimal wall art. Many, but not all, rooms have furnished balconies. Most rooms face the beach and have Gulf of Tigullio views; the higher the floor, the better the view. The Double Economy Room, however, has less-impressive hill vistas. All 54 rooms and suites come with flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, air-conditioning, bathrobes, minibars, and safes. Some have living areas, and cribs and extra beds are available upon request. Straightforward bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and free quality toiletries.

Lido Palace Hotel has the expected range of features for a small coastal property, though there are no pool or gym facilities. Guests looking for their sunbathing fix, can head to the beach across the street, though it's unequipped, open to the public, and has rough sand largely made up of rocks and shells (be sure to wear shoes). On-site, there's a small wellness corner with a Turkish bath and beauty and massage treatments. The hotel restaurant has both indoor and temperature-controlled terrace seating, and serves a free yummy breakfast buffet and a dinner menu featuring regional, national, and international dishes. The street-front bar has indoor and sidewalk seating and slings both coffee and cocktails alongside sea views. 

Though business travelers are rare, there are three meeting rooms with audiovisual capabilities, plus the option for catering services through the restaurant or organization of team-building excursions. Outdoor parking and private garage parking (with a repair service), transfers, laundry, guided sightseeing tours and excursions are also available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free, but spotty, throughout.