Vis a Vis Hotel

The first impression here is certainly striking -- guests enter the hotel by passing through a long tunnel before being whisked up to the hill above Sestri Levante by elevator. Throughout most interiors, the hotel struggles to blend modern design and more outdated elements, a quality that carries over to guest rooms too. The lobby has sharp wood and black marble floors in some areas, and less contemporary blue carpets in others. White flowers sit on an eye-catching driftwood table. This hotel knows its strong suit -- it's stunning views of Sestri Levante's two bays -- and has capitalized on it from vantage points throughout. Views can be had from the stylish Zeus Bar, the slightly more stuffy Restaurant Olimpo, and the handsome outdoor pool surrounded by olive trees and greenery. Guests here are predominantly couples, though some families also pass through. 

The Vis a Vis sits at the end of a private road atop a hill next to the historic center of Sestri Levante. The restaurants and shops of the old town are just below and take about two minutes to reach on foot, while the train station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Santa Margherita Ligure Castle is a 30-minute drive from the hotel while Portofino Beach and the charming town of Camogli both take about 40 minutes to reach by car. The Cinque Terre's northern end is an hour south of the hotel by road. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is a 45-minute drive from the hotel.

While the views at this hotel are stunning -- and many rooms do have views out over Sestri Levante -- guest room interiors are dated and tired, with wood paneling on the walls and traditional orange linens on the beds and hanging over the windows. The simple mid-tone wood furniture is in good shape, plus rooms are clean and bright, but we noticed some minor details in need of addressing, like duct tape holding together remote controls. All rooms feature modern elements like flat-screen TVs, remote-controlled blackout shutters, and minibars. Some rooms have terraces or balconies with seating, several of which have fantastic sea or city views, and Suites have additional windows and separate living rooms. Bathrooms are narrow, but more contemporary than the main guest rooms, with gray tile and counters, toiletries, modern fixtures, and walk-in tile showers with rainfall showerheads. Suites also have jetted tubs.

The pool here is a standout feature. With a shallow area for children, a jetted area, and a fairly large main section, it's surrounded by olive trees and a terrace with plenty of seating -- like all of the other public areas of the hotel, views from here are stunning. Guests also have access to area beaches through partner hotels. One is within walking distance, while the other is reachable by a free beach shuttle. Giunone Spa offers a steam room in addition to massages, mani/pedis, and body treatments in bright and simple surroundings.

Local Ligurian and traditional Italian dishes are served at Restaurant Olimpo, as is the breakfast buffet with fruit, yogurt, croissants, and eggs. Cocktails are offered at Zeus Bar and Tritone Deck, and there is a seasonal outdoor lunch area, Giunone Deck, with live music and barbecues. Portobello Restaurant & Beach Bar, owned by the hotel, is a five-minute walk from the hotel on the beach at Baia del Silenzio.

The hotel has a few meeting rooms and event spaces. Boat rentals can be arranged and bikes are available for free guest use. Day care services are available for free during the day, and in-room baby-sitting is available for a fee in the evening. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. This hotel is also pet-friendly and allows small to medium pets with a daily fee. The hotel's front desk is staffed 24 hours a day and laundry services are available. An online concierge service is also available. Private train and airport transfers are also available for a fee.