Grand Hotel Arenzano

This five-story Art Nouveau structure dates back to 1894, and from the outside it's a lovely classical exercise in good taste. Its peach-colored exterior look siconic and classic, with gray shutters and extensive period detailing, while palm trees line the street where it sits -- which is just across from the beach. Guests enter the hotel through glass doors under an awning and into a sadly underwhelming property. The long, narrow lobby is sunny but rather plain, with a tile floor and yellow walls. A bench, loveseat, and a couple of armchairs provide places for guests to sit, but it's not really a place to hang out. At one time, this was a grand hotel that hosted many celebrities. Sadly, it has lost some of its glamour and needs to be refreshed -- we spotted older carpeting and furniture, and features like the spa, gym, and pool deck all look dated rather than classic. However, its location has not lost its draw: The hotel sits on a stunning spot overlooking the Mediterranean and sea views from the rooftop terrace are gorgeous. This hotel attracts all sorts of travelers looking for a central location for exploring the Italian Riviera. Groups can sometimes overwhelm the facilities, however. 

The hotel is located on the seaside promenade of Arenzano that takes visitors to the city center in less than five minutes on foot. Numerous bars, restaurants, and shops are in the area. The property overlooks the sea and is just across the street from the beach, but it does not have a private beach. The hotel is well-positioned for taking public transportation to explore the area, as there is a train station within a 10-minute walk. The city of Genoa, known as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, is about a 30-minute drive east and is home to the closest major airport. It will take a little more than an hour to reach Portofino, one of the most popular towns in the Italian Riviera.

The hotel offers rooms and suites, some with beautiful sea views and some overlooking the park and street. Decor is classic Italian, and is a blend of dated and modern elements. The vintage patterned wallpaper, soft green color schemes, rich drapes, and Art Deco details -- like inlay headboards -- all look stylish. However, many rooms have old green carpets and cheap-looking, outdated furniture that diminishes the overall effect. All rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. It's worth noting that the air-conditioning doesn't always keep up with the heat in the area during the summer. Tiled bathrooms are small and plain, but offer toiletries, bidets, and hairdryers. Entry-level rooms have showers only, but Premium Rooms have tubs with hand-held showers. Suites have shower/tub combos, as well as double sinks and separate living rooms. Some of the bathrooms have outdated green marble counters and matching floors. 

Guests can start their day with the breakfast buffet served daily in La Veranda that includes local breads and cheeses among other options. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, with a focus on seafood, fish, and regional specialties. In nice weather, alfresco dining is available on the terrace, and the space is a stylish step up from the more dated areas of the hotel. Michelin-starred The Cook restaurant has an outpost at the hotel as well and serves gourmet fare. Drinks and appetizers are offered in the Maraja Lounge Bar, which hosts weekly themed evenings with a DJ. The rectangular outdoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, or those who prefer to relax poolside can use the lounge chairs lined up on the deck. Umbrellas and palm trees provide shade. Children have their own small pool adjacent. Unfortunately, during our visit, the pool area could have used some cleaning and the pebbled deck surface hails from another time altogether. The spa features a sauna, Turkish bath, and massage treatments, and there's a beauty center for facials and nail treatments. It has a clinical vibe and isn't the most relaxing or soothing spa we've ever seen. There's a tiny fitness center that's equally drab and dated; it offers a few cardio and one weight training machine along with free weights. Flexible events spaces can accommodate gatherings from 10 to 220 people. An internet corner in the foyer is set up with a computer for guests to use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The hotel's concierge can arrange tours and bike rentals are available.