Hotel Punta San Martino

Housed in a nondescript peach-colored stucco building with gray accents, this hotel is perched on a hillside and offers gorgeous views over the Bay of Genoa. The views here are possibly one of this hotel's best features, and interiors are a bit of a mixed bag. The hotel puts its slick-and-modern best foot forward at the outset, as the lobby is done in minimalist style, with black tile flooring, white walls, lots of gray, and little decoration. A couple of white sofas and chairs provide places for guests to hang out, but it's the spectacular scenery outside that's the biggest draw here. Given its somewhat limited features, but romantic sea views and easy beach access, the hotel attracts primarily couples.

Located in the quaint seaside town of Arenzano -- in the heart of the Italian Riviera -- this hotel overlooks the sea, with wonderful views stretching from the Gulf of Genoa to the Portofino promontory. It's reached by a small side street off the main road, so it stays a bit quieter than hotels in the center of town. Guests can opt for a stroll along the promenade or a day of hiking to explore nearby scenic trails. Biking and horse-back riding also are available nearby. The hotel has a private beach, and a funicular provides access (for a fee) in the summer months. The center of Arenzano is 15 minutes away on foot, where there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes. The Golf Club Arenzano is less than a five-minute drive up the hill, and St. Anna Golf course is about 10 minutes away by car. The city of Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus, is about a half-hour drive, or a little over an hour by public transportation. It's home to the closest major airport. 

The hotel's rooms range from Classic and Superior up to suites and two- and three-bedroom apartments. Most have views of the sea, but not all have balconies. Classic Superior Rooms are basic and dated, with Italian wood and rattan furniture, color schemes of white and soft yellow, and patterned beige carpeting. Bathrooms in these units are small, but have bidets, toiletries, hairdryers, and tiled shower/tub combos. Design Rooms add more color and modern style, with bold accent walls in colors such as cobalt blue, fuchsia, or sunny yellow. Tiled floors are black-and-white geometrics, though the overall impression may be too bold for some guests. Additionally, some of these rooms seem to eschew substance for pizzazz, and can appear quite empty or underfurnished. Design bathrooms are likewise more modern, with trendy above-counter sinks, but they are still small and some have showers only. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and safes. Some have balconies with lounge chairs and incredible views, although the balconies themselves aren't anything special. Suites have separate living areas with sofa beds. 

Open seasonally for breakfast and dinner, La Punta Restaurant is a simple, casual space set up with white and blue tablecloths and a white, tent-like ceiling. It overlooks the water, offering beautiful views, and can accommodate up to 100 people. A variety of wines are available in the wine cellar, though the food gets mediocre reviews from many guests.The hotel has two pools, including the large, rectangular Belvedere Pool that overlooks the sea and is open during the summer. Blue lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas are lined up on the pool deck, and a pool bar serves drinks and snacks alongside nice views. The smaller, round pool, La Rotunda, also offers lounge chairs and umbrellas plus incredible sea views from a lower level. Access to the beach is provided by a funicular next to the Belvedere Pool, though there's a fee to use it, as well as for the lounge chairs and umbrellas on the beach.The small, but sunny fitness center has cardio machines and free weights -- it's nothing much, but the modern equipment is enough for a basic workout. The hotel's three meeting rooms can accommodate social and business gatherings for up to 250 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and while the property is pet-friendly, they aren't allowed in common areas. It's worth noting that this hotel lacks elevators and it may be challenging to navigate for guests with mobility issues.