Grand Hotel Portovenere
Italy
Grand Hotel Portovenere
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 5
Portovenere (SP) – 19025 – Italy
www.portoveneregrand.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
N/A
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
July 2015
Hotel General Manager
Mr. Antonio Polesel
A professional experience in both privately owned Resorts and International Companies. It started in the Rooms Divisions departments: the Hyde Park Hotel in London, the Four Seasons , and as Assistant FOM partecipated in the opening of the Hotel de Russie in Rome for the Rocco Forte Collection. Moving on the Managment positions he joined the Masseria San Domenico in Apuliae at the beginning of their huge development plan (today, San Domenico Hotels Group), managing the entire operations including opening of the 18th holes Golf Course, then Starwood Hotels and Resorts, as Room Divisions for the 2 properties in Florence.
As General Manager, The Hotel Fonteverde and the pre-opening and launching of the Lido Palace Hotel on the Garda Lake.. Since he’s the GM at the Grand Hotel Portovenere.
Hotel Positioning
5 star hotel
Development Strategy
N/A
Grand Hotel Portovenere
History & Story
The building’s history dates back to the 17th century when it served as the Convent of San Francesco. This Franciscan monastery was characterized by its elegant vaulted ceilings and austere interiors, reflecting the contemplative life of the monks who resided there. In the mid-19th century, the convent was repurposed as a military hospital, playing a crucial role in providing medical care to naval personnel. Later, between the 1950s and 1970s, the building functioned as the town hall and an elementary school. During this period, its courtyard served as an open-air cinema, becoming a social hub for both locals and visitors.
The year 1975 marked a significant turning point when the historic complex was transformed into a hotel. However, it ceased operations in the early 2000s. After a decade of dormancy, the building underwent extensive renovations and reopened in 2014 as the Grand Hotel Portovenere. The restoration efforts meticulously preserved original features, such as the red-brick vaulted ceilings, while introducing modern amenities to enhance guest comfort.
Today, Grand Hotel Portovenere stands as a testament to the seamless integration of historical charm and contemporary luxury. Guests can admire architectural elements reminiscent of its monastic past, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Gulf of Poets and the vibrant harbor of Portovenere. The hotel’s design thoughtfully reflects its storied past, offering an atmosphere that is both tranquil and enriching.
Date Renewal
2024: renovated the restaurant roof creating a garden
Date added extensions
N/A
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Prime waterfront location, the property overlooks the marina and its within walking distance to the main attractions
Palmaria Restaurant: features a large terrace with breathtaking sea views. Serves gourmet Ligurian and Mediterranean cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. Extensive wine selection with a focus on Italian wines
Exclusive Rooms & Suites in the former 17th-century convent have been beautifully renovated while preserving historic charm. Many rooms offer sea-view balconies, elegant décor blending contemporary and classic styles, luxurious amenities, including premium toiletries and personalized services.
Location
In the center of Portovenere
Key sites/activities in the area
• Hiking on the Cinque Terre trails, Gulf of Poets trails and Island of Palmaria
• Motorboat rentals to visit the island as well as towns of Gulf of Poets
• Visiting white marble quarries (Carrara marble)
• Visiting Portovenere, a 2000 year old town and the way it developed through centuries
Fun Facts
The church of San Pietro in Portovenere was built on the ruins of a pagan temple dating back the V century AD. One can see inside the church, the difference of the building through cdenturies checking the floor.
Swimming in the grottos of Palmaria
The green blue trail is the hiking trail that links the towns of Cinque Terre, one of the most scenic stretches is the one that goes from Vernazza to Corniglia. Half way through it one can see Corniglia and behind it the town of Manarola.
Visiting the town of Tellaro (Gulf of Potes) and look for door bells and house number tiles with the octopus, legend says the octopus saved the town from pirates.
Children’s Corner
Children are welcome, no age restrictions, but it’s not a family hotel. The area, as a destination, is more suitable for adults or grown up children (teen agers)
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Suites: 12
Luxury rooms: 38
Total number of rooms: 46
• Classic Double: 11
Overlooking the internal courtyard, these rooms are exceptionally peaceful and quiet. Their furniture is practical and welcoming, and they are equipped with a queen-size bed or two single beds and a marble bathroom. Room size: 15 – 20 m² (161 ft² – 215 ft²).
• Double Executive: 13
These rooms feature a sea view and a unique space that may include a small terrace or balcony. Double Executive Rooms have a queen-size bed or two single beds and a marble bathroom. Room size: 20 – 25 m² (215 ft² – 269 ft²).
• Studio Botanicus: 3
These rooms comprise a bedroom with a king-size bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a separate sitting area with a courtesy bathroom. Décor and details pay tribute to our building’s history. Their balcony overlooks our peaceful internal courtyard, embellished by majestic, fragrant pepper, tangerine, and lemon trees. Room size: 40 m² (431 ft²).
• Deluxe: 7
Located in various corners of our building, the Deluxe Rooms feature large windows overlooking Palmaria Island or the harbor. Some rooms have a terrace, while others have more generous interior spaces. They have a king-size bed or two single beds and a marble bathroom. Room size: 20 – 30 m² (215 ft² – 322 ft²).
• Studio Scriptorium: 5
These rooms are composed of two separate areas. The living area features a sofa bed and a writing desk reminiscent of the historic convent’s Scriptorium, devoted to the writing of manuscripts by monastic scribes. The room overlooks the marina of Portovenere. Room size: 30 – 35 m² (322 ft² – 376 ft²).
• Cloister Terrace Junior Suite: 5
Featuring a panoramic terrace under the arches that belonged to the cloister of the ancient convent, our Junior Suites showcase the beauty and history of Portovenere. The wardrobes, desks and bedside tables were designed following the lines of the Sixties, a particularly fruitful period for all things Made in Italy. Room size: about 35 m² (376 ft²).
• Suite dei Poeti: 1
The Suite features horizontal windows overlooking the landscape from Palmaria Island up to the Apuan Alps. It is composed of a bedroom, a separate living room and two bathrooms. The bedroom has a free-standing tub, while the living area has a chromotherapy shower. Suite size: 55 m² (592 ft²).
• Suite del Castello: 1
The Doria Castle dominates this Suite consisting of a majestic terrace, a bedroom, a living area and two bathrooms. Portovenere’s colors blend with the warm colors of the Suite and its hand-made furnishings. The palm trees on the terrace give it an exotic touch, just like Palmaria Island across the strait. Suite size: 45 m² (484 ft²) + terrace: 75 m² (807 ft²).
Restaurants & Bars
N/A
Wellness
N/A
Corporate & Celebration Events
A meeting room that can hold up to 80 pax but, the hotel only accepts meeting events in low season (end of March to mid April)
Extra Notable Features
• Cookery classes
• Oyster tour and tasting
Hotel and restaurant Awards
N/A
Number of employees
70