With R Collection Hotels as my base, I experienced a level of Italian luxury that went beyond five stars—it was Italy at its most captivating from the inside out, writes Demi Aspey.
Italy has an undeniable pull—centuries-old charm, cinematic landscapes, and food that’ll make you reconsider every ‘favourite dish’ you’ve ever claimed. My recent trip took me through two iconic Italian regions: the glamorous Portofino Coast and the serene shores of Lake Como, with a touch of La Dolce Vita, the R Collection way.
There are certain rules to live by when visiting Italy:
- Never order a cappuccino after 11 am.
- Dress warmly during the autumn months.
- Relish Aperol Spritz at every opportunity.
- And always, always, always stay with R Collection Hotels.
R Collection Hotels offers the best of both worlds for travellers seeking variety and consistency. Each property has its own personality and charm, yet a commitment to luxury, impeccable service, and authentic Italian experiences unites all.
First stop: the Grand Hotel Bristol. Step into a pastel-coloured postcard dream—a haven of soft pink hues and Italian elegance perched on the Portofino Coast. Grand Hotel Bristol carries a legacy of refined Italian hospitality wrapped in the elegance of Ligurian tradition and Mediterranean charm.
The Grand Hotel Bristol wants to be part of your story, part of your memory, and maybe even part of your love affair with Italy. With its gorgeously (and accidentally) Wes Anderson vibes, you’ll feel like you’ve wandered onto a film set, complete with a quiet, almost magical whisper that says, “This is Italy.”
Every detail—from the marble floors and curious artwork to the way sunlight spills through the fresh, florally adorned lobby—feels like a love letter to the timeless, authentic beauty of the Portofino coast, unapologetically stylish and proud of it.
Rooms with a View
Hotels are one of my guilty luxury pleasures, and I’ve visited my fair share!
Trust me when I say I scored big with one of the Deluxe Sea View rooms—a beautifully Italian, effortlessly spacious retreat where simplicity speaks volumes. The décor leans towards understated elegance, exuding a comforting warmth without ever crossing into excess.
Each room has this classic Italian warmth without trying too hard. It has a small private balcony that practically begs you to sit, breathe, and indulge in the view of the promontory of Portofino and the beautiful Mediterranean garden. Grand Hotel Bristol is a sanctuary where you can forget about everything else and just be.
The Portofino Hotel has 80 rooms, including 14 suites, and views that look straight out of an old Italian romance film. Though I wasn’t staying in one of the suites, the sheer size of the Deluxe Sea View room left little more to be desired.
My room came with the exceptional details expected of a five-star hotel: Crisp, white, luxurious linens and plush furnishings add touches of indulgence that every traveller yearns for. While my room doesn’t feature a bathtub, the generously sized shower makes up for it—I could spend hours soaking beneath its waterfall bliss. There was also a wonderfully vintage-style desk (or vanity table, if you prefer) that made for a writing paradise.
Each room has a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks and water. If you fancy an extra treat without leaving your room, you can purchase an additional selection of authentic Italian snacks and drinks.
Every morning, I’d grab the fluffiest dressing gown known to humankind, wrap myself up, brew a fresh cup of Illy espresso, and watch the October haze drift over the water. The world stilled, just for me, as I savoured that “pinch-me” feeling. I’m living the absolute Italian dream! Heaven.
The ‘Contemporary Dolce Vita’ Dream
Okay, let’s talk vibes because Grand Hotel Bristol has them down to an art. They call it Contemporary Dolce Vita, but really, it’s this wonderfully crafted multi-sensory experience. If you fancy a touch of extra culture, you can drop by the hotel’s on-site art gallery featuring artists in residence and one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
There’s a subtle, signature scent, made exclusively for the R Hotel Collection, in the air that greets you like an old friend. I adore it when hotels pay close attention to this extra detail. After all, smell is one of the most powerful senses for recalling those never-want-to-forget memories. But, of course, Grand Hotel Bristol will not forget your other senses!
The music shifts with the day’s rhythm, going from upbeat mornings to a slower, more sophisticated pace in the evenings. The hotel practically holds your hand, telling you it’s okay to slow down and soak in the moment.
Then, there’s the on-site Erre Spa—2,000 square meters of pure calm, with every treatment imaginable. We’re talking Kneipp paths, Mediterranean baths, saunas, Turkish baths, and ’emotional’ showers (not the kind where you have made up arguments in front of your shampoo bottles!).
If you’re feeling extra sweet, you’ll even find a tearoom with calming infusions or the most decadent hot chocolate ever to pass your lips. The Erre spa is a little world that just gets what it means to rest.
All of this is enough to stir up an appetite ready to indulge in the most sumptuous cuisine in the world (in my opinion, at least!).
Italian Flavors, Served with a Side of Romance
Forget grabbing a quick bite; the Grand Hotel Bristol offers a culinary pilgrimage through Italy—morning through night. Start your mornings with a generous buffet of hot food, continental selections, and pastries. With each sunrise, you’ll be welcome to treat yourself to a stunning spread of fresh cakes – yes, chocolate cake for breakfast is allowed!
For lunch and dinner, the hotel has three dining options in total, each with its distinct personality.
Le Cupole is where Ligurian and Piedmontese flavours come to dance under the stars, blending tradition with just the right sprinkle of creativity. With sweeping views of Portofino, it’s a spot that makes you fall head over heels in love with Italy. The Michelin Guide did!
And if you’re looking for something more relaxed, head to the Veranda Bistrot on the panoramic terrace. Think traditional Italian dishes, an impeccable wine list, and a vibe equal parts sophistication and ease.
If your mood is casual, Grand Hotel Bristol’s poolside Flamingo Pizza & Bar has you covered all day with Italian classics and global favourites (sometimes, you just need a burger with your Aperol).
I finished the night at Silk Lounge Bar with a cocktail in hand, the sea breeze playing through my hair, and that unmistakable feeling of being exactly where I was meant to be.
Live the Beach Club Dream
Grand Hotel Bristol’s private beach haven is just three minutes from the hotel, Marina di Bardi Beach Club.
Italy comes with almost zero downsides. Sadly, travelling to Italy in October comes with one: The weather. As a result, I did not get to visit the Grand Hotel Bristol’s exclusive beach club – but you can bet it will be first on my list when I return. And it should be at the top of your list when you visit!
The private beach offers a contemporary retreat with stunning views of the Portofino Coast and calm, inviting waters. If you’re still in the mood for another Aperol or two (and why wouldn’t you be?), the beach club’s Bamboo Sunset Bar offers a front-row seat to one of the Italian Riviera’s most breathtaking sunsets.
The Magic of Portofino and Beyond
If you think the Grand Hotel Bristol is a dream, wait until you wander into Portofino!
This quaint and lively marina perfectly frames the fishing village’s old-world charm, adorned with vibrantly beautiful buildings that hit differently.
Portofino feels like a place out of a novel—where global aristocracy still mingles with Hollywood royalty (Madonna was spotted in Portofino only the other month!), and that old-world charm lingers.
Known for its designer boutiques (think Versace, rather than Zara), a yacht-studded marina that wouldn’t look out of place on Below Deck, and that famous, cliff-hugging village square, Portofino practically demands you to live a little (or a lot). And in Portofino, we’re living La Dolce Vita!
What to add to your itinerary while exploring Portofino:
Each is a short taxi or ferry ride from the hotel packed with beauty and history that will stay with you long after you leave.
Area Marina Protetta Portofino greets you upon first arriving in Portofino.
My first stop? Caffè Excelsior—a Portofino institution and the social heartbeat of Portofino since 1924, now with a touch of Dolce & Gabbana flair. Imagine yourself with an espresso, surrounded by exclusive D&G pieces, feeling like you have stepped into a glossy magazine spread from another era.
Stop by the Church of San Giorgio, a Roman Catholic church with gorgeous architecture and incredible views for those who don’t fancy the extra climb to Castello Brown.
Castello Brown is a mild uphill climb worth the most stunning views of Portofino. It’s the perfect photo spot for those who want to make friends back home envious!
If you’re feeling peckish, grab a spot at Da I Gemelli, a family-owned treasure right in the heart of the marina. The Gemelli brothers, Paolo and Matteo, come from a long line of restaurateurs, and you can taste that culinary heritage in every bite. We’re talking fresh seafood, herbs that practically sing off the Ligurian coast, and recipes handed down through generations.
Unfortunately, seafood isn’t my thing, but the Spaghetti Della Nonna, or Grandma’s Spaghetti, was a delectably classic treat for my tastebuds. Regardless of your palette, expect Da I Gemelli to pack each meal with tradition and Portofino’s soul—a delicious reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients tell the richest stories.
Then finish off your day sipping on an Aperol Spritz (or two) at one of Portofino’s many Marina lining bars, and watch as the sun dips below the horizon.
If your tipple of choice is gin, you must indulge in Portofino Dry Gin—a bottled sip of the coast. Made with local botanicals, it tasted like the essence of Portofino itself: fresh lemon, rosemary, lavender. Let’s just say it’s hard to forget the taste of a place when it’s captured so perfectly in a glass.
As you take the ferry back to the hotel, it’s hard not to get swept away by the romance of it all, watching one of the Italian Riviera’s legendary sunsets unfold before you.
Exploring by day, returning to the comfort of the Grand Hotel Bristol by night?
Perfection.
Why the Grand Hotel Bristol is Pure Italian Magic
You need the perfect base for the whole Portofino experience!
Cue Grand Hotel Bristol. The hotel is a luxurious coast perch with a view of the Gulf of Tigullio that’s worth the trip alone.
Whether you’re here solo, with a partner, or just searching for that dreamy Ligurian escape, the Grand Hotel Bristol is a whole experience, a love letter to Italian elegance and charm.
My Deluxe Sea View room was a sanctuary in every sense. It had a breathtaking balcony overlooking the sea and understated luxury that felt like it was just waiting for you.
Let’s not forget the Marina di Bardi Beach Club, which offers sun-soaked relaxation by day (if you’re not travelling in October!), lively music, and cocktails by night. It’s where the spirit of La Dolce Vita meets Portofino’s effortless glam.
Signature cocktails and that unbeatable Mediterranean view? Sign me up!
Why R Collection Hotels Holds the Key to Italy’s Magic
R Collection Hotels have perfected the art of hospitality, providing unique experiences in each property that reflect the location’s character.
From the glamour of the Grand Hotel Bristol in Portofino and the tranquil grandeur of Grand Hotel Victoria on Lake Como to their eight other properties across Italy, R Collection immerses every guest in Italy’s local culture, heritage, and beauty.
If you’re even thinking about heading to Portofino, let this be your sign to go ahead and book a stay at the Grand Hotel Bristol.
So, here’s the rundown for your next Italian adventure:
Sip every Aperol Spritz you can get your hands on, soak up that gorgeous Italian hospitality, and—most importantly—make the Grand Hotel Bristol your home away from home because some places are worth falling in love with as soon as possible.
The Details
Lead-in prices for Entry Level Rooms
Grand Hotel Bristol – Low Season – €227 Mid Season – €305 High Season – €416
Prestige Park View (8 rooms) – 28 sq m; King or Twin; Max 3 occ.; Extra-bed upon request; Shower or bathtub;
Park View; Some with Balcony; Prestige Lateral Sea View (20 rooms) – 22-27sq m; King or Twin; Max 2 occ.; Shower or bathtub; Lateral Sea view; Balcony;
Deluxe Front Sea View (38 rooms) – 24-28 sq m; King or Twin; Max 3 occ.; Extra-bed upon request; Shower or bathtub; Sea view; French Balcony;
Junior Suite Sea Front (5 rooms) – 40 sq m; King; Max 4 occ; Shower or bathtub; Sea View; French Balcony;
Junior Suite Panoramic (3 rooms) – 40 sq m; King; Max 4 occ.; Shower and bathtub; Panoramic Sea view; Balcony;
Executive Suite (1 room) – 37 sq m; Double Bed or Twin; Max 4 occ; Shower and Bathtub; Lateral Sea View; Terrace;
Executive Suite Panoramic (3 rooms) – 42 sq m; Double bed or Twin; Max 4 occ; Shower and Bathtub; Panoramic Sea View; Panoramic Terrace;
Riviera Romantic Suite Sea Front (1 room) – 75 sq m; Double Bed; Max 4 occ.; Shower and Jacuzzi; Sea View, Balcony;
Portofino Suite Panoramic (1 room) – 68 sq m; Double Bed; Max 4 occ.; Shower and Bathtub; Sea View; Double Terrace;
DISTANCES
1 minute from Rapallo
15 minutes from Portofino
1 hour (by boat) from Cinque Terre
40 minutes from Genova
SIGHTSEEING
Our concierge is kindly at your disposal to recommend a path, a trailor or any magical and unexpected place:
Portofino
Cinque Terre
Montallegro
Valle Christi Monastery
Acquarium of Genoa
