Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
Hotel Metropole
Riviera seaside estate
Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
Renovated
2014
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Resort ClassicOutside the door
Riviera seaside estate
This family estate steps down through terraced gardens to a private beach club looking across the gulf.
What it’s good at
Notable
Genoese stuccowork and frescoed ceilings adorn the 19th-century seaside Villa Porticciolo annex.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
A classic, yes, but not a time capsule — the Metropole’s interiors have been brought up to date, and contemporary furniture now stands atop its parquet floors.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Via Pagana leads into Santa Margherita's harbor within minutes, and the coastal road continues along the bay toward Portofino.
The rooms
Contemporary furniture sits atop classic parquet floors, and bedrooms are split between the main house and the coastal villa.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A curved saltwater pool sits among garden palms, and indoors, a heated pool leads into a hydromassage grotto.
The spa and gym
Sensory showers and a Finnish sauna line the thermal area, and the fitness room has Technogym machines.
At the table
Ligurian seafood is served under crystal chandeliers, and the shaded summer terrace looks straight across the gulf.
How it began
Gaudenzio Ciana bought the property in 1897 because his previous hotel on Lake Orta could not stay open through winter.
Santa Margherita Ligure
More like this
Grand Hotel Miramare
“Riviera Liberty beacon”
Villa Gelsomino Exclusive House
“Frescoed patrician villa”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.