Belmond Splendido (Cont.)
The view immediately grabs your attention and it improves as you move toward their restaurant which is located on their main outside terrace. After drinking in the view, it’s time to move indoors to their ornate and well-appointed lobby. Nothing too modern here – even the room keys feature the heavy door key which says to me “Europe” and “grand hotel.” Other public rooms on this level include the buffet area where you choose your daily breakfast items before choosing an outdoor table – all the tables have a great view so no need to get up early for a table with a view. There is also a small bar and nearby a piano which will have a pianist playing on many evenings. Outside, is another piano, also with a pianist performing many evenings.
We continue on to the beautiful heated pool – a good size, and with another incredible view. Nearby is the salad bar which features other cold entrees and side dishes. A poolside concierge is there to help with anything you need. Nearby is the Turkish baths and beyond that is the small gym. Next we go up a level and visit their salon and spa. These are lovely and feature lots of white and light blue accessories. The spa features a small room for yoga, single treatment rooms and a room for a couples massage. There is even a room used mainly for hair and make-up treatments for bridal parties. You enter the spa from either the outdoors or its main entrance.
The Hotel Splendido is very popular for weddings and we move onto the spacious room where many receptions take place. The ceremony can be done in one of the beautiful garden areas but many are held at a local church a short distance away.
This hotel features just over 100 rooms and suites and you’ll notice much of the décor in most of the rooms is white with pastel colors. The beds are large with opulent bathrooms and plenty of closet space. With elevators available, these rooms will work for guests who have some mobility issues. On the top floor, you will find five new suites. These are far more modern with white and turquoise furniture. You will find a living area, a small kitchen area plus a large bedroom and a very comfortable bathroom.
We continue on to the beautiful heated pool – a good size, and with another incredible view. Nearby is the salad bar which features other cold entrees and side dishes. A poolside concierge is there to help with anything you need. Nearby is the Turkish baths and beyond that is the small gym. Next we go up a level and visit their salon and spa. These are lovely and feature lots of white and light blue accessories. The spa features a small room for yoga, single treatment rooms and a room for a couples massage. There is even a room used mainly for hair and make-up treatments for bridal parties. You enter the spa from either the outdoors or its main entrance.
The Hotel Splendido is very popular for weddings and we move onto the spacious room where many receptions take place. The ceremony can be done in one of the beautiful garden areas but many are held at a local church a short distance away.
This hotel features just over 100 rooms and suites and you’ll notice much of the décor in most of the rooms is white with pastel colors. The beds are large with opulent bathrooms and plenty of closet space. With elevators available, these rooms will work for guests who have some mobility issues. On the top floor, you will find five new suites. These are far more modern with white and turquoise furniture. You will find a living area, a small kitchen area plus a large bedroom and a very comfortable bathroom.
There are also tennis courts on the property and private lessons are available. A children’s club was recently added with an attendant entertaining children starting at age five; there is no additional cost for this service A complimentary shuttle runs between the town of Portofino and the hotel from about 9am to 11pm. There is also a pathway – part staircase, part foot path leading all the way done to town. They said it was only a10-minute walk- I wouldn’t know because I jumped back into that comfortable Mercedes Benz van for the quick trip down the hill. There is also a small boutique on the premises.
Back in town, I was treated to a quick visit to the other Splendido Hotel – the Splendido Mare located right in the middle of Portofino. Sixteen rooms, including their Ava Gardner suite – she spent one entire season living at the hotel filming a movie during the 1950’s, a quaint restaurant and bar make up the entire property. Its outside café area is great for morning coffee and people watching. There are elevators but most of the rooms require going over one, two, or three sets of short stairs so it might not be the ideal property for mobility challenged guests.
Please call us at 559-324-8150 or email us at info@perfectvacationtravel.com to set up an appointment to start planning your extraordinary travel to Italy and a stay at the Belmond Splendido.
Italian Ventures travel agency in Fresno, CA at beautiful Piazza del Fiore - 1122 E. Champlain Dr., Ste 102.
