The regal Hotel Europa is housed in a former palace that dates back to the 1600s. It’s a grand and striking building from the exterior, with shell-pink walls and white windows that could be a doppelgänger for Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel." On the inside, it has been tastefully renovated and now has chic and contemporary decor throughout the common spaces. The mirrored reception desk stands out in the lobby in front of a slate-gray tiled wall. There are lots of seating areas with mod purple couches, trendy light fixtures, and ottomans shaped like large gumdrops. From many of the hotel’s windows there is a stunning panoramic view of the Castle of Rapallo and the entire waterfront. The hotel often hosts wedding receptions and conferences, but most guests are couples or families on vacation. The stately exterior and contemporary interiors give this property extra appeal. 

This hotel is centrally located in Rapallo opposite its historic castle. It’s just a two-minute walk to the seafront, where there’s a beautiful beach, plenty of restaurants and shops, and the pier. Boats can be taken from the pier to Portofino, San Fruttuoso Camogli, and the fascinating Cinque Terre. The hotel is also within a 10-minute walk of Castle-on-the-Sea, Basilica of St Gervasius and Protasius, and Porta delle Saline. The Museo Attilio E Cleofe Gaffoglio is a three-minute walk from the hotel and has a collection of art ranging from the 14th to the 20th century. The Museo del Merletto is an eight-minute walk away and has an extensive collection of lace artifacts. This is set within the pretty Parco Comunale Luigi Casale, which has children's play areas, an old castle, and a cafe. The Rapello Golf Club is around a five-minute drive from the hotel, where the 18-hole course winds through towering trees and includes the enchanting Abbey of Valle Christi. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is a 35-minute drive away. 

Rooms at the Hotel Europa are spacious, light, and airy. They all have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, goose-down quilts, a minibar, safe, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. The individually decorated rooms have white wood paneling on the walls and most have a soft, neutral color scheme. Many have a feature wall behind the bed decorated with floral wallpaper. While the rooms are well soundproofed to the outside, the internal walls are a little thin, meaning noise from neighboring rooms can be an issue for some. Some rooms have sea views from small, unfurnished balconies. Bathrooms are a bit old-fashioned, but spacious and charming, with shower/tub combos, marble vanities, bidets, toiletries, wall-mounted hairdryers, and pale blue tiling. Some rooms have jetted tubs. Rooms are divided between Standard Double Rooms and Standard New Style Double Rooms that have a fresher, more modern feel, so travelers should compare the two before selecting. 

This hotel is home to an excellent spa that has an indoor swimming pool with hydromassage, Finnish sauna, hot tub, Thalasso steam bath, and Himalayan salt room. There’s also a small fitness center with a treadmill, exercise bike, and weights. Bikes can be rented from the hotel too. On-site parking is available for a fee. Business guests can make use of the stylish convention center, and the hotel's beautiful garden is available for private events as well. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves high quality Mediterranean cuisine, including many Ligurian specialties. A daily breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and can be eaten outdoors during warmer weather. There's a good selection of food on offer, including plenty of fresh fruit. The hotel also has a small bar and room service is available during limited hours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there’s a computer station for guests to use.