The Hotel Piccolo Portofino is housed in an old converted Italian villa perched on a lush hillside above gardens leading to its own rocky beach -- its elegant facade of green shuttered windows and wrought iron railings overlooks the Portofino Gulf. The scene changes in the hotel lobby, where smart yet homey contemporary decor meets checkered stone floors, white button banquettes, and modern wood paneling. From the reception area a soft lapping of the sea can be heard and decorative flourishes remind guests of Portofino's fishing tradition.

Located on the slope of a hill looking out over the Ligurian Sea on the northwest coast of Italy, the hotel is a five-minute stroll from the center of picturesque Portofino. Access to the village is best on foot via an ancient Roman footpath right behind the hotel, avoiding a narrow and occasionally busy road. The nearest airport is Genoa, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) away and 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Santa Margherita Ligure railway station.

Designed by renowned architect Gianmarco Cavagnino, the rooms are tastefully decorated in muted light tones with simple, minimalist furnishings. In-room amenities include satellite TV, minibars, and air conditioning, while marble-tiled bathrooms include hairdryers and bidets. Front-facing rooms have balconies with striking views over the sea.

Pebbled terraces and stone stairways wind through manicured gardens and ancient-looking arches to sunbathing areas overlooking the sea and the hotel's private rocky beach. Guests can take a dip in the sea and dry off reclining on sun loungers before ordering a drink down from the hotel. A smart, modern restaurant serves up a menu of traditional regional favorites as well as fresh fish daily.