Grand Hotel Miramare

A family-owned 1903 grande dame with 72 Art Nouveau rooms, a seawater pool, private beach, spa with garden gazebo, and four bars and restaurants.

Barren. The hotel is fringed by verdant manicured gardens where olive trees, pines and Lebanese cedars flourish.

Glamour is palpable at Grand Hotel Miramare—one reason why generations of well-heeled guests have flocked here to vacation on the lapping shores of the Ligurian Sea. Even before Instagram demanded it, guest rooms here have been utterly dazzling: intimate respites with crystal chandeliers, parquet floors, wood paneling and bronzed brass beds that have been hallmarks here since the hotel opened (although now they’re swaddled in Frette linens). Superior rooms begin at 215 square feet; for extra room to roam, we’re partial to the recently built Junior Suite Sea Views for their panoramas of the Tigullio Gulf and ginormous 484 square foot interiors. Whatever room you pick, you’ll be pampered: all are stocked with gratis nonalcoholic minibars, Diptyque toiletries, and (phew!) air conditioning.

You love sleeping where fame slept, and Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier honeymooned here in 1947.

On the terrace at Vistamare, Chef Claudio Fortuna’s immaculate Mediterranean restaurant, every morsel is as transcendent as the view. Your favorite dish, though, is a total and unforgettable surprise: fresh strawberries dipped in wasabi mousse.

Vistamare Restaurant - Sky blue sets the mood in this Art Nouveau space that opens on to the terrace for panoramic summer views.

Pool Restaurant & Bar - The view takes in the spectacular pool, the glinting sea, and the Mediterranean garden in the background.

Bar Le Colonne - An inviting spot for an aperitif or snack with magnificent views across the bay.

Barracuda Piano Bar - A contemporary piano bar with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, ideal for an aperitif, a glass or two of wine.

Barracuda Beach Restaurant - The perfect place to taste the best seasonal ingredients or to enjoy a drink in the relaxing ambience of the panoramic lounge.