Hotel Domina Home Piccolo - Portofino

Average rating:  6.8

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2007

Staff was generally unpleasant and seemed annoyed with our questions. Room was clean and spacious but could use an update in style. Hotel is about 10 minutes walking distance from shops and resturants, but is quiet and there is a safe pedestrian path to walk to town.

Guest name: CS, USA

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2007

The Piccolo Hotel was one of the nicest hotels we stayed in. While it's listed in 'Portofino', it's really just around the bend from the actual city inlet. This is terrific because people who stayed in Portofino directly had to park their cars in the general city parking lot, then lug all their luggage to their hotels. Another fabulous aspect of this hotel was the private beach and terrances. Right across the street, the hotel turned their private beach into a haven of clusters of private terraces with lounge chairs in pairs. It felt like we had our own private beach in Portofino. That, combined with the fact that they had steps into the water and provided towels made this a wonderful stop. The room sizes were some of the largest we saw in Italy (and we spent nearly three weeks there). Overall, this is the ONLY place I will stay when we travel to Portofino. Easy to find, fantastic location, clean and large rooms and the perfect beach location... WONDERFUL!!!

Guest name: SB, USA

Average rating:  8.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2007

We just came back from 3 splendid days in Portofino. Hotel Piccolo has a great location but the rooms are very small and not very comfortable. Great views if you get a ocean view room. Location is great as well as the little beach underneath. Quite noisy though, lots of scooter at night and early in the morning. Breakfast was not very good. I loved portofino and for the price the Hotel Piccolo is a small gem.

Guest name: SS, Canada

Average rating:  5.7

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Sep 2007

Great location, but noisy and pricy. Hotel rooms and public areas need a good revamp to be in line with the location and price but probably there is no incentive because it may not increase occupancy and may not allow to increase the already excessive room price. I would not recoment to stay more that one day since is close to Portofino, for longer stays or to use as a base I would recomend to saty on Santa Margherita, mor selection and lower prices (always remenber that is Italy)

Guest name: RP, Spain

Average rating:  7.4

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Sep 2007

We spent 3 days at the Piccolo Hotel and had a great time. The rooms are quite dated and some of the staff aren't the most friendly but the rates, location and views made it well worthwhile. Make sure you ask for a room with a sea view and don't get too excited about the breakfast.

Guest name: JC, Australia

Average rating:  5.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Aug 2007

We first got a room with a big terrace and view to the sea. However, immediately in front of our terrace was the road with all the traffic that goes to Portofino: Cars, busses and noisy motor cycles. So we closed the door and did not use the terrace. But there was yet another acoustical problem: The ventilation system produced a strange resonance in our room (I do not know if there are other rooms with the same phenomenon). So, the second day we asked for another room, which we got without any problem. The hotel personal seemed to know the problem. In our judgement, there is a great discrepancy between the quality and the price (240 Euro for a double room). My recomendation is simply not to go to Portofino.

Guest name: Friedrich Herrmann, Germany

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Group

stayed in Jul 2007

We found the Hotel Piccolo by taxi as the address "Via Provinciale 31" Venere had provided bears no obvious relation to the hotels actual address of "Via Duca degli Abruzzi 31". First impressions were poor as the hotels "junior suites" are very dated (circa 1970s). The hotel had noted our request for sea views, which made for more noise as the main road is between the hotel and the sea, but the view more than compensated for this. The only cheaper option in town seemed to be the Hotel Eden but it was in the heart of the old town and can't have had any views as it was set well back from the waterfront. We warmed to the Hotel Piccolo and even decided we'd stay there again if revisiting Portofino primarily because it has an amazing location and beach front.

Guest name: Alastair Wright, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in May 2007

The hotel is located just outside the village of Portofino, a short walk along a great little path. There is no long term parking at the hotel proper, the available parking was in the village, a bit of a walk but no problem. The hotel is right on the road going into Portofino but the traffic noise was not an issue. A Sea View room is a must and get a balcony if at all possible. Breakfast was not too exciting but certainly adequate with excellent cafe' creme. We did not do dinners at the hotel as the village has numerous options in a storybook setting. The real surpise was the terraced lounge area along a private beach/cove directly across from the hotel. It is fabulous and the water clear and warm...outstanding setting. The village is pricey but worth it. Although Santa Margarita is bigger and offers more shops/restaurants it doesn't come close to Portofino for charm and elegance. I will definitely go back.

Guest name: BS, USA

Average rating:  6.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2007

Portofino is a stunningly beautiful place & the Hotel Piccolo is situated a short ten minute walk to the main square with restaurants & bars. The downside to the Hotel is the very busy main road that the Hotel is built alongside (main enterance is directly onto main road ... no pathway!) traffic noise makes it very noisy with windows open. Breakfast is very crampt with little choice.

Guest name: Stephen Couling, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Mar 2007

Quality vs price excellent, since we are in Portofino. Otherwise, price would be too hogh, since the furniture of the room is very old and not very pleasant...

Guest name: HZ, France

Average rating:  7.4

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Nov 2006

L'hotel Picolo est situé entre St Marguerite et Portofino, de fait vous devez prendre la voiture ou marcher pour aller à l'un ou à l'autre. L'hotel met à disposition une place de parking à Portofino, mais vous devez revenir à l'hotel à pied (le soir, peu pratique). L'emplacement est exceptionnel lorsque vous avez une chambre vue mer (suite junior notamment). Le prix est dans la norme (140€ par nuit pour une suite junior en basse saison). Le personnel parle français et relativement aimable.

Guest name: MH, France

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Oct 2006

Parking was difficult and should be mentioned in directions to hotel. We had to park temporarily on narrow access road, then move to the city lot and walk over hilltop to reach hotel.

Guest name: GZ, USA

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Aug 2006

L'hotel è in splendida posizione e prossimo all'unica spiaggetta disponibile. Le stanze sono belle e spaziose. Il prezzo .. siano a Portofino non si può pretendere di risparmiare.

Guest name: Roberto Rosselli, Italy

Average rating:  2.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Aug 2006

Room overlooked 5 metre tall brick wall - no sea view !! Or any other view !! Generally felt that hotel was overpriced for experience received.

Guest name: DAVID COATH, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

Piccolo is a fantastic place to stay. When booking ask for a room with a sea view. We booked one but did not initially receive it. When I complained we were moved to a beautiful room overlooking thewater/boats etc. It is well worth the stay. Very beautiful in an incredible area.

Guest name: Paul Crowe, Australia

Average rating:  3.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

This hotel is falsely advertised and not value for money. The rooms are extremely basic and not in keeping with a four star hotel, there is also no swimming pool or fitness room. The only plus point regarding the hotel is the location.

Guest name: DOUGLAS BROWN, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

We were looking forward to our stay at the Piccolo Hotel. Such a beautiful location! However......... it was expensive, no view, rude staff in reception. We spent 6 weeks in Italy and this was the worst experience!!

Guest name: SP, Australia

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

This hotel was situated in central Portofino, with a private beach. The room was spacious, and the hotel was easily accessible, as the bus stop is at the front door. The room was large, with an excellent view and was great value for money given the location. The furnishings were routiney, however I would highly recommend this property.

Guest name: Jenny Nicolopoulos, Australia

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Sep 2005

From the moment we arrived at the Piccolo, we were not greated properly, we were not told about the buffet breakfast until we asked. The manager was rude to my husband. The photo of the hotel private beach from your web site is deceiving. It appears from the web site that the hotel is right on the private beach when in fact is it about 30 or more steps down from the road and to get there you have to cross a very busy road. The beach was covered with debris. Needless to say we boarded the bus to Santa Margarita to enjoy the beaches there. The next time we stay in that area a hotel in Santa Margarita will probably be our choice.

Guest name: Michael De Benedetto, USA

Average rating:  7.7

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2005

We were not happy with the hotel staff from the moment we arrived. The private beach was filthy needless to say we boarded the bus to Santa Margarita. Our choice of stay the next time will be Santa Margarita.

Guest name: Anthony Cammarata, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

perfect (especially only private beach in portofino) but not clear it not inside the old village but 2 minutes walk away

Guest name: PL, Switzerland

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

We had a lovely stay at this hotel. It was in a great position, only 5min walk into the main area. The staff were OK, we had a late check in and no apologise which was rude but besides that everything was great. Very clean and central hotel!

Guest name: KL, Australia

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2004

The Piccolo Hotel is a recommended accommodation in pricey Portofino. While the room furnishings/ decor could stand an update and the shower in the middle of the bathroom was unusual to say the least, the staff is most welcoming and helpful and the hotel fronts on the second cove of the town, offering a semi-private beach and lovely view. Parking is at the only garage in town, and with a car as large as our European-delivered Volvo S80, getting in and out will test your nerve and driving skill. The main part of town is an easy walk away, and with exquisite Portofino at your elbow, who cares about one's hotel room decor anyway? Very good value.

Guest name: David Booth, USA

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Aug 2005

Absolutely stunning location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Great access into Portofino on a pedestrian walkway.

Guest name: Kim Kahmer, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

The Piccolo was a very lovely surprise! The view from our window and across the street was breathtaking, the whole area looked like something out of a movie. The hotel was beautiful; on a gorgeous hillside across from a picturesque lagoon, easy to find, and the desk folks were very accommodating and friendly. The room was actually a spacious suite with a living room, and very clean. The internet pictures didn't do it justice, they even have a private little beach across the street, everything was quite romantic, and Portofino Bay was just down the flower covered pathway over the hill. I will absolutely stay there again if I ever get back to Italy, and will highly recommend it to friends!!

Guest name: SA, USA

Average rating:  5.9

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

The hotel is located just outside of Portofino so just a short stroll to the main marina. The private beach is nice but very quiet so if you are wanting a bit more activity and liveliness you need to walk towards St Magharita to the beach there and pay around 20 Euros. The hotel itself is nice and the rooms quite spacious. The weird thing is you shower in the bathroom practically over the toilet. What was disappointing was the welcome we got from the guy on the desk. He was very formal and not friendly at all, very officious, I don't even think he cracked a smile. The rest of the staff were very nice though. Our stay was nice but I think in future if I was going to the area I would not stay so close to Portofino and would stay further south.

Guest name: MG, Australia

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in May 2005

This is THE place to stay in Portofino if you can't afford the Splendido. Great location and the private beach is really nice.

Guest name: JK, USA

Average rating:  5.7

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Jul 2005

Requested ocean view and got side ocean view.Room furniture was very outdated,what you would expect in a cottage for 1/4 the price. When I requested another suite I was sent to look at their worst room .He then asked me if I wanted to change with a snicker on his face.I was not amused.

Guest name: Peter Lore, USA

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2005

confusion on the reservation. Did not get what was expected. Welcoming staff very arrogant.do specify view sea front because you will look at a back wall. The junior suite is huge and very comfortable.The private beach is excellent

Guest name: Suzanne & Michel Lalonde, Canada

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in May 2005

Bel endroit meme si distant du centre de quelques centaines de mètres. Parking assuré au centre pour la voiture: parfois bloquée par d'autres véhicules. SDB très petite par rapport à la taille de la chambre (douche) mais très propre.

Guest name: BF, Belgium

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2005

Great location. Easy access to town once we found the walking track. Rooms with a view were extra, but worth it.

Guest name: JH, Australia

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2005

Picolo is a wonderful hotel situated on a cliff overlooking the Med. Great rooms, great service, great everything. Beds are a bit firm, but everything is top notch.

Guest name: Michael Lee, USA

Average rating:  6.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2005

Among the negative points : - the quality of the furniture is relatively poor, - the breakfast is not at the level of a 4 stars hotel (as often in Italy !)

Guest name: Benedict Mercier, France

Average rating:  6.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2004

The hotel was reasonable for the area. Good location for Portofino. The hotel has a lovely seaview from the front, together with a nice private beach and gardens.

Guest name: Martina Cannings, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.5

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Sep 2004

Price fair I suppose considering the location. Hotel's rocky seafront and swimming were superb and the parking arrangements with portofino main carpark worked very well. Breakfast devoid of any variety and only adequate. Staff very pleasant.

Guest name: Laurence Lacy, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2004

The hotel is in a beautiful location. Next time we will request a room with a sea view. The bathroom in our room was very small as the shower was over the toilet (small baths are typical in Italy however). Parking is not available but the hotel staff actually took our car to the garage in Portofino and then returned the car on the day we departed. We would stay there again...

Guest name: Scott Sisson, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2004

A truly wonderful hotel. Directly across the road from the hotel is Portofino's only beach, which the hotel owns. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable, with sensational bay views from the front. The hotel is a 5 minute walk to Portofino. The staff are extremely friendly (especially Roberto on the front desk) and I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone visiting the area. We will definitely return.

Guest name: Stephen Hattersley, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.3

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2004

A nice enough hotel, spacious rooms & a beautiful walk into the village. Only negative comment being the towels were so thin they had holes in them, not something you expect for the price of the room.

Guest name: Lucy Adams, United Kingdom

Average rating:  3.6

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Aug 2004

Whilst the location of the hotel is reasonable but not great (about 3/4 mile outside portofino, the hotel is maximum 2 star not the rating described on their web site. Rooms are scruffy & need refurbishing, room views are great. staff are rude, parking is 3/4mile away, with 5 spaces outside the hotel, having arrived back a 1am we were confronted by a very rub night porter who would not give us our room key until we had moved our car (even though no other cars were parked outside the hotel) and threatened to damage or scratch our car if we didnt move it!!!, breakfast is basic with a rude un-interested waiter. we would describe the hotel as functional at best. portofino itself is beautiful and a must for any romantic couple. if your budget can stretch - stay at the splendido mare or if it can really really stretch stay at the splendido. of the 6 hotels we stayed in during our 2500miles the picolo was by far the worst - it has great potential if the refurbished the hotel and replaced the staff (bar one who was really nice)

Guest name: DW, United Kingdom

Average rating:  3.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2004

Picollo is a a great location overlooking the bay of Portofino. However the personell was completely irresponsive and unaccommodating. Our room was called a "Junior Suite" and was rather small and very dark room. The bath-room was boat-style meaning the shower head was in the middle of a tiny bath-room in the ceiling. The furniture where of the cheapest kind. Overall way too expensive for what it was.

Guest name: Ralf Roth, USA

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2004

The Piccolo was in a good location (close walking distance to the main area of Portofino). My husband and I loved the private beach. However, the hotel advertised that they had a wonderful resturant and bar- What I saw of a resturant looked like a small breakfast area and the bar simply was a counter that had liquor. Luckily Portofino is packed with lots of good resturants, so this wasn't a problem for us.

Guest name: Tracy DiPietro, USA

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2004

The breakfast could be extended

Guest name: Nils Arne Fagerli, Norway

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2004

A lovely hotel in a beautiful setting. Staff/service very good, especially Fabien who made us most welcome. Only minor issues 1. The parking, after a long drive through Italy valet parking would have been appreciated - but then again the walk from the village gave us the chance to stretch our legs. 2. The sunbeds required a wipe down. Otherwise excellent, I would certainly stay there again.

Guest name: Jeanette Musgrave, United Kingdom

Average rating:  6.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2004

Excellent location and stunning private beach. They tried to give us the poorest room in the hotel overlooking the dirt mound at the back. This was rectified after some trouble to a small cabin-like room with a lovely view. Junior suite this definitely was not!! Great location for walks and the private beach made this holiday...

Guest name: GH, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jun 2004

The Piccolo Hotel was absolutely lovely and I would recommend it as a great place to stay if you are visiting Portofino. Our room was very spacious and had a lovely terrace, although the road did run past it. There was also a pedestrian walkway from the hotel directly into Portofino centre (about 3/5 mins walk). I particularly liked the hotel's private beach, which was located opposite the hotel on the other side of the road. Sunbeds were set out on a series of platforms, in amongst a series of walkways, which had been carved out from the rock, with steps going down to the beach. This meant that it was very secluded and the view was beautiful. I would definately go back to this hotel.

Guest name: REBECCA FORD, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2004

From the moment we arrived, when our car was whisked away for valet parking, the welcone we recieved was tremendous. The staff were professional and attentive, and both curteous and friendly. The veiws from our spacious room were marvellous. The location was perfect for us, about 350 metres from the harbour, and boy, what a harbour. The private beach/terrace area was an absolute treasure! Perfect to finish off the evening, watching the yatchs moored in the bay. Only down side was noise from road traffic, but not troublesome enough for us to look forward to our next visit. Enjoy!

Guest name: Mark Wall, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2004

What a wonderful inn. We had the most amazing room with a terrace facing the sea. No complaints here.

Guest name: GS, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2004

The hotel setting is a delight. The staff are wonderful and our room with the balcony overlooking the sea was just superb. Will recommend this hotel to friends. PS: Best shower in Europe!

Guest name: Paul & Pamela Adams, Australia

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Oct 2003

Our car had blow out when we left there. The man who brought our luggages to entrance, helped us very well. At that time we have a heavy rain, but he mended a puncture and he didn't mind abt his clothes into mud. We felt his kindness from not only business. We appreciated for it very much and we don't forget it.

Guest name: MY, Japan

Average rating:  5.3

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2003

During my wonderful stay in Italy, my only upset was at this hotel. They tried to tell me I booked 2 rooms and were adament about charging me for 2 rooms. (Which I did not reserve.) Causing a large arguement in the lobby. Yet when someone came in with bags wanting to stay at the hotel, they told them they had no availability. Then, after they understood and agreed that there was no way I was paying for 2 rooms, the phone rang and someone wanted a room for the following night, and were told there was no availability.

Guest name: Pia Brown, USA