BACK IN PORTOFINO

 

Call me crazy, but I could easily live in hotels. It's one of my favorite parts when on vacation. I know many hate staying away from home, but I love having the room service, food and a bar at your fingertips, and a pool to soak and swim in. Fresh towels and room service if you prefer. I probably should get a job staying in hotel after hotel and do critique and reviews?!?! Chains can be good, but I love a good boutique hotel. While in Portofino we stayed most of the time at the Hotel Splendido. Which did not disappoint. Housed in a 16th century monastery building with fabulous views over the bay. It was definitely a Grande dame of hotels. It had excellent appointed rooms, delicious food and exceptional service.  The Splendido is set in lush, terraced gardens, and the interior was rather uber chic, not to mention a footpath that led down to the pretty quayside with its shops, cafes and restaurants. Matter of facts, we even spent two whole days at the hotel, just relaxing and enjoying the pool and gardens. 

This was our room welcome.

 We also were upgraded once there to the Ava Gardner Room!

On the balcony one day! Me and birds.

I called this guy Mr Frisk. We met him at the hotel and talked with him several times. He was traveling on his own, and the last night for all of us, brought about copious amounts of drinks!

And not far from the hotel was this fabulous lighthouse.

 A little history...The Portofino lighthouse was built on 1917 and consists of a white quadrangular tower, 16 feet high, with balcony and lantern, attached to a two-story white keeper's house. The lantern, painted grey metallic and emits a flash every five seconds in now completely automated. While still a lighthouse the terrace surrounding it also serves as a lounge terrace to enjoys the views, the breeze and a few libations.

And no Cali Boi...that is not me laying on my back casting that shadow.

What a trip. 

I'm ready to go back and live the rest of my life there, if the hotel wouldn't mind a lifelong guest?!?!