- Set within its own gardens a few metres from the beach of Sestri Levante
- A charming hotel brimming with character
Situated within its own gardens and yet located only a few meters from Sestri Levante’s beach area, the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi is brimming with character. Once the 17th century home of a prominent Genoese family, the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi’s impressive entrance leads to the public rooms that have retained the beautiful vaulted, frescoed ceilings and tapestries. The guest rooms are housed in a more modern wing.
The Grand Hotel Villa Balbi also features a swimming pool (normally in use May - September) set amongst greenery behind the villa and a private beach area with a beach bar. Embodying the faded grandeur of a bygone era, the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi’s location in Sestri Levante is convenient for visiting nearby towns such as Rapallo, with its charming 16th castle, and the exclusive Portofino. By venturing further south, you will come across Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most picturesque stretches of coastline adorned with archetypal fishing villages.
The hotel has 105 rooms (official rating 4 star) Citalia does not accept children at this hotel, however this is not an adult-only property. Minimum stay 3 nights.
Facilities
Bars & Restaurants
Bar
The former billard room is now a relaxing lounge bar serving a range of drinks and cocktails.
Restaurant
Dress Code: Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers during the evening.
The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes à la carte in an elegant setting.
Beach & Pools
Private Beach
Hotel guests have access to a private beach area with a beach bar. Charges are included except in July and August when a charge of €15 per guest per day is applicable. The beach is normally in use from June to September.
Swimming Pool
The hotel's outdoor pool is normally in use from May to September.
Parking
Parking is available and payable locally (approx. €10 per day).
About the location
Sestri Levante is a gorgeous Riviera town that bears more than a little resemblance to Portofino, which sits just along the coast. The town's colourful buildings and historic palaces nestle around a beautiful crescent of sand and sea, with a backdrop of pine forests. Sestri Levante is a little quieter than its fashionable neighbour, and is popular with holidaying Italians, making it ideal for those looking for a relaxed and authentic Italian Riviera destination.
There’s still plenty to see and do, though. For many, the Punta Manara hiking trail is a must-do, offering miles of flora-rich hiking up the headland and into the hills beyond. A more relaxed alternative would be to take a boat and cruise the glass-smooth Bay of Silence, or just to lounge on the sandy beachfront. One of Sestri Levante’s other perks is its proximity to the dreamy pastel-shaded towns of the Cinque Terre – you can reach them in just over half an hour.
Transfer Time
The hotel is 1 hour from Genoa airport. Return private transfers included. To change your transfers or book car hire instead, simply call us once you’ve completed your booking.
Twin/Double Room
Max 3 adults
Twin/Double Rooms are individually decorated and combine modern facilities with period features.
Single
Max 1 adult
Single Rooms are also available on request, please call to book.
Based on 596 traveller reviews
71% of travellers recommended this hotel
Travellers Ratings
Excellent
283
Very Good
205
Average
64
Poor
25
Terrible
19
Reviews
“ Breath taking Hotel
NicoleS_Patron, Switzerland
Oct 14 2021
We stayed in the original part of the hotel. It is a beautiful hotel, with a breath taking garden, and absolutely lovely and attentive staff in a great location, just a few steps from the sea...
We stayed in the original part of the hotel. It is a beautiful hotel, with a breath taking garden, and absolutely lovely and attentive staff in a great location, just a few steps from the sea, restaurants and bars. Will definitely stay here again!
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“ Misrepresented on the website
lucien22, New York City, New York
Oct 10 2021
The common areas and garden are nice. The rooms are dated, A/ C is practically not working. The lowest temperature is set at 22C, it does not go below this level. The hotel was not full. Despite that...
The common areas and garden are nice. The rooms are dated, A/ C is practically not working. The lowest temperature is set at 22C, it does not go below this level. The hotel was not full. Despite that our room upgrade was extra 50 Euros. The room pictures on the website are not reflecting the real picture. Would not recommend....
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“ Beautiful
bdinten, Zurich, Switzerland
Sep 26 2021
Beautiful as always! Everything is within a good reaching aerea: Sea, walks, restaurants nightlife! The most beautiful terrasse to eat breakfast with nice coffe!! The car is always safe parked...
Beautiful as always! Everything is within a good reaching aerea: Sea, walks, restaurants nightlife! The most beautiful terrasse to eat breakfast with nice coffe!! The car is always safe parked! Comming back soon!
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“ Great atmosphere
frankw0lf,
Sep 13 2021
Really beautiful rooms, great outside area and - perfectly match to detach.
Prices in the restaurant are pretty high in comparison to what you get - e.g. a glass of wine for 15??? and it was not a...
Really beautiful rooms, great outside area and - perfectly match to detach.
Prices in the restaurant are pretty high in comparison to what you get - e.g. a glass of wine for 15??? and it was not a Barolo! The breakfast was very good, but in corona times it is really hard to enjoy 100% - maybe it would have been better not to wear the mask in the breakfast area as well.
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“ Villa Balbi
Cadogan57, London, United Kingdom
Aug 31 2021
Excellent and well run and excellent service.
The Bar was superb.
Reception and the ground floor communal rooms hard to beat and in the best location in Sestri Levante.
The 2nd floor rooms in the...
Excellent and well run and excellent service.
The Bar was superb.
Reception and the ground floor communal rooms hard to beat and in the best location in Sestri Levante.
The 2nd floor rooms in the Villa are magnificent with spectacular ceilupings.
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