- 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.
Free Night Offer
1 Free night for stays of 7 nights completed between 26 March - 01 April, 05 April - 20 May 2021 and 04 - 29 September 2021.
Based on 491 traveller reviews
71% of travellers recommended this hotel
Travellers Ratings
Excellent
225
Very Good
169
Average
59
Poor
20
Terrible
18
Reviews
“ Perfect weekend break in excellent accommodation
Trek758823,
Sep 02 2020
An excellent hotel with good, professional customer service. Our room was light and airy with a dual aspect. There was a bathroom ensuite. The room and bathroom were immaculate. Service at Reception...
An excellent hotel with good, professional customer service. Our room was light and airy with a dual aspect. There was a bathroom ensuite. The room and bathroom were immaculate. Service at Reception was timely and helpful although the staff could smile a little more! Breakfast was very good.
The entire stay ay Hotel Balbi represented excellent value for money.
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“ Premium Balbi Experience
Crisspar, Paris, France
Aug 30 2020
In this unusual summer I really enjoyed to spend a week at Grand Hotel Villa Balbi. Best Hotel in town, with a flavour of past noble palaces, this place is a special blend of ancient taste and...
In this unusual summer I really enjoyed to spend a week at Grand Hotel Villa Balbi. Best Hotel in town, with a flavour of past noble palaces, this place is a special blend of ancient taste and welcoming allure. The premises are confortables and so authentic Italian. My room 108 in a secondary building was comfortable and even if the bathroom is not the most modern, the flavor of Italian real taste is everywhere. The large swimming pool under the park trees is more than enjoyable, and the terrace morning breakfast offer a generous and dynamic start. The restaurant was closed for Covid reasons but the bar is working.
Value for money I had a very interesting offer directly on the Hotel website
But what make the real difference is the quality of the staff: professional, kind, active listening with the warmth and the sense of hospitality Italy can offer. Not just ???service??? but warm affection and attention. From the barman to the pool watcher , from the breakfast staff to the reception, from the cleaning staff and attendance I couldn???t notice any ???faux pas??? or tension.
Bravo to all of you! specially in this complicated Covid phase.
You really gave me a hint to come back again.
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“ Great location but dreadful service and tired rooms - well below expected for the room rates
helenbt1,
Aug 27 2020
The hotel was recommended by my parents who have stayed there several times a number of years ago. The location is great and the beach very well run. Unfortunately they are the only positives from...
The hotel was recommended by my parents who have stayed there several times a number of years ago. The location is great and the beach very well run. Unfortunately they are the only positives from our experience. The service was appalling with no welcome or introduction to the hotel and services on arrival - we were merely handed the room key and asked to hand over the car key to be parked. The website states that suites are allocated 2 beach beds. When I asked at reception I was told we were unlikely to get a space at the beach as they were very busy. The beach had been the deciding factor in choosing the hotel over others in the town so we were very disappointed. On arrival at the beach we were very fortunate to be allocated 2 beds near the sea which we were delighted with. The manger confirmed these were included in the room rate as we were staying in a suite. However when we were handed the bill at checkout we had been charged 180??? for the 6 days on the beach. When I challenged this and recounted what the beach manger had told us I was told this was not possible because we hadn???t booked directly with the hotel. At no point in the 8 days we stayed at the hotel and used the beach were we advised of this and the reception staff were extremely reticent to budge from this position. After 30 minutes of waiting they agreed to a 50 discount on the beach charge.
The breakfast service was disappointing and we were repeatedly ignored by staff when we attempted to order coffee. I completely understand and welcome the fact that due to Covid the hotel have had to change their processes which would explain the lengthy queues however the overall rudeness of the staff was disappointing (the exception being the young waiter serving breakfast who was extremely friendly and helpful!)
Equally my previous experience in Italian hotels is that they are meticulously clean. However this was not so at the Balbi. The bathroom sink was not cleaned and we were repeatedly left with 3 towels for 4 people. Again perhaps me this is as a result of Covid. The room had very little storage to unpack clothes with no drawers at all in the children???s room. The WIFI was intermittent at best.
We were very excited to stay at the hotel and extremely appreciative to be able to get away this year due to Covid, acknowledging that service could be impacted, however this is an expensive hotel with an exceptional reputation so we were very disappointed with our experience. I would not recommend.
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“ Villa Balbi great off the radar tip Sestri Levante
CEAMilan, Milan, Italy
Aug 21 2020
fantastic location, parking, staff super friendly professional and helpful, rooms and b'rooms modern and lived up to our expectations as did all the safety measures put in place re the covid...
fantastic location, parking, staff super friendly professional and helpful, rooms and b'rooms modern and lived up to our expectations as did all the safety measures put in place re the covid situation. Everyone was very helpful and professional. Excellent value for money!
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“ Jo
Scenic37955323662, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Aug 13 2020
We have had a fantastic stay. The hotel is in a great location close to the beach and the town. This is a beautiful hotel. The staff were excellent and made us feel very welcome. We loved it and...
We have had a fantastic stay. The hotel is in a great location close to the beach and the town. This is a beautiful hotel. The staff were excellent and made us feel very welcome. We loved it and would definitely return. Thank you.
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