Hotel Metropole  

On the Gulf in Santa Margherita Ligure, this 4-star pet-friendly, family-friendly beach hotel sits in a park that slopes down to the sea. It's steps from Bagni Helios, within walking distance of Piazza Colombo and minutes from Castello di Punta Pagana and Portofino Marina.

A traditional 1900 property with modern updates, the hotel offers 57 recently renovated rooms across the main building and the historic Villa Porticciolo. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature minibars or refrigerators, LCD TVs, private bathrooms with bidets, and a serene garden setting facing the sea.

Wellness is a headline here: a full spa with massages and beauty treatments by appointment, a fitness center, sauna, steam bath, an indoor saltwater pool and a summer outdoor pool. A private beach club is accessible through the garden, with a beach bar and terrace restaurant; beach loungers and secure or garage parking are available for a fee—wake up to sea-breeze mornings.

Conference and meeting facilities, a business center and a computer station are on site, plus complimentary wireless Internet throughout and a 24-hour front desk; roundtrip airport shuttle is available for a surcharge.

Two on-site restaurants serve refined dishes and local Ligurian flavors, with a terrace restaurant offering sea views in warmer months. There's also a bar/lounge, a beach bar, buffet breakfast (fee) and limited-hours room service.