We really enjoyed our stay at this family run hotel. We stayed in room 38 which was on the top floor, sea view and a corner so had wonderful views of the sea. My brother stayed in room 30 just below us. Both rooms were very large and the views exceptional. I highly recommend upgrading to the sea view. The breakfast room is very nice and also has a view. At breakfast we enjoyed the nice and varied selection of meats, cheeses, pastries (excellent croissants and pastries), and yogurts. This is an older property but it is very clean and well maintained. It was once a family villa that later became a hotel. It made us feel at home and a part of its history. It was a quick 10 minute walk to the city center. The service was very good and we would definitely stay there again.

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We only stayed for a night, but could have quite happily stayed longer. Beautiful building with an even better view over the bay. Staff were really friendly and helped gave us plenty of information to make the most of our stay and ensuring that our car was accessible in the small carpark as we had to leave early the next morning. We were situated in the annexe, the room was a good size and kept nice and cool with aircon, despite the 30 degrees outside! A good sized ensuite too. This hotel is a 10 - 15 minute walk from the front at Santa Margherita, though the first part of the walk (approx 100m) is on the busy main road. We walked into town and caught the ferry to Portofino.

Part of the character is that the driveway to the property is very narrow and steep. It didnt detract from our stay, but is something to be aware of if driving to the hotel. The carpark at the top of the driveway is quite small too, with room for 5 or 6 cars, but there is also some parking halfway up the driveway on the metal decking.

I just love the hotel, it's the second time I'm staying there and I am absolutely happy about everything - wonderful small castle with breathtaking views, friendly and helpful staff, fantastic breakfast served in a quaint dining room with the view of the town and the sea, comfortable and clean room. I would like to heartily thank all the staff again for our unforgettable holiday, I highly recommend this place and we will certainly come back!

The castle hotel is positioned beautifully on the hill of Santa Margherita with the most amazing panoramic view of the Italian Rivera! Incredible views ….our room was 26 and had the most wonderful view! And had a toilet with a view too! Staff were lovely and recommended the ferry boat along the coast to Portifino & other beautiful towns…you must do this, seeing these places from the sea is breath taking! The hotel is grand with sweeping staircase, clean and breakie was lovely.

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Location great for exploring - if a little steep to get home! Old fashioned charming decor. Car parking a definite benefit. Breakfast good, but lacked any fresh fruit other than apples and oranges (no cut up fruit for cereal)! Excellent lady on reception who went out of her way to help when I needed to source something.

Man on reception who did not give us good advice! Didn't seem to know the quickest route into town (Not insurmountable, but helpful, and basic reception knowledge). Also told us it was too far to walk into Portfino and to take a bus (it was 1.5 hours walk). Again not insurmountable, but better to have options ie tell us how long the walk is and offer bus rather than assume its too far for us to walk (I am 59!).

My room was the best! It was the quad room with the sea view. The balcony is fantastic and wraps around a corner of the building. The room is BIG and fit our family of four perfectly. The bathroom is large and the ceilings are high. All the windows have shutters to block out light at night. The breakfast was good with lots of variety. The property is peaceful and quiet and so relaxing. (I booked three rooms total for my large group - the other two rooms were for two adults and had garden views.)

Access to town does require a 10 minute walk down the hill and then back up. The view is worth the walk, but if you want to just pop out and get a bite to eat and wander along the water, then you may consider finding a hotel in the old town. A taxi from the train station cost 25 Euros and taxis drop off and pick up at the bottom of the driveway only - it's very understandable, once you arrive, as the driveway is steep and narrow. Be ready to pull your luggage up the driveway. For travellers who enjoy using lifts, there isn't one in the castle, as this is an old building and typical in Europe. You will have to carry your bags up additional flights of stairs, so just pack light and it won't be an issue.

This hotel is a beautiful castel-like building with old world charm. It was beautiful inside and out. It also had parking - a bit tricky to get to however with a bigger car - which was appreciated. It was filled with antiques and had the classic Italian style which we loved! The staff were super kind and helpful. The breakfast was excellent as well. Most importantly the view was amazing!

The rooms were a bit small but this is typical in Europe

The characterful Hotel La Vela-Castello Il Refugio is full of lovely old-world charm with a lovely ambiente. The hotel has a commanding ocean view. The rooms are well appointed and comfortable. Breakfast is substantial. The staff is very friendly and so helpful. The location in Santa Margherita is ideal for visiting the Portofino/San Fruttuoso/Rapallo area.

We traveled with two teenagers and got a family room. Overall the results were good. The room was airy and large enough to handle us. The balcony overlooking the port was fantastic. Very memorable. Breakfast was quite good and fully appreciated.' The town is beautiful and has many affordable places to eat. The food was superior.

Nor much. Paying 20 euros to get back from town every time gets a tad old. But hey! you have a lovely hillside place. Don't change a thing.

Beautiful castle on a hill , very nice staff .

Inside : It needs some refurbishment in the room(s). E.g. some fresh paint and fix the window shades. No lift , so you have to work-out to get your big suitcases up the stairs. Getting to the entrance via a tiny curvy steep road uphill is not for the faint of heart.