Hotel Continental (Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy)

Perched high on a cliff and boasting dramatic sea views, this hotel scores high for its stunning surrounds. Guests love the manicured gardens leading to a private beach and the swimming area off rocks. The hotel's beachside bar and restaurant are a firm favourite for cocktails and seafood.

Guests are well-sated by the colourful array of items available from the breakfast buffet, which includes lots of healthy fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order and delicious Italian cakes and pastries, all for a reasonable price. Breakfasting on the terraced area by the beach is a popular choice.

Across all departments of this atmospheric hotel, staff receive glowing reviews. Courteous to a fault, the front-of-house team delight in sharing local knowledge. Housekeeping staff are often described as fast and thorough, while well-trained waiting staff mirror the excellence of the hotel's talented team of chefs.

A common complaint from reviewers relates to the surcharge for using the deck chairs on the private beach. Those tempted to cheap out report no adequate alternative for sunbathing, since a terraced area is frequently splashed by waves. Some travellers point out the charge is a norm for many Italian hotels.

Those who like an extra-firm mattress will sleep well at this hotel, but those used to memory foam or mattress toppers may not have the most restorative stay. Mattresses are frequently described by reviewers as like sleeping on a wooden plank. Pillows are also said to be on the hard side.

While many travellers rave about the old world atmosphere captured in this classically-styled hotel, others just see the wear and tear, both in public areas and guestrooms. Although well-appointed, many guests find the décor shabby without the chic, though the hotel's elegant grounds help them to forget.