There are no hugely significant shortcomings with the property, but it does not afford the luxury of facilities and experience usually afforded by 5* establishments. The rooms are spacious and clean enough, but the sofa appeared very worn and in need of replacing. We had a balcony which boasted stunning views of the sea and Bay of Rapallo. Staff are friendly and most obliging. I very much appreciated them facilitating the opening of the gym for me outside its usual hours of operation. For me, the biggest disappointments were the beach club / pool area and breakfast. The major problem with the beach club and pool area is that it is hugely overcrowded. The sun loungers are uncomfortable and have no padding as you often find at a 5* hotel poolside. You could not ‘stick a pin’ between the people. The beds are literally touching each other, and you are virtually climbing over complete strangers. Many people were complaining about this and saying how it spoils the overall experience. I’m unsure as to whether the beach club is open to the public, but if it is, it needs to be exclusive to residents. It is not a luxury experience, but rather one comparable to that of a large scale 3* resort. Breakfast was also disappointing. The buffet is underwhelming. Having stayed at The Belmond Splendido for the previous three nights and The Imperiale Palace before that, the breakfast is in an entirely different league. It does not come close to either of the aforementioned properties.