my husband, one year old son and i traveled to the cinque terre and portofino for a week's holiday in late october. we were concerned about finding a 'decent' hotel in portofino which was notorious for being completely overpriced. after much research, we decided on the domino piccolo hotel.

and we weren't disappointed! wow. where do i start?

the location is sensational, less than 10 minutes walk from the centre of portofino along a walkway and with spectacular views over the ocean and private beach.

the staff were good - helpful, mostly always friendly and really great with things we needed for the baby. the staff at reception were much friendlier than those in the restaurant though (on our first night, the waiter was so grumpy i felt like i was intruding on his night!).

the breakfast was really good though make sure you don't show up too late - i noticed by just after 9am, the stocks (of say, the croissants) were low and not replenished. excellent cappuccinos though - and included!

the room was fantastic. i had read about the 2 floor suite and had requested it before we arrived but was told that it was already booked. to my delight, when we arrived we had been upgraded to it - and wow! 2 balconies, amazing views, spacious, wonderful! since we had the baby, i had explained that we wanted to have a separate room to him so we weren't keeping each other awake - well, the team delivered and i was SO thankful! i didn't get to see any of the other rooms but i imagine they were as nicely decorated - modern, understated, lovely.

we were a bit shocked when we arrived on the thursday and i insisted we go into town for dinner, only to find that there was basically nothing open and the place was like a ghost town. so much to my dismay, we ended up back at the hotel restaurant, as per my husband's original suggestion. the food was ok, but not the pumping heart of portofino as i'd hoped.

the other nights though, friday and saturday in portofino, were brilliant!!! go to the enoteca wine bar on the harbour for a glass of wine (seems exxy but then she brings out the most amazing cheese / meat platter - gorgeous) & dinner at the pizzeria in the mall leading down to the water (the one on the right hand side as you're walking down - the BEST pizza i've had in ages!).

all in all, a wonderful trip and i would definitely recommend the hotel to anyone i know.

cheers and enjoy!