Unbelievably hard to find (even with SatNav) but worth it when we got there. Limited parking - phone in advance to try to reserve a space, or at least let them know you'll be driving.

Despite being almost on the main road, it's far enough up a steep hill so there's little road noise and plenty of great views. The service was friendly and welcoming, except at breakfast when I guess they had too few staff on because they looked overworked and were slow to seat and serve you.

Having said that, breakfst was quite nice, although it was nothing compared with the dinner which was excellent. The rooms were quiet and clean, the spa was brilliant - tucked away in a cave just below the hotel and fantastically underused.

We just wanted to escape for a weekend to an Italian beach resort and this fitted the bill perfectly. Sat Nav led us straight to the hotel without a wrong turn. Received a really warm welcome and all the reception staff, waiters, barmen spoke great English.

Final Liguria isn't a swish resort, but the hotel is. We had dinner the first night and knew it was where we wanted to dine the second too. To sit out on their terrace, gravel underfoot, and a view out to sea was sheer perfection. The menu changes daily with just 3 or 4 choices. Inspired choices though, and the quality and taste was everything we wanted from an Italian seaside adventure. The wine list was solely Italian, and there were many wines at resonable prices.

Where the restaurant fails is in its popularity. Getting a table for two at the edge of the balcony didn't happen unless you got down first for breakfast, or got on very well with the restaurant manager. It wasn't a big deal, but it would have been the icing on the cake.

Now we found the rooms fine. Clean, well kept and it was clear that they were invested in - lcd tv, new curtains at the window, white walls that were spotless. A mini fridge with plenty of space for your own purchases and free water from the hotel. The bathrooms were compact though.

The beach was great and they have an arrangement to secure space with the club with the green umbrellas. You buy a space which comes with a lounger and deck chair. You can then buy an extra lounger to replace teh chair. €39 for this though. That said it was a great beach and we loved the atmosphere.

All things considered - we loved it! The reviews here are spot on.

PS - the hotel has free WIFI and the signal even stretched down to the beach for iPad surfing.

This hotel was adviced by friends. An unique location overlooking the sea. Beautiful terraces to have meals or drinks. Exciting hideaways to sit and relax. A whirlpool in a cave. Very friendly staff. Rooms are typical Italian, could use a little modernisation, but for the price you pay, there is all you need; bathrobe and slippers, fridge,fan,airco and our room had a beautiful large terrace. After the glamourous and hectic cote d'azur France, it is a feast to enjoy same peaceful, friendly days in Finale Ligure and we definatly recommend Hotel Punta Est!

Hotel Punta Est is a refined, but relaxed oasis on the Riviera coast. Within easy driving distance of places like Porto Fino, Monte Carlo and the beautiful coastal mountains, there are weeks of things to do nearby.

The rooms are a combination of modern bathrooms and classic Italian, with Asian antiques, most with balconies overlooking the sea.

All of the meals are excellent with many choices at breakfast and special lunches and dinners prepared with fresh local ingredients by a creative chef.

While the hotel is perched on a cliff above the sea, the very friendly and accommodating staff are glad to provide a lift down to the beach with their golf cart.

The bar and dining terraces have incredible views with privacy or the opportunity to interact with other interesting guests all of whom seem to really enjoy the hotel.. We were not the only ones who changed their plans to stay here longer.