Hotel Jolanda

Hotel Jolanda in Santa Margherita Ligure was truly memorable. From the moment we reserved and arrived, Roberto, Paolo and the entire reception team welcomed us with genuine warmth, professionalism, and exceptional attention to detail. Their helpful and friendly approach made us feel comfortable throughout our stay. A special mention also goes to Assia and her housekeeping team whose dedication and care were evident in the immaculate condition of the room and the high standards maintained throughout the hotel. The breakfast buffet was very rich, offering an excellent variety of fresh, high-quality options and providing the perfect start to each day. Combined with the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere, cleanliness, and outstanding service, it made our experience especially enjoyable. We would be delighted to return to Hotel Jolanda and warmly recommend it to anyone visiting Santa Margherita Ligure.

**Very disappointing experience — unwelcoming and extremely stressful** We stayed here for our wedding week and while it was a good location, we strongly regret staying here due to the service. Unfortunately, our experience with this hotel was extremely disappointing. From the moment we arrived, the staff were not welcoming or particularly helpful, with one notable exception: Dorino, who was the only staff member who made an effort to assist us and treated us kindly the entire stay. The woman at the front desk, I believe her name was Irene, was also kind and helpful with helping us set up transportation. The rest of the staff however, was not as welcoming. The most upsetting part of our stay involved a private airport transfer that had been arranged through the hotel. Our flight was canceled, and we notified the transfer company approximately an hour before the scheduled pickup. We disputed a €600 cancellation charge because we had NEVER been provided with any cancellation terms when we booked.The taxi company fought us saying we still had to pay 600€, despite them not providing the service. Rather than helping us resolve the situation, **Paolo at the front desk immediately contacted the taxi company when he saw us arrive at the hotel and became involved in pressuring us to pay. The situation became extremely uncomfortable, and the taxi company even involved the police over the disputed payment. We felt intimidated and unsupported by the hotel during an already stressful situation caused by a canceled flight. We expected the hotel to help us as guests, or at the very least remain neutral and help facilitate a reasonable resolution. Instead, we felt that Paolo sided with the taxi company and contributed to the pressure we experienced. Even knowing that it was our wedding, they did not show any consideration for something that was out of our control. HORRIBLE experience. The only reason I am giving it 2 stars instead of one is because of the two kind staff members. If not, I would rate it 0. We would not return to this hotel and would recommend that travelers consider how the hotel handles guests when unexpected problems arise.

Four nights in room 408 in early August, using Santa Margherita as a base for Portofino, the Ligurian coastal villages and a Vespa day along the Golfo Paradiso. THE AIR CONDITIONING WORKS — AND THAT DESERVES SAYING After a string of Riviera hotels where “air conditioning” means a rattling box and a floor fan as an apology, room 408 had a Daikin unit that actually cools. Close the shutters, set the temperature, and the room stays genuinely cool through a heatwave night. It sounds like a small thing; in August on this coast it is the single most important thing a hotel in this bracket can get right, and Jolanda gets it right. BREAKFAST Excellent — and I say that as someone who has learned to expect very little from hotel breakfasts in Italy. This one is fresh, varied and properly done, and it sets up a full day of walking and boats without any need for a mid-morning stop. LOCATION — FULL MARKS Via Luisito Costa is a quiet side street a couple of minutes from the railway station and a short walk from the seafront. For rail travellers this is ideal: no taxi needed, luggage rolls door to door, and restaurants, the harbour and the Portofino boats are all within easy reach. As a base for the whole gulf, it could hardly be better placed. PRACTICAL NOTE City tax is charged separately at the municipal rate (4 € per person per night in 2026) — Santa Margherita raised its rates this year, so budget accordingly. A well-run, honest hotel with the essentials — cooling, breakfast, location — all in order. I would stay again without hesitation

We are absolutely delighted with our stay. This boutique hotel exceeded all of our expectations and made our trip even more special. The rooms are spotlessly clean, beautifully designed, and every little detail shows how much love and thought has gone into creating this place. Every corner feels unique and welcoming. The breakfasts are wonderful. They are served in a beautiful garden with such a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. There is a great selection of fresh fruit, eggs cooked in different ways, cold cuts, bread, pastries, and much more. If you would like something different, you can also order from the breakfast menu, and the prices are very reasonable. The staff is incredibly kind, professional, and always happy to help. We would especially like to thank Andrea. He is one of the most polite and attentive people we have ever met. Even though I can be quite a demanding guest, he made us feel truly welcome and cared for throughout our stay. The location is another huge advantage. The hotel is in a quiet and peaceful area, yet everything is just a short walk away—the town center, the beach, restaurants, and the ferry pier for boats to Portofino and the nearby villages. This boutique hotel has left us with wonderful memories that we will keep for many years. We would happily come back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a perfect stay in Santa Margherita Ligure.