We decided to stay in San Remo on a whim, which meant going old-school that morning, ringing around various hotels. Most were dismissive, telling us they were full (which we highly doubted, given the vast drop off in tourist numbers in September 2020) and being generally unhelpful.
That all changed when we reached Cristina at the Hotel de Paris - she was immediately warm, welcoming and exceptionally professional. Within a few hours, we were sitting on a glorious terrace overlooking the water, enjoying la dolce vita from one of the most beautiful suites in the city.
By calling the hotel, we were able to get a much better overall package, and take advantage of the hotel's many extras, including a private beach, bicycle hire and on-site spa. The hotel is quiet, elegant and perfectly positioned for access to the beach, cycle track and old town, and yet away from the hubub of a city.
The staff at all times were just superb: more than willing to go the extra mile, and with a friendly smile too. The ladies in housekeeping ensured our room was immaculate every day, and we had no doubts whatsoever about the safety and hygiene of the hotel. We had to work a great deal during our stay, and the strong wifi and soundproofed rooms proved ideal.
All in all, this felt like a wonderful echo of times past: a truly luxurious vacation experience, in which your every need is catered for, and all that is left to do is relax in the timeless elegance of a glamorous 19th century hotel. Many thanks to Cristina for being so welcoming on the phone that morning - she is the perfect ambassador for a rather special hotel.