Hotel Portofino

Set in the intoxicating environs of Italy's glamorous Portofino in the 1920s, the series follows the sensual and scandalous lives of a fictional British family for whom a storm is brewing. As Bella Ainsworth is looking to set up a high-class hotel, she finds herself caught between her own desires and the expectations of her aristocratic family, all while navigating the treacherous political landscape of post-World War I Italy.

Hotel Portofino has received a mixed to positive reception. Critics have praised its luxurious production design, costumes, and evocative depiction of 1920s Italy, often highlighting its escapist qualities. However, some reviews have pointed to a formulaic plot and a lack of significant depth in character development, suggesting it leans more towards soapy melodrama than profound drama.

• Visually stunning with a sumptuous period setting.

• Engaging performances, particularly from Natascha McElhone.

• Plot can be somewhat predictable, leaning into melodrama.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the beautiful scenery and the period atmosphere of Hotel Portofino, finding it a visually appealing and entertaining watch. Some viewers enjoy the dramatic storylines and the ensemble cast, though a segment of the audience finds the plot occasionally slow or overly reliant on dramatic tropes.

The series was filmed on location in Portofino and in the Ligurian region of Italy, as well as at a studio in Manchester, England.