After five years of work and €30 million in investments, the Europa Palace, built in 1874, has been restored to its former glory, right in front of the Casino.
Photo credits: Stefano Scatà, RMB Studio, Bonazinga
The origins
Between the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, Sanremo boasted 12 five-star grand hotels; then, in the first post-war period and the following twenty years, the wealthy and noble clientele from northern Europe abandoned the Riviera due to political and economic upheavals. This marked the beginning of its decline. After World War II, only one 5-star hotel remained: the Royal. However, the city gradually lost its charm and splendor, falling into the hands of uncontrolled construction that also impoverished the quality of the buildings, the consequences of which are clearly visible today.
The poor quality of the marginal buildings is evident, but some grand hotels somehow remained alive, and some of these are now being reborn. At least four 5-star hotels have returned. This is also the case of the Europa Palace, which dates back to 1874 and, after five years of work and €30 million in investments, has returned to its former glory, right in front of the casino.
The structure
Certainly pleasant, built on several levels, up to a seventh floor with a large terrace overlooking the Gulf of Sanremo, strategically located between the Casino and the old railway station, which is also in need of extensive renovation. There are about seventy rooms, created with as much respect as possible for the original walls, but thanks to the care taken by those who have worked long and hard to bring out the best in the place, in the various sizes, we can now enjoy a high standard of accommodation even in the more modest rooms, which are not too expensive, right up to the apartment suite with a large whirlpool bath on the terrace. The furnishings are contemporary, with rather original touches of comfort in the choice of materials and furnishings. Obviously, at this level, a spa is a must.
The Bar
The focal point of a large hotel, because if a guest feels comfortable in that setting, they will stay for other moments during the day, and Antonio and Alessandro are professionals capable of satisfying every need, with a smile, in a confidential manner—as befits a bartender—without going overboard, in harmony with an international clientele who may ask you anything, dressed in any manner; but in that case, there is also the practical outdoor seating area located directly on Corso Imperatrice, the most classic street in the city of flowers and songs.
The restaurants
For now, there are two options: the bistro next to the bar, open from midday until late evening. Although it is a bistro, Alessandro Schiavon's cuisine deserves a special mention, as some of the dishes go beyond the usual bistro fare. According to the owners, another restaurant with even higher ambitions is set to open next fall, offering a more refined dining experience in a different setting.
But that's not all, because on the seventh floor terrace there is an open space that is open in the evenings at weekends, offering refined aperitifs, music, and cuisine dedicated to that moment. Other dishes are cooked in this other kitchen, overlooking the horizon and the sea.
Upcoming
The next evening event is scheduled for August 13 with chef Davide Oldani.
CONTACTS
Europa Palace
Corso Imperatrice 27, 18038 Sanremo, Italiau2028
Phone. +39 0184715000 | E. info@europapalace.it
