"Santa Margherita is beautiful and almost as nice as Sestri Levante. Hotel Laurin sits in a wonderful spot. However, it has no beach and the neighboring beaches are very rocky. (There is no sandy beach for miles.) The hotel will give you a toweland point you in the right direction, but when you get there, you will pay 50 euros for an umbrella and 2 lounge chairs. THE SINGLE BIGGEST DECEPTION IS THE ROOFTOP POOL. They have strategically shot the pool with a wide-angle lens. The "wading pool" is VERY SMALL; too shallow on the small perimeter and too deep in the tiny center to actually use it. Yes, you can enjoy a cocktail by the pool; however, there is no rooftop bar and you will pay a 5 euro delivery fee. Each time. During our stay, the pool was occupied by noisy children, so we left after 20 minutes and never returned. Unfortunately, we booked the Laurin, in part, for the promise of a secluded rooftop pool... If, however, you are coming here for the breakfast? It is fantastic! And the covered balcony is very nice when you retreat from the pool. (Remember to bring your drink, as there is nothing in your fridge but 2 bottles of water.) For Italy, I am informed, the staff was nice. Do not, however, expect a smile. (Tip: The people of nearby Sestri Levante are warm and friendly, the beaches are nice, and the town is beautiful. And if you tire of pasta and shellfish every night? Sestri Levante is home to what is possibly the best Tex-Mex restaurant in all of Italy, Nauroz Tex-Mex.)"