We waited a few months to post our rating, as we wanted to reflect on the hotel and our overall positive experience, despite the bad feeling left from a poorly functioning air conditioner during a 5 night July stay.
The Imperiale is the best in Santa Margherita. Location is ideal, literally a 5 minute walk from the train. Amazing waterfront property with its own access bridge to its gorgeous pool and sea swimming area, with friendly staff.
On our first night, we woke up hot. We travel all the time for leisure and business and don't sleep in an icebox, but it was hot enough that we kept waking up. The AC was on and there was some coolness when standing next to it. A nice night attendant came and also confirmed that it was abnormally hot. He brought a portable cooling fan, which registered the room at 29C, or 84F. He apologized that nothing could be done that night, but that he had made a note. When we talked to the staff at the end of the next day, they confirmed that it was serviced. There was no change and they couldn't switch our room. So, we suffered in a hot room. I told the checkout accountant when we left. Not much empathy. We got a note from a manager telling us that it would be fixed for the next guest... this ignored OUR experience. Not even a discount or refund of a night was offered as a consolation. This is not reflective of 5 star service, especially in wonderful Italy. We would love to come back but this caused doubt.