Where Is Hotel Portofino Filmed: A Guide to the Stunning Locations
Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Filming Locations
- Croatia as Italy
- Mediterranean Charm
- Themes and Period Context
- The 1920s Setting
- Post-World War I Influence
- Cast and Characters
- Bella Ainsworth and Family
- Friends and Foes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the filming location of Hotel Portofino?
- Can you visit the villa featured in Hotel Portofino?
- Which town or city serves as the setting for Hotel Portofino?
- In what period is Hotel Portofino set?
- Are there any historically significant locations featured in the Hotel Portofino series?
- Sources
Hotel Portofino is set in Portofino on the Italian Riviera, but the series was filmed mainly in Croatia. Season one was shot in Opatija, Rovinj, Pula, and Bale, and later seasons moved to Lovran, Rijeka, Zagreb, and other Croatian locations.
Croatia’s Adriatic coast stands in for 1920s Italy, which is why the scenery looks so Mediterranean.
Key Takeaways
- Hotel Portofino is set on the Italian Riviera but filmed mainly in Croatia.
- Season one used Opatija, Rovinj, Pula, and Bale; season two centered on Lovran.
- The series, created by Matt Baker, is set in the 1920s after World War I.
Filming Locations
The TV series “Hotel Portofino” brings the glamorous Italian Riviera to life. Although the story is set in Italy, most of the filming took place in Croatia.
Croatia as Italy
Croatia stood in for Italy in “Hotel Portofino.” According to Film New Europe, season one was filmed in Opatija, Rovinj, Pula and Bale in June and July 2021.
Season two filmed for 11 days in Zagreb before moving to the coastal town of Lovran, with more scenes in Matulji, Grožnjan, Belaj, and Rijeka. Opatija, known for its historic seaside villas and hotels, was a natural match for a 1920s Riviera resort.
Mediterranean Charm
The series aims to capture the essence of the Mediterranean. Filming in Croatia, with its similar climate and scenery, made recreating this atmosphere possible. Rich blue seas and sun-drenched beaches enhance the narrative setting.
Period props and costumes complete the look. Even though most scenes were not shot in Italy, the Croatian coast conveys the feel of the 1920s Riviera.
Themes and Period Context
The setting of Hotel Portofino in the 1920s brings forward a rich period, filled with historical influences and cultural shifts. The aftermath of World War I and the glamour of upscale hotel life shape the romance and politics around Bella Ainsworth.
The 1920s Setting
The 1920s was a decade known for its vibrant culture and rapid change. This period, often called the “Roaring Twenties,” featured economic growth and social transformation.
In Hotel Portofino, you’ll find an upscale hotel environment similar to the charm of Downton Abbey. The setting emphasizes glamour and opulence. This era allows you to explore the elegance and lively spirit of the time while highlighting the disparities between social classes.
Glamour and style are central themes. Lavish parties, elegant fashion, and classic cars characterize the era. These elements shape the mood and aesthetics of the series. The setting serves as a backdrop for personal stories and societal changes, influencing the characters’ lives and choices.
Post-World War I Influence
World War I shaped the 1920s, and the series shows characters dealing with its consequences. Bella’s son Lucian, for example, is a war-wounded veteran.
Bella Ainsworth, for instance, faces the challenges of running a hotel in this context. The characters navigate a world where past traumas meet new opportunities and challenges. You see themes of healing and renewal, woven into romantic narratives, reflecting the desire to find peace and stability.
Local politics also intrude: Signor Danioni, a local politician, uses blackmail to pressure the family.
Cast and Characters
The cast of “Hotel Portofino” includes diverse and intriguing characters. You’ll learn more about Bella Ainsworth and her family, as well as their friends and foes.
Bella Ainsworth and Family
Bella Ainsworth, played by Natascha McElhone, is the central character who runs the hotel. Her husband, Cecil, is played by Mark Umbers. Matt Baker is not in the cast: he created and wrote the series.
Their son Lucian is played by Oliver Dench, and their widowed daughter Alice by Olivia Morris. Rose is a young woman pressured into an arranged marriage with Lucian.
Friends and Foes
Anna Chancellor plays Lady Latchmere, a hard-to-please guest. Lily Frazer plays Claudine Pascal, a lively American guest, and Assad Zaman plays Anish Sengupta.
Pasquale Esposito plays Signor Danioni, the local politician whose blackmail threatens Bella’s plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Hotel Portofino” is set in Italy but filmed mainly in Croatia.
What is the filming location of Hotel Portofino?
Filming took place mainly in Croatia. Season one used Opatija, Rovinj, Pula, and Bale, and later seasons filmed around Lovran, Rijeka, and Zagreb.
Can you visit the villa featured in Hotel Portofino?
We could not confirm that any single villa used as the hotel is open for tours. The filming towns themselves, such as Opatija, Rovinj, and Lovran, are public places you can visit.
Which town or city serves as the setting for Hotel Portofino?
The story is set in Portofino, a coastal town on the Italian Riviera, even though Croatian towns stand in for it on screen.
In what period is Hotel Portofino set?
The series is set in the 1920s, a time known for its elegance and post-war changes, offering a glimpse into the past.
Are there any historically significant locations featured in the Hotel Portofino series?
The Croatian towns used for filming, such as Rovinj and Opatija, have historic centers and seafronts, but on screen they stand in for Italy rather than playing themselves.
