Hotel Portofino PBS Review: A Beautiful New Period Drama To Watch

Hotel Portofino, a glamorous new period drama for fans of Downton Abbey or The Durrells in Corfu, takes place in the beautiful resort town of Portofino in 1920s Italy.

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And while Hotel Portofino isn’t as good as either period drama, this entertaining PBS series still has merit as it whisks you away to an Italian getaway full of fashion, intrigue, and melodrama.

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With compelling female characters, a picture-perfect Italian setting, and danger just around the corner during a time of global upheaval, what’s not to love?

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“Hotel Portofino” tells the story of the Ainsworth family that has relocated from Britain to open an upscale hotel on the Italian coastline. Credit: Courtesy of © Eagle Eye Drama Limited 2021 Learn more

Hotel Portofino PBS Cast and Characters

With an ensemble cast, Hotel Portofino introduces a compelling group of characters. Bella (the always fantastic Natascha McElhone) is the matriarch of the Ainsworth family. Learn more

Indeed, many of the men in this show aren’t exactly dreamy, but Cecil (Mark Umbers), her husband, is by far the worst. Credit: Courtesy of © Eagle Eye Drama Limited 2021 Learn more

Overall Thoughts

Blackmail, a stolen painting, a compromising letter, and a corrupt local official interfering with hotel business make for a good escapist time. Plus, the scenery and the Italian coastline are gorgeous! Credit: Courtesy of © Eagle Eye Drama Limited 2021 Learn more

Overall, I look forward to returning to the second season of Hotel Portofino . The show can work the kinks out despite the flaws by season 2. I look forward to more intrigue, romance, and glitzy fashion at the British hotel! Credit: Courtesy of © Eagle Eye Drama Limited 2021 Learn more