Period dramas transport viewers back in time with romance, intrigue, and gorgeous scenery. One such show generating buzz lately is Hotel Portofino, set on the Italian Riviera in the 1920s.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, Hotel Portofino is a new PBS Masterpiece series that premiered in the U.S. in September 2022.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll share details on Hotel Portofino, its connection to PBS, when to watch it, and what audiences can expect from the drama.
Overview of Hotel Portofino
Hotel Portofino is not a series on PBS. It is a luxurious hotel located in the picturesque town of Portofino, Italy. This exclusive hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience for its guests, combining breathtaking views, exceptional service, and world-class amenities.
Premise and Setting
The premise of Hotel Portofino revolves around providing guests with a lavish and indulgent retreat in one of the most scenic destinations in the world. Situated on the Italian Riviera, this hotel offers stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea and the colorful buildings that line the harbor.
With its charming cobblestone streets, vibrant cafes, and designer boutiques, Portofino is a popular destination for the rich and famous. The hotel’s setting in this idyllic coastal village adds to its allure and creates a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Cast and Characters
While Hotel Portofino is not a television series, it does have a dedicated team of staff members who play an important role in ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of its guests. From the friendly concierge who assists with travel arrangements to the talented chefs who prepare delectable meals, every staff member at Hotel Portofino is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience.
Guests at Hotel Portofino have the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of characters, including fellow travelers who share stories and experiences in the hotel’s common areas, as well as locals who provide insights into the rich history and culture of the region.
Reception and Reviews
Hotel Portofino has received rave reviews from guests who have had the pleasure of staying at this exquisite property. It consistently receives high ratings for its exceptional service, breathtaking views, and luxurious accommodations.
Many guests praise the hotel’s attention to detail and personalized approach, making them feel like VIPs throughout their stay.
Online travel platforms such as TripAdvisor and Booking.com are excellent resources for reading reviews and gaining insights from previous guests. These platforms provide a wealth of information about Hotel Portofino, including ratings, comments, and photos shared by travelers who have experienced the hotel firsthand.
It’s important to note that Hotel Portofino is an independent establishment and not affiliated with any television series. However, its reputation as a world-class hotel destination remains intact, attracting discerning travelers from around the globe.
Hotel Portofino as a PBS Series
Part of PBS Masterpiece
Hotel Portofino is a British period drama series that premiered as part of PBS Masterpiece in the United States in July 2022. Masterpiece has been bringing high-quality British dramas to American audiences for over 50 years and Hotel Portofino is the latest addition to their impressive lineup.
Some other popular Masterpiece series that American viewers know and love include Downton Abbey, Poldark, and Sherlock.
U.S. Premiere Date
Hotel Portofino first aired in the UK in April 2022. The U.S. premiere date on PBS was July 17, 2022. New episodes air on PBS every Sunday night. The first season contains six episodes. Fans are already eager to find out if the show will be renewed for a second season!
How to Watch on PBS
There are a few different options for watching Hotel Portofino on PBS in the United States:
- Tune into your local PBS station on Sunday nights at 9/8c.
- Watch episodes on the PBS Masterpiece website or PBS Masterpiece app.
- Stream full episodes through PBS Passport, available as a benefit for PBS members and donors.
The show transports viewers to Italy in the 1920s for glamour, romance, and family drama. Fans of Downton Abbey and other Masterpiece classics will enjoy escaping into this lavish period piece!
More About the Show and Production
Hotel Portofino is not a series on PBS. It is a fictional hotel that has appeared in various movies and TV shows, but it does not have its own dedicated show. However, let’s dive into some interesting details about the show and its production.
Filming Locations
The fictional Hotel Portofino has been portrayed in different locations throughout the years. One of the most famous depictions of the hotel was in the movie “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” directed by Wes Anderson.
The stunning exterior shots of the hotel were actually filmed at the Görlitz Department Store in Germany. The interior scenes, however, were shot on a meticulously crafted set.
Another notable portrayal of Hotel Portofino was in the TV series “Suits.” The hotel was depicted as a luxurious getaway for the characters, with scenes filmed at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada. The hotel’s grandeur and elegance added an extra layer of sophistication to the show.
Literary Inspiration
While Hotel Portofino may not be a real place, it has been inspired by the charm and beauty of real-life hotels and resorts. Many authors have used luxurious hotels as settings for their stories, creating a sense of intrigue and glamour.
One notable example is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” where the opulent mansion of Jay Gatsby can be seen as a metaphorical representation of a luxurious hotel. The lavish parties and extravagant lifestyle depicted in the novel are reminiscent of the glamour often associated with high-end hotels.
Future Seasons
As Hotel Portofino is not a series on PBS, there are no official plans for future seasons. However, fans of the fictional hotel can still enjoy its appearances in various movies and TV shows. The allure of Hotel Portofino continues to captivate audiences, and who knows, maybe one day it will become the star of its own dedicated show.
For more information on Hotel Portofino and its appearances in movies and TV shows, you can visit IMDb, the Internet Movie Database, which provides detailed information on film and television productions.
Other Period Dramas on PBS
Sanditon
Another captivating period drama that has gained immense popularity on PBS is Sanditon. Based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, Sanditon transports viewers to a picturesque coastal town in the early 19th century.
The series follows the story of Charlotte Heywood as she navigates the complexities of love, societal expectations, and the allure of a seaside resort. With its stunning cinematography and compelling storyline, Sanditon has captivated audiences and left them eagerly waiting for each new episode.
Belgravia
For fans of historical dramas set in the Victorian era, Belgravia is a must-watch. Created by the same team behind Downton Abbey, this series takes viewers into the glamorous and scandalous world of London’s high society.
Set in the 19th century, Belgravia follows the lives of the Trenchard and Brockenhurst families as their secrets and ambitions intertwine. With its opulent sets, intricate costumes, and intriguing plot twists, Belgravia offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the elite during this fascinating period in history.
Downton Abbey
No discussion of period dramas on PBS would be complete without mentioning the beloved Downton Abbey. This iconic series, set in the early 20th century, follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their loyal servants.
With its richly developed characters, gripping storylines, and meticulous attention to historical detail, Downton Abbey has become a cultural phenomenon. The series has garnered numerous awards and nominations, and its popularity has led to a spin-off film and a dedicated fanbase around the world.
Whether you’re a fan of romantic tales, gripping mysteries, or intricate character dramas, PBS offers a diverse range of period dramas to satisfy every viewer’s taste. From the enchanting world of Sanditon to the scandalous secrets of Belgravia and the captivating lives in Downton Abbey, these series transport audiences to different eras and immerse them in the captivating stories of the past.
Overview of PBS Masterpiece
PBS Masterpiece is a renowned television series that offers a wide range of high-quality British dramas, mysteries, and period pieces. It is a part of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) network, which is known for its educational and informative content.
PBS Masterpiece showcases some of the best programming from the United Kingdom, making it a favorite among fans of British television.
About the Programming
PBS Masterpiece brings viewers a diverse selection of shows that cater to a variety of interests. From historical dramas to contemporary mysteries, there is something for everyone. The programming on PBS Masterpiece often features captivating storylines, well-developed characters, and breathtaking cinematography, which contribute to its reputation for excellence in television.
Notable Shows
One of the most beloved shows on PBS Masterpiece is Downton Abbey. This period drama follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in early 20th century England. The show has garnered critical acclaim and a massive fan base worldwide.
Other notable shows include Victoria, a historical drama about the life of Queen Victoria, and Poldark, a romantic saga set in 18th century Cornwall.
Ways to Watch
There are several ways to watch PBS Masterpiece programming. Many viewers tune in to their local PBS station to catch the latest episodes. Additionally, PBS Masterpiece has its own streaming service called PBS Masterpiece on Amazon Prime Video, which allows subscribers to access a vast library of past and current shows.
This provides viewers with the convenience of watching their favorite programs whenever and wherever they want.
For more information about PBS Masterpiece and its programming, you can visit their official website here.
Conclusion
With its gorgeous Italian setting and family-run hotel intrigue, Hotel Portofino is a great addition to the Masterpiece catalog of transportive period drama series.
Viewers can look forward to more romantic entanglements, whodunit mysteries, and scenic Riviera views when the show returns for its second season coming soon on PBS.
