Hotel Portofino on PBS
Hotel Portofino is an intriguing new period drama set in the stunning resort town of Portofino in 1920s Italy. Fans of Downton Abbey or The Durrells in Corfu will find themselves immersed in a world full of fashion, intrigue, and melodrama.
While it may not reach the heights of its predecessors, Hotel Portofino still manages to transport viewers to an enchanting Italian getaway filled with compelling characters and dramatic twists.
What is Hotel Portofino About?
The series unfolds in the picturesque town of Portofino and follows the Ainsworth family, who have moved from Britain to open an upscale hotel. The backdrop is the liberating culture, climate, and cuisine of Italy post-World War I. Matriarch Bella Ainsworth strives to cater to the constant demands of upper-class guests, including the imposing Lady Latchmere. The series offers a cocktail of drama, glamour, and mystery.
Hotel Portofino Cast and Characters
Set in 1926 Italy, the show centers around the dysfunctional Ainsworth family managing the Hotel Portofino. Bella Ainsworth (played by Natascha McElhone) is the warm and entrepreneurial matriarch, while her husband, Cecil (Mark Umbers), is an abusive gambler with dubious schemes. Their adult children, widowed Alice (Olivia Morris) with her young daughter and war-wounded Lucian (Oliver Dench), also help run the hotel.
The hotel attracts various upper-class guests, including Lady Latchmere (Anna Chancellor), untrustworthy art dealer Jack Turner (Adam James), a famous tennis player, and Italian Count Albani (Daniele Pecci). Other notable guests include the scheming Julia Drummond-Ward (Lucy Akhurst) and her daughter Rose, Claudine Pascal (Lily Frazer), a fashion icon, and Anish Sengupta (Assad Zaman), a doctor friend of Lucian’s with unrequited feelings.
The downstairs staff also play crucial roles, with cook Betty Scanlon (Elizabeth Carling), her politically engaged son Billy (Louis Healy), and Italian maid Paola (Carolina Gonnelli), who has feelings for Lucian. New nanny Constance March (Louisa Binder) adds to the household’s dynamic.
Review and Overall Thoughts
Hotel Portofino offers a captivating escape with its beautiful scenery, 1920s fashion, and Italian culture. However, the large ensemble cast sometimes means certain characters, like Count Albani and maid Paola, remain underdeveloped. Despite a few slow episodes, the engaging mystery of a missing heirloom and Natascha McElhone’s charming performance as Bella make the show worthwhile.
The series also touches on themes of personal awakening and resilience, particularly for the women who have been wronged by men or overbearing mothers. Season 2 seems promising as it aims to delve deeper into romance, intrigue, and the glitzy life at the Ainsworths’ hotel.
Hotel Portofino PBS Release Date
Hotel Portofino premiered on PBS platforms on June 19, 2022, and the entire series is available for streaming on the PBS app.
Where to Watch Hotel Portofino
If you missed it, you can stream Hotel Portofino on PBS.org, the PBS Video app, and various streaming devices. It is also available on PBS Passport, the PBS MASTERPIECE Prime Video Channel, and on DVD.
Content Note: The series includes mature themes, some violence, racism, sensual content, rear male nudity, and occasional strong language. It’s suitable for TV-14 audiences.
