NESTLED in the heart of the Italian Riviera, Hotel Portofino is a captivating drama from ITV.
The six-part series is set post World War I, and some viewers may wonder if the show is based on real life events.
Is Hotel Portofino a true story?
Set on the magical Italian Riviera, Hotel Portofino follows the exploits of a very British family - the Ainsworths - and their guests over the summer of 1926.
The series sees the characters looking to move on from the trauma caused by the First World War - but it is not a true story.
However, although the Ainsworth family did not exist in real life, almost every other element in the show is a reflection of the people from that period.
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The six-part series follows Bella Ainsworth, the owner of the hotel, her caddish husband Cecil, and the imperious and hard-to-please Lady Latchmere.
Political corruption, sexual intrigue and the theft of an "old master" painting combine to form a gripping story.
Is Hotel Portofino based on a book?
Hotel Portofino isn't based on a novel, it was written as a BritBox Original.
The show was created and written by Matt Baker.
His other work includes Professor T, Before We Die, and Channel 4's Suspect.
However, despite the show not being based on a book, a novelisation of the series, written by JP O'Connell, was published in December 2021 ahead of the series launch on BritBox.
Who is in the cast of Hotel Portofino?
Hotel Portofino brings with it a star cast of Britain's finest actors.
The impressive line-up includes:
- Natascha McElhone as Bella Ainsworth
- Mark Umbers as Cecil Ainsworth
- Anna Chancellor as Lady Latchmere
- Lucy Akhurst as Julia Drummond-Ward
- Louisa Binder as Constance March
- Elizabeth Carling as Betty Scanlon
- Oliver Dench as Lucian Ainsworth
- Pasquale Esposito as Signor Vincenzo Danioni
- Rocco Fasano as Gianluca Bruzzone
How can I watch Hotel Portofino?
You can catch Hotel Portofino on ITV on Friday nights at 9pm.
Since 2022 it’s been on BritBox so you can also stream it there.
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You’ll also be able to watch Hotel Portofino on ITVX.