Charter vs five-star hotel.

Cost per guest per night

A Belmond Hotel Splendido suite in Portofino in August runs €4,000–€8,000 per night. A 50m motor yacht with twelve guests at €130,000/week, plus APA and gratuity, totals around €185,000 — about €2,200 per guest per night. For groups of 8+, the yacht is cheaper per guest than a comparable hotel suite.

What the yacht gives you

• The whole property — no other guests, no shared dining room
• A private chef who cooks two menus a night
• A different anchorage every morning
• A crew of thirteen vs. a shared concierge
• No checkout

What the hotel gives you

• A spa, a pool, a tennis court — facilities a yacht can't carry
• Ground transport included
• The town outside the door
• No itinerary planning

When each wins

Hotel for couples and small groups (1–4 guests). Yacht for 6+, for repeat luxury travellers, and for anyone who wants the trip to be private.