The Best Hotels in Genoa, Italy for Every Traveller

Majestically rising from Genoa’s revamped Old Port area is the pillared, four-star Genova Marina hotel in Liguria. It is at the forefront of the updated waterfront area, designed by the famous Genoese architect, Renzo Piano. It’s now a haven of activity with seafood restaurants, modern aquarium and dolphin-spotting boat trips for tourists. Back at Genova Marina, expect hints of nautical chic with wood-panelled walls, shiny brass and splendid marina views. Try tasty tapas and local wines on the port-facing deck as the sun sinks into the sea.

This boutique, five-star hotel in Liguria with art deco heritage is located in the swanky, residential district of Carignano. It offers a peaceful stay in a busy port city. Rooms have muted, beige tones complemented with contemporary furnishing and scenic neighbourhood views. The geometric tiled lobby is a standout design feature in the hotel, reinforcing the 1920s character of the building. You’ll also have free access to the wellness centre with hot tub, indoor pool and Turkish bath.

A prestigious, revamped mansion dating back to 1545, many of Palazzo Grillo’s traditional Genoese features have been carefully retained. This Genoa hotel is immersed with 16th-century grandeur, including intricate frescoes, marble façade and a historic epigraph. There are, of course, modern amenities to be found across the 25 rooms with Smeg minibars and bluetooth speakers.

There are sizable, elegantly furnished rooms in the 16th-century residence-turned-hotel, with original marble doorways and rather immense windows. While the public areas in the hotel are slightly limited, you can relax in their stylish lounge area, with bold flashes of colour and intriguing artworks adorning the walls. You’ll also find an array of galleries, fashion stores and upscale restaurants on the doorstep, making it a rather fancy base for your stay in Genoa.

Snug 1950s Hotel Doria in Genoa is located in the historic centre of the city. Nearby you’ll find the impressive Aquarium of Genoa, Piazza San Matteo and the updated waterfront. Soundproof rooms have been modernised with an understated, neutral design. They are also equipped with premium bedding, smart TVs and a pillow menu for the discerning napper.

Patterned wallpaper and colourful fabrics meshed with marble floors give the Continental Hotel in Genoa a slightly eclectic feel. Fragrant, fresh flowers in rooms is a welcome extra. This 19th-century hotel overlooks the Piazza Principe with easy access to the train station. Their Trattoria Tralalero restaurant specialises in flavoursome, fresh fish which can be enjoyed outdoors on the shady terrace during the summer months.

This swish bed and breakfast with sea views is ideally located in the centre of Genoa, close to Via Garibaldi and the Gallery of the White Palace. Explore the nearby Genoese carruggi alley roads, local shops and regal palaces. Décor at the hotel is largely neutral tones with occasional kooky touches. Expect white bed linen, potted palms and the odd flamingo decoration adorning the walls. A simple Italian breakfast is served each morning.

The five-star Grand Hotel Savoia dates back to 1897 and is undoubtedly the most luxurious hotel in Genoa. It is here that the noblemen, celebrities, and European royalty would stay during their visit to Liguria. The rooms of this hotel are designed in an old-fashioned, classy way, à la Belle Epoque, making it easy for the imagination to travel back in time. The hotel’s restaurant Salgari offers sophisticated Italian dishes, particularly seafood specialities. The convenient location by the seafront and near the Aquarium make it a good choice for couples as well as families.

The second finest hotel in Genoa, the four-star hotel Bristol Palace has an aristocratic feel to it. It is located in the city centre, near all the important sites and museums as well as the old fishermen’s port, and particularly close to the Ducal Palace. The 133 rooms of the hotel are spacious and elegant, many come with an outdoor terrace. Don’t miss an evening at the hotel’s art nouveau restaurant, Giotto, which serves fine Italian and local Ligurian dishes.

This three-star hotel is situated in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site – Via Balbi – and near the Aquarium and the old fishermen’s port, two of Genoa’s main tourist attractions. Despite its great location and a neat look, the room price is mid-range, ideal for young families. The atmosphere is quiet and calm, guaranteed by the nature of a small family-run business. Some of the 40 rooms offer an astonishing view of Genoa’s port and sea.

The three-star Il Giardino Di Albaro can be found in the quiet, residential quarter, a few minutes away from the seaport and the old fishermen’s neighbourhood. Located in a charming villa from the early 20th century, it offers elegant rooms designed with the use of a classy combination of gold and red. They are well-furnished, featuring an electronic safe, a minibar and LCD television among other amenities. The hotel has its own sports centre, Le Piscine di Albar, with swimming pools, gyms and tennis courts.

Hotel Nologo is a budget, two-star guesthouse in Liguria bursting with colours, smiling staff and a positive vibe. The rooms are simply furnished and have been divided into musical themes: jazz, rock, pop, reggae and blues. Choose from a regular double room to a family suite with beds that fold-down from the walls. Additionally, there’s a rooftop hot tub and play area, plus reasonably priced breakfast basket, complete with a cappuccino, orange juice, fresh bread, yoghurt and fruit.