Once one of the richest maritime republics in the Mediterranean and one of the best cities to visit in Italy, Genoa doesn’t hold back when it comes to splendid and breathtaking. Today, this city, nicknamed la Superba by Petrarch, lives in contrasts. Stunning frescoed interiors of UNESCO-protected palazzos neighbor the dark caruggi (narrow pathways of the Old Town) while the buzz of one of Europe’s busiest ports is ever present, and the quaint Ligurian Riviera towns are never far. The food scene, too, is an explosion of flavors. Book one of these top luxury hotels in Genoa for the perfect base for exploring the immense local urban heritage.
Hotel Palazzo Grillo
Capture the true essence of Genoa by staying at Palazzo Grillo. Set in a thoroughly renovated 16th-century palace, it’s eye candy with vaulted halls, frescoes, and high-end furniture. You will be in the very heart of the Old Town with a short walking distance to local hits such as Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Piazza di Ferrari, and Via Garibaldi. For a tiny historic boutique, Palazzo Grillo has an impressive choice of well-appointed units, including family rooms, premier suites, and even a duplex.
Key Amenities:
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Well-appointed rooms, ranging from family rooms to suites and a duplex
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Breakfast with artisanal Italian pastry and desserts
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Transfers, guided tours, and tuk-tuk rides available
Piazza delle Vigne, 4, 16123 Genova GE, Italy— +39 010 247 7356
Hotel Bristol Palace
There are accommodations that take your breath away. The Bristol Palace is one of them. One of the best luxury hotels in Genoa, this 19th-century-built Art Nouveau lodging proudly stands on Via XX Settembre Street. Step inside to lose yourself in a kaleidoscope of elegant spaces and see the ultimate showstopper, the photogenic white staircase. Legend has it that the staircase even inspired Hitchcock to do Vertigo. The famous director was a guest at the hotel, too. A variety of beautiful rooms and suites with period decorations and modern amenities make Bristol Palace the ultimate place to stay for an Old World kind of experience.
Key Amenities:
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On-site restaurant serving Ligurian cuisine
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Multiple fully-equipped meeting rooms
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Private parking garage with valet service
Via XX Settembre, 35, 16121 Genova GE, Italy— +39 010 592541
Grand Hotel Savoia
Boasting some of the most exclusive units in the city, Grand Hotel Savoia is a first-class choice for a self-indulgent Genoa break. Occupying a splendid pink-colored Belle Époque building next to the harborside Piazza Principe station, this is an ideal luxury base both for the city and the Riviera towns like Arenzano or Varazze. It’s also among the few properties in Genoa offering a resort-like experience with hot tubs in selected suites and a wellness center on-site. For the most rewarding stay, choose a room overlooking the coast.
Key Amenities:
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Spa with a sauna, hydromassage pool, and a hydro suite
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In-house Ristorante Salgari serving Genoese cuisine
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Fitness center with Technogym equipment
Via Arsenale di Terra, 5, 16126 Genova GE, Italy— +39 010 27721
Hotel Continental
A cute, design-oriented, four-star hotel close to the port and the old town, Hotel Continental is there to provide aesthetic luxury and a strategic base. You’ve got custom-created wallpapers in the units, carefully chosen furniture, 55″ LCD TVs, stylish Smeg fridges, and free WiFi here. The building is a former Art Nouveau palace, and the authenticity is retained in the chic renovated interiors. The magnificent Royal Palace Museum is just steps away from the hotel, and you’ve got the fascinating maritime-themed Galata Museo del Mare close by.
Key Amenities:
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Trattoria Tralalêro on-site with a seafood-focused menu
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Multiple meeting rooms available for events
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Private garage with Tesla charging stations
Via Arsenale di Terra, 1, 16126 Genova GE, Italy— +39 010 261641
Meliá Genova
One of the most coveted luxury hotels in Genoa, Meliá Genova gives you a chance to find upscale serenity in the heart of this chaotic city. Set in the quieter end of the old town, it’s perfect for a discreet yet inspiring break with a truly exceptional arsenal of amenities. You will have access to an indoor heated pool and a wide range of treatments in the superb wellness center. Pet-friendly units bear a touch of dreamy minimalism, providing a clever take on the building’s Art Deco roots. The cherry on top is the Presidential suite, featuring an outdoor hot tub overlooking the city.
Key Amenities:
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Access to a 24-hour gym with cardio and weight equipment
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À la carte restaurant on-site
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Indoor heated pool with a waterfall and jacuzzi
Hotel de Ville
Genoa’s revitalized port is among the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Stay there in style with Hotel de Ville, which is among the best four-star boutiques in town. Occupying a renovated 19th-century palazzo, the lodging expertly combines the charm of yesteryear with the comfort of today. Rooms have arcaded ceilings and vintage posters, the greyish white dominates the color scheme, and the two-story suites with staircases provide plenty of space to play. Old Town, with its labyrinth of caruggi and more palace heritage, is right nearby.
Key Amenities:
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On-site restaurant
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Private shuttle service and concierge available
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Laundry and luggage storage
Via di Sottoripa, 5, 16123 Genova GE, Italy— +39 010 796 0686
NH Collection Genova Marina
There’s Genoa on the land and Genoa on the sea. NH Collection is for enjoying the latter. Expect fantastic sunsets, walks next to the swaying boats and yachts of the marina, and a light breeze while cocktail-sipping on the restaurant terrace. A stay here feels like a world away from the packed old town where the light of day is often overshadowed by tall buildings. When choosing a room, opt for the one with the water views. That’s where it gets truly magical at this waterfront luxury hotel. Families will love the presence of kid-friendly suites. Pets are welcome, too.
Key Amenities:
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Private on-site parking
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Restaurant and bar with a marina-facing terrace
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Modern gym on-site
Hotel Palazzo Durazzo Suites
Few lodgings in Genoa treat their heritage as reverently and attentively as Palazzo Durazzo Suites. Here, every detail is precisely where it’s supposed to be. Also, it’s a concept boutique hotel where each unit sports a different theme, making the whole experience seem more authentic. Brand new and carefully renovated, this accommodation is a fantastic way to get a taste of Genoa palazzo living first-hand. The location is right next to the marina, and selected units boast sea views.
Key Amenities:
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Private jacuzzi in the presidential suite
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Coffee machines and mini-bars in every room
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24-hour front desk and room service
Via Antonio Gramsci, 1C, 16124 Genova GE, Italy— +39 010 234 4753
Grand Hotel Bristol
Rapallo is the favorite coastal hangout for wealthy and affluent Genovese 25 kilometers south of the city. Grand Hotel Bristol is where you stay to get high-end treatment and the best sea panoramas. Everything about it is, as the name suggests, grand. You’ve got a glamorous freshwater pool area with a stylish deck providing neverending vistas of the Ligurian Sea. Rooms and suites sport pleasant beige tones, soaking tubs, and an air of elegance. If you’re to splurge in Genoa, this is the best place to do it. The big city is really close by, but you’re enjoying the sunshine and the sexiness of the Portofino Riviera.
Key Amenities:
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Restaurant with Ligurian cuisine and a wide selection of Italian wines
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2,000-square-meter wellness area with body and facial treatments
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Access to a sauna, Turkish baths, emotional showers, and relaxing sunbeds
Via Aurelia Orientale, 369, 16035 Rapallo GE, Italy— +39 0185 273313
Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
One of the most striking luxury resorts near Genoa, Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast is an extremely picturesque affair. It’s a universe of upscale experiences that is guaranteed to constantly keep you awe-inspired. The landscaping is one-of-a-kind, with its terraced grounds and several infinity swimming pools, allowing for proper enjoyment of the magnificent coastal panoramas. The mountains behind Rapallo nearby and the Ligurian Sea blue in front form a stunning mix. The units give a respectful nod to the rich hospitality history of the lodging (it was first opened at the beginning of the 20th century). Genoa city center is less than 30 kilometers away by car, and you’re well-positioned to explore the marvelous Portofino Coast.
Key Amenities:
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Two outdoor infinity pools with six whirlpool loungers
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Jetty excursions to Cinque Terre and Portofino directly from the hotel
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Spa center with treatments and Technogym-equipped fitness center
