NH Collection Genova Marina

NH Collection Genova Marina sits on the harbour side of the city, at the marina beside the Porto Antico, the old port that Renzo Piano reshaped into Genoa's best-known waterfront. It is a modern, polished hotel in an international chain, and its main appeal is location: the aquarium, the maritime museum, the panoramic lift and the harbour boat departures are all within an easy stroll, and the water is the view rather than a distant idea. That makes it a natural base for families and first-time visitors who want the big waterfront sights close at hand, and for travellers who like to wake up with masts and ferries in sight. The old town, with its narrow lanes, focaccia bakeries and the cathedral, begins a few minutes away on foot, so you can step from the modern harbour into the medieval city within the same walk. Principe station is a reasonable walk or a short taxi ride away, which helps for cruise connections and day trips along the coast. Expect the comforts of a contemporary business and leisure hotel: air-conditioned rooms, good bathrooms, a restaurant and bar, and staff used to international guests. Some rooms look over the marina and the port, others over the city, so it is worth asking at booking time which view you will get.

Because the hotel is built around the harbour rather than the old streets, the experience is different from the palace hotels higher in the city. Rooms tend to be larger and more uniform than in historic buildings, with contemporary decor, comfortable beds and working space for those travelling on business. If a sea view matters, ask for a harbour-facing room, and if you are a light sleeper, ask about the quietest side, because a working port and a lively waterfront are never completely silent.

Check when you book what the breakfast offer includes, as chain hotels in Italy usually serve a wide buffet with pastries, cold cuts, cheese, fruit and hot dishes, and it is worth starting the day with it before a long walk.

The location works best for a sightseeing programme built around the water. You can visit the aquarium early, before the queues build, take a short harbour tour, ride the panoramic lift for a view over the rooftops and then walk into the Via Garibaldi district for the Strade Nuove palaces in the afternoon.

Evening options include the waterfront restaurants and, a little further inland, small trattorias serving trofie with pesto, farinata and fresh fish. For the Riviera, take the train from Principe or Brignole to Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure, or book a boat excursion from the port.

Walking around the old town at night is generally fine in the busier streets, but use normal city sense in the narrow back lanes and around the stations after dark. Taxis are easy to find near the port, and the airport is a short ride away, so arrivals and departures are simple. Spring and autumn bring trade fairs, cruise calls and events that fill the harbour-side hotels, so book early for those dates.

Winter and the hottest weeks of summer are usually quieter, and flexible rates are worth considering if your plans might change. Ask about luggage storage if you arrive before check-in or leave late in the day.

Overall this is a dependable, comfortable choice for travellers who want modern standards and the waterfront on the doorstep. It suits families with children heading to the aquarium, couples who enjoy harbour views, and anyone planning a short city stay combined with a cruise or a boat trip along the coast. Those who want old palaces, creaking staircases and frescoed ceilings may prefer a hotel inside the historic centre.