August 30, 2012

The Perfect Place To Stay In Genoa: The Melia

Post Categories: Continents | Europe | Italy | Savoir Stays

A standard room at the Melia Genoa Hotel

Italy obsessives seeking-out their next Mediterranean weekend away should look no further than Genoa, where the palatial Melia Genoa hotel provides the perfect refined and romantic base from which to explore this port town‘s twisting caruggi, waterside attractions and enticing culinary delights.

The perfect place to stay in Genoa, the Melia is tucked away in a quiet tree-lined street in the Carignano district an elegant residential neighbourhood just a short walk from the centre of town but a world away from the hustle and bustle of the harbour and the crowds shopping in the small streets and alleyways of Genoa’s city centre.

Old ladies walking in Genoa's tree-lined Carignano neighbourhood

Going for a promenade in Genoa’s tree-lined Carignano neighbourhood

Housed in a grand historic building which was formerly the headquarters of Ilva, Italy’s biggest iron and steel manufacturer, this beautiful and imposing building with a stunning central staircase and marble façade was recently refurbished to create a typically Genoese example of understated 5-Star luxury.

The Melia’s marble and leather lobby

While the lobby and reception areas are a soothing mix of cream, white and neutral tones in natural materials such as leather and more marble, rooms are a shade more contemporary – comfortable and plush with the same neutral décor enhanced by every mod cons and a well thought-through design and layout.

Genoa

Clientèle here is a mixture of fashionable Genoese people and tourists from all over the world; Genoa is a short drive from both the Cinque Terre and the French Riviera and offers a dock to countless cruise ships, but the city somehow manages to evade mass tourism and plays host to a small but select group of tourists who have been let in on the secret of the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, focaccia and pesto.

From the hotel it’s a short and pleasant walk to the ancient alleys or Caruggi of this maritime town which open up to reveal the grand aristocratic Baroque palaces of Strada Nuova and the endless palazzos and palatial gallerias around town.

For those wishing to visit this vibrant, by turns elegant and gritty but eternally fascinating metropolis, the Melia could not offer a better home from home.

Genoa’s Centro Storico

Melia Genoa Staircase

High Point

The hotel is extremely refined, comfortable and chic, making it perfect for a romantic weekend away.

The spa area is lovely, with a relaxing swimming pool and jacuzzi, perfect to unwind after pounding the city streets.

Low Point

As the hotel is in a residential area there isn’t a huge amount in the surrounding streets – although there is a nice neighbourhood restaurant and bar directly opposite – but the centre of town is a short stroll away.

Breakfast is plentiful and of a high quality, but in typically Genoese fashion, understated. There is no enormous buffet with omelette station and waffle maker here.