Hotel Esperia

Brilliant location, just a minute's walk to the sea and to a railway station. The coast here is rocky and drops down into beautifully clear water, but there is a path that winds along the coast where you can explore. The hotel is a tucked away along a driveway off the road that leads to the railway station, not too hard to find, but you need to keep an eye open for the turning. It is only a few minutes' walk from the railway station. There is off street parking for guests. The building is quite stylish and has obviously been here for quite some years given the age of the trees around it. Reception is up a few steps and the staff we met were all friendly and helpful. We decided to have dinner at the hotel and got to choose from two starters and two main courses when we checked in. There was no vegetarian option, so probably best to check in advance if you'd like to eat here. Opposite reception is a small bar with a lounge and an outside terrace. The dining room is just round the corner from the bar. The hotel decor is subtle with polished marble floors and antique nautical items and historical photos create a stylish, but welcoming ambience. The polished red marble floor in the dining room and the deep peach and white colour scheme with interesting plaster moorings and columns create an impressive space. There is a small lift, but we took the stairs to our room on the first floor. It had a little outside terrace looking over the garden. The room was not large, but very clean and tidy. The bathroom was compact, well used, but very clean. Overnight it was very quiet with only sounds from other guests to be heard. Dinner was served at 19.30. The wine list isn't extensive, but includes some nice choices. Our primi piatti of pasta with mushrooms (and ham) was tasty and the secondi piatti of Parma ham and melon was very simple, but enjoyable. There was a dessert trolley with a chocolate mousse (?) and two types of plums. Dinner was a little expensive for what we had, but service and our surroundings were good. Our room rate included the buffet breakfast which was excellent with fresh fruit, fruit juice, yoghurts, cheese and meat along with several types of pastries and cakes. Our cappuccino were good and the lady looking after the breakfast service was attentive and sang along (very well) to the radio while we ate. The Hotel Esperia is a brilliant example of a smaller, Italian hotel. Perfect location to explore Genova without being trapped in the traffic and congestion. Slightly old fashioned, maybe quirky, but a perfect example of how lovely hotels in Italy can be. We will stay again if travelling through the Port of Genova.

The hotel is situated very close to the rail station, steps away from the seafront and a pleasant and short walk to the centre. Though the hotel opened in 1958 it has been renovated since. Public areas are pleasant and the restaurant is pleasantly retro in true 60s style but well maintained and appointed. Rooms are very clean, functional but a little on the small side. The bathrooms are particularly small and annoyingly there's nowhere to place toiletries with no shelves anywhere, a detail that could easily be rectified. Breakfast is typically Italian continental, focussed more on sweets than a savoury selection They have a resident's restaurant offering simple wholesome dishes but with a limited choice. Staff are professional and courteous. With the limited choice in Nervi this is a very safe option.

Decent hotel at a reasonable price. Conveniently located 11km from central Genova. Drove into the city and easily found underground parking minutes from Piazza de Ferrari. Alternatively the train station is right next to the hotel with frequent services into the city. Comfortable, clean room and excellent breakfast spread included. Not much soundproofing in the place and the plumbing is incredibly noisy - earplugs recommended. Evening meals very limited and must be pre-ordered before 6pm. Recommend the old harbour area in Nervi for waterside restaurants. We went to Imbarco 1 twice. Excellent ! See my review for that restaurant. Free parking around the back of the hotel and between the trees in the garden but spaces are limited and the access is tight. Need to be careful - and brave !