I've been planning to book at a place in Genoa after the first of January when they begin taking 2011 reservations; however, I'm not finding reviews of the place, which seems odd. Anyone know about Alla dimora del Principe - which is touted as having panoramic sea and city views in "the historical Grand Hotel Miramare?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33861 posts
Just curious Kathy, Many folk on this Helpline, myself included, skip Genova in favour of places with more to see or do. What has attracted you to go there?
Posted by
OP
Central Maine
83 posts
Genoa has a rich maritime history, and appears to be an unpretentious working class city with sufficient draws of sites and walking trails to merit a couple days out of our three weeks. One trip there may be enough, but it is on our agenda between Cinque Terre and Venice.
Posted by
point pleasant beach, nj, usa
646 posts
Have you checked on Trip Advisor?
Posted by
OP
Central Maine
83 posts
But of course! Sure did. However, I find the b&b/hotel's links to itself, and it LOOKS terrific, water views, gardens, and such, but I'd like someone else's word, beyond the owner's. Either online reviews, or from RS readers who may have been, or know about it.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33861 posts
Kathy I hesitated to say anything because I have never stopped in Genova, driving past to stay elsewhere, and you seem so taken with the place you have found. I thought I would see what TripAdvisor said and couldn't find it. I then googled the name you gave and only, as you said, found the owner webpage. That webpage flagged up some questions for me. Some nice pictures but it seems to reference several other properties and is not clear which properties went with which photos. The biggest concern is that these guys claim to have been there 100 years yet there are no reviews anywhere on the internet? Or maybe I looked but didn't see, or typed it wrong. I hope that it all works out well for you. I use TA as much as RS, and if it were me I would run a mile.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
I've spent a night in Genoa. The city is overwhelmed in traffic. It is an old and picturesque city, but it's quite noisy and chaotic. Since you'll have been in in the CT with their sea views, what about trying Lucca on the way to Venice or Verona if you're going that way?
Posted by
OP
Central Maine
83 posts
Nigel, I think I have to agree on avoiding this joint. We all know that pictures can be deceptive, and the lack of reviews did cause pause. Emails with the owners a month or two ago clarified the differences in the two properties, but still doesn't make up for the fact that noone is talking about them, except them. This city is a stop at the request of my husband, and since I've set most of the itinerary, I want to pay attention to his wish to go to Genova. Therefore, I'll look again for lodging, paying attention to reviews on TA. There are a couple B&Bs that have gotten raves. They're just further from the sea view, but it appears the sea view neighborhoods are not going to be the best bet in this town. Your input has been appreciated.
Posted by
Ottawa
237 posts
Hi Kathy
We visited Genova for two nights in 2006 on our way to Tuscany from Venice and Verona and absolutely loved the city. Great food, architecture, palaces and a wondeful historic old city as well as a beautiful modern aquarium. We stayed at Hotel Bellevue which gets mixed reviews, but for us it was more than adequate. An easy walk from the train station. We drove in the city our last day there with no problems except figuring out how to exit the parking area near the acquarium. They have these little barriers that depress as you approach but were quite foreign to us until we finally figured it out. The best pesto we found during our month in Italy.