Hotel Bristol Palace

Sandwiched between high-street fashion boutiques, a tall marble arch, stained-glass coat-of-arms, and handsome carved wood paneling make for a suitably elegant entrance to the Hotel Bristol Palace. Inside, the reception desk marks the base of the hotel's breathtaking elliptical staircase that spirals dramatically to the top floor. Liberty wrought-iron banisters and a stained-glass domed skylight adds to the dizzyingly spectacular architectural feature. In fact, palatial interiors throughout are awash with neoclassical refinery, polished marble, and attractive Art Nouveau touches -- all given a new lease on life after a 2014 top-to-toe renovation. Designed by Italian architect Dario Carbone (also responsible for much of the surrounding Via XX Settembre) the property opened its doors in 1905 to become a landmark hotel for most of the 20th century. After serving as a German headquarters in WWII, the hotel attracted long list of Italian glitterati, writers, and most famously Alfred Hitchcock, who allegedly drew inspiration for his movie Vertigo from the stunning staircase. Nowadays it tends to attract a steady stream of well-heeled tourists keen to experience a genuine slice of timeless Italian glamor. 

The Hotel Bristol Palace is located on the gorgeous Via XX Settembre in Genoa's central San Vincenzo district. Set right in its historic center, most of the city's main tourists attractions are all within an easy stroll, including Doge's Palace, Carlo Felice Theater, and San Lorenzo Cathedral all within five minutes' walk. Guests will also find numerous pretty piazzas, art galleries, and museums in the surrounding streets, as well as plentiful dining options. The city's Old Port district and Europe’s largest aquarium are 15 minutes away on foot, while the nearest Metro station is just a few minutes. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is about a 15-minute cab journey, or an arduous and lengthy combination of public transport. 

The hotel has 133 guest rooms and suites, all of which continue in the neoclassical style of the rest of the hotel with airy high ceilings and natural wood floors. Rooms range from the Classic (starting at a cramped 160 square feet/15 square meters), through Superior (270 square feet/25 square meters), and Deluxe (up to a roomy 390 square feet/36 square meters), with suites averaging around 540 square feet/50 square meters. Higher grade accommodation also includes genuine and valuable antique furniture. Two "2much" suites also open to verandas overlooking the Piazza De Ferrari. Flat-screen TVs measure at least 28-inches with free premium movie, kids, and sports channels; plus Wi-Fi is free of charge and particularly speedy. Other in-room amenities include well-stocked minibars and electronic safes, while upgraded rooms add kettles and herbal teas. The hotel's "Entertainment Suite" provides high-tech gadgetry that includes a PS4 with pre-loaded games, 65-inch curving TV, and surround sound system. Traditionally styled bathrooms come with walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, plus wall-mounted hairdryers, and quality toiletries; fancier rooms add whirlpool tubs and fluffy bathrobes.

You'd be hard pressed to find more elegant surrounds to enjoy breakfast in than at the Hotel Bristol Palace -- served in two beautiful rooms decorated with original period frescoes and numerous antique pieces. The buffet is an extensive and good quality spread of cooked and continental items, and it's included in most room rates. Giotto restaurant also opens for lunch and dinner, offering an a la carte menu of refined Italian cooking, plus a separate menu for kids; a lovely alfresco patio shaded by two white sails also opens up over the warmer months. The hotel has two bars: the Old Fashioned Bar offering drinks and snacks through the day, and The White Bar serving cocktails until midnight. Valet parking is available though fairly pricey. The hotel has nothing in the way of spa or health facilities, not even a small gym. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there are a couple internet terminals on hand, too.