Hotel Esperia

The Hotel Esperia is a lovely small Italian hotel, a little old-fashioned and quirky, and a great base for Genova without getting caught in the traffic. We’d stay again if passing through the Port of Genova. It’s just minutes from the railway station and a short walk to the sea, with a rocky coast, clear water, and a path along the shore to explore. The hotel sits down a driveway off the station road, so watch for the turn. Guest parking is off street. The stylish old building has trees that show its age, polished marble floors, antique nautical pieces, and historical photos. The dining room has red marble flooring, peach and white colors, and plaster moorings and columns. Reception is up a few steps, and the staff we met were friendly and helpful. There’s a small lift, though we took the stairs to our first-floor room. It was compact but clean and tidy, with a little terrace over the garden. The small bathroom was well used but very clean. Nights were quiet apart from occasional sounds from other guests. We chose to eat at the hotel and were offered two starters and two mains when checking in. There wasn’t a vegetarian choice, so check ahead if that matters. The small bar and lounge are opposite reception, with an outdoor terrace, and the dining room is just around the corner. Dinner started at 19.30. The wine list was limited but had some nice options. Pasta with mushrooms and ham was tasty; Parma ham and melon was simple and enjoyable. Dessert came from a trolley, with chocolate mousse (?) and two kinds of plums. The meal felt a bit expensive for what we got, though the service and setting were good. Breakfast was included in our rate and was excellent: fresh fruit, juice, yoghurt, cheese, meat, pastries, and cakes. The cappuccinos were good, and the woman serving breakfast was attentive and sang along to the radio very well. The restaurant serves simple, wholesome food, but the choice is limited. The hotel’s decor is subtle and welcoming, and it’s a brilliant place to explore Genova. We’ll return if we’re travelling through the port.

The staff and location were both great, and there’s an elevator. My single room was nice, with a partial view of the train and the sea from its balcony. There was no mini fridge or coffee in the room. I also didn’t like having to leave my key at reception, which they insist guests do.

The staff are professional and courteous, and with the limited options in Nervi, this feels like a safe choice. The hotel is very close to the rail station, just steps from the seafront, and a pleasant short walk from the center. Opened in 1958, it has since been renovated. The public areas are pleasant, and the restaurant has a well-kept, retro 60s look. Rooms are functional and very clean, though on the small side. The bathrooms are especially cramped, with no shelves or anywhere to put toiletries, an easy detail to fix. Breakfast is a typical Italian continental spread, weighted more toward sweets than savory food. There’s also a residents’ restaurant serving simple, wholesome dishes, but with limited choice.

The room was clean and comfortable, and the breakfast spread was excellent and included in the price. The weak soundproofing and incredibly noisy plumbing were less welcome, so bring earplugs. Evening meals are very limited and need to be ordered before 6pm. For waterside dining, we’d recommend the old harbour area in Nervi. We ate at Imbarco 1 twice and loved it, see my review of the restaurant. The hotel is a reasonable-price option about 11km from central Genova. We drove into town and easily found underground parking minutes from Piazza de Ferrari, though the train station beside the hotel also has frequent services into the city. There’s free parking behind the hotel and among the garden trees, but spaces are limited and access is tight, so take care and be brave!