Balbi Family Hotel - Genoa
Via Balbi 21 - 16100 Genoa
Double room from
€ 80 (Tax included)- Cleanliness of rooms
- Quietness of rooms
- Spaciousness of rooms
- Quality of service provided
- Hotel surroundings
8.5
7.5
9.2
8.7
8.0
‹‹ This was our first time to stay at Hotel Balbi. I was afraid when we arrived that I had to climb stairs (I am handicapped and I walk with a walking stick) but...››
12 Sep 2006 read hotel reviewsHOTEL OVERVIEW
reception
The Balbi Family Hotel is a homely and family-run property, located in the centre of Genoa, 200 meters from the Porta Principe railway station, 500 meters from the trade fair area, which includes the acquarium, the children's city and the conference center and 800 meters from the ferry terminal and the Genova Ovest highway exit.
Whether you are visting Genoa for business or pleasure, the hotel is the ideal location for comfort and convenience.
The structure is an ancient building and there are still signs of its past splendour: some interesting frescoes can still be seen on the ceiling in some of the rooms.
The hotel has a partnership with a garage, located in the immediate proximity.
LOCATION
City Area:Historical Center
Position of the zone in the city
General map
GUEST ROOMS
double room
The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, each equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini bar and telephone. It is possible to add an extra bed for a third adult or a child.
The accommodations are all finely-furnished and feature a large private bathroom with hairdryer.
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryer in room
- Heating
- Mini bar
- Satellite TV
- Telephone
BREAKFAST
breakfast room
The continental buffet breakfast is served in the breakfast room between 7.30 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.
HOTEL FACILITIES
- Credit card accepted
- Groups welcome
- Historic building
- Pets accepted
- City maps
- Front desk - fax service
- Front desk - safety deposit box
- Luggage room
- Multilingual staff
- Tourist information
- Garage
- Internet/Email services
- TV Room
- Bar
HOTEL REVIEWS
Mature couple
Italy, Sep 2008
We stayed 3 nights at the hotel and the people at the reception were very nice. The buffet breakfast was OK. The only real problem are the 2.5 floors with no lift: the steep stairs were quite hard to climb or descend with baggage.
Single traveller
Italy, Aug 2008
It's a shame to find a dirty room with broken or no facilities at all. My room was small and the door couldn't be locked properly (I could see the corridor from inside!). I know it's a 2 stars, but I've always found better places than this one...
Gay Couple
Hungary, Sep 2008
It's just a few minutes walk from Piazza Principe train station, and also close to the city center. The rooms are clean, spacious and have wonderfully painted ceilings.
Single traveller
United Kingdom, Oct 2002
An usual and tasteful hotel with friendly staff convenient for the centre
Young couple
Netherlands, Aug 2008
Parking nearby is not easy. you have to be lucky to get a space close by.
Young couple
Australia, Jul 2008
We were only here for 1 night however the room was excellent - huge, clean and comfortable bed. When we were checking in there was another party who were also checking in, however there was an issue with the bathroom. To compensate, the hotel had booked them elsewhere (more stars) which was a short walk away - great service!
Family with young children
France, Jul 2008
L'hotel est correct mais se situe au 3ème étage d'un très vieil immeuble sans ascenseur ! Les frais de parking du véhicule sont exagérés et excessif : 21 € la nuit .....
Family with older children
France, Jul 2008
everythings OK
Mature couple
United Kingdom, Jul 2008
Quite a rough area of Genoa, however a very safe and welcoming hotel to stay at. Very good breakfast also. Genoa is a lot more expensive than areas on the Riviera such as Nice and Cannes....and would only stay in this town on a short term basis. Better quality elsewhere, however quite good for Genoa.
family of adults
USA, Jun 2008
Hotel has character and old world charm. It has frescos on the cielings of the rooms and dining area. We had 3 rooms for 6 adults. They were basic clean comfortable rooms with air condtioning and pvt bath. Showers had good pressure and plenty of hot water. Air conditioning worked well. Our rooms had either views of street or a courtyard. Price included a basic contintental breakfast. Only issue to be aware of is that there is no elevator and you have to lug your suitcases up two flights of stairs. We would stay there again.
Family with young children
Australia, May 2008
The hotel is very unique. It is in a historical building. The dome ceiling has paintings. If you like history, then this is a bonus. Staff are very helpful. Their advice on activities and food was brilliant. The hotel is located on the third floor and here is no lift at the moment. When you check out, staff are very happy to give you a hand with your luggage, but on the way in, if you have heavy luggage, be prepared. The lift is expected to be put in towards the end of 2008. The entrance of the hotel can not be easily identified. Hope when the lift is put in, the entrance will be improved as well.
Single traveller
Turkey, May 2008
The hotel was ok. Compared to the price and location in Genova. I found the staff very friendly.The hotel was spotless and the location excellent.Two minutes by walk to train station and airport shuttle. Vicoli and seaport was nearby and excellent restaurants also.But my room was very small, without a window because of a construction and I can't see outside from my room.I had not been informed about this construction. And lack of elevators.
Single traveller
USA, Apr 2008
Nice old hotel but quite a climb up four staircases. Very helpful staff with very nice breakfast. Wonderful location near the old section with the beautiful palaces.
Married couple and mother-in-law
United Kingdom, Apr 2008
The Hotel Balbi Family is a great place to stay while you visit Genoa. I was lucky enough to have a room with a muraled ceiling. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Try the nearby restaurant 'antica cantina i tre merli'. Great atmosphere and fantastic food. Avoid ‘Il Baluardo’ (pizzeria), near to the Aquarium. It claims to serve fresh seafood when it isn’t. Terrible meal; the locals eating there thought so too.
Gay Couple
United Kingdom, Mar 2008
This was our second stop on our tour of Northern Italy and we were very impressed with the hotel. The location was ideal for exploring Genoa and the hotel was very welcoming and cosy. Our room was huge, very clean and the ceiling decoration was amazing. The bathroom was quite large and spotlessly clean. The hotel facilities were good and breakfast was fair - croissants, cereal, yoghurts, fruit etc. The only drawback was that the hotel was on the 3rd floor and there was no lift. This did not bother us, but it might put off people with walking difficulties or with small children. Overall I would happily recommend this hotel.
Gay Couple
USA, Mar 2008
POSITIVE ASPECTS: Only 2 blocks from the central train station. Reception staff speak English and are very helpful and responsive. The included breakfast is substantial -- fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, meat, cheese, juices, bread choices. Most importantly for us, you can have more than one cup of coffee! Our room (#2) was very clean and HUGE, with a fresco on the vaulted ceiling. Furnishings are simple but adequate. The bathroom was also large, although the shower cabinet was the typical European small. There is cable TV with one German channel and CNN in English - the rest are in Italian. There are 11 rooms in the hotel - I don't know anything about size and furnishings in the other ones. The reception desk is staffed from early morning to midnight. If you plan to be out after midnight, they give you keys to the street door and hotel door. Major museums and tourist attractions (renaiassance and medieval historic districts) are an easy 15-20 minute walk. There are several options for lunches, gellato and provisions in the immediate area. THINGS TO CONSIDER: The hotel reception area and most of the rooms are on the 3rd floor of a building with no elevator. If you have heavy bags this could be a problem. Some of the rooms are one floor above that, and accessed internally from the reception level. The staff told us there are plans to install an elevator, perhaps by the end of 2008. There are no good choices for evening restaurants if you are looking for a nice dinner. There are many restaurants in the medieval quarter, but you'll have to walk back there or take a bus (there are two bus lines that go past the hotel that run until midnight. Balbi Ave. is one-way, so you have to walk a couple of blocks to catch the bus, but the bus returns on Balbi).
Mature couple
Australia, Mar 2008
Great value; superb location.
Single traveller
India, Nov 2007
Nice stay. Staff was very co-operative. My office bag with numeric lock was not opening. The available staff tried his best to help me out. finally the lock had to be broken. However the support was appreciated. Leaving three floors climbing to reach hotel, every thing else was fine. Location was walking distance to the contone congrassi the conference centre so everything was fine for me.
Single traveller
Italy, Feb 2008
Good location,the staff is wonderfull,the room was big with a beautiful ceiling.Breakfast is good.I recommend it
Mature couple
Australia, Jan 2008
The staff (owner) was very helpful helped us with luggage as there is no lift but the hotel is very old and in urgent need of make over we would not stay there again as we have booked with venere about 10 other places that were excellent and above expectation but this one was VERY disappointing
mom & son
USA, Nov 2007
The employees were very kind and extremely helpful and accomodating. I would go back to this exact hotel. Great value.
Family with older children
Germany, Nov 2007
The staff was great! The hotel was on the 3rd floor, so alot of stairs and no elevator. The rooms were big and spacious with gorgeous renaissance ceilings. Breakfast was edible. They do try and accomodate you as best they can and are super friendly. Location was great located next to the main train & bus station. Seaport is just down the street. So great location if you are taking an MSC cruise. The quality of the hotel and rooms above average. For the price you pay and the accomoations we got was unbelievable. 1 night, 2 rooms, 7 people, $200.oo Hard to beat that! One last thing the parking for the hotel is up the street about 75 yards. It was about $20 a niight.
Young couple
Italy, Oct 2007
L'accoglienza è stata veramente notevole: cortese e disponibile. La camera era molto ampia e bella (con il soffitto affrescato), anche se non troppo silenziosa. La colazione non era eccellente, ma non la definiremmo "inqualificabile" come avevamo letto... La posizionè è ottima per chi arriva a Genova in treno e si muove a piedi. Nel complesso, siamo rimasti molto soddisfatti.
Group
USA, Sep 2007
This is a great hotel. The rooms are huge. The only thing wrong with the hotel is that the reception and rooms are on the 3rd floor of the building with no elevator. It is difficult to find because of the way the streets buildings are numbered. The neighborhood is OK and close to all the attractions.
Mature couple
Australia, Sep 2007
Close to railway station - 5 minute walk with luggage. It was also within easy walking distance to the port and city centre where there was much to do and see. We were in transit from Cinque terre to Arles in France and needed a stop in between. Genoa was an interesting and lovely city and we could have spent several more days than the 2 we spent in this lovely city.
Family with young children
Australia, Aug 2007
Many stairs to climb with luggage. No lift. Bathroom was tiny. Room had a wonderful painted high ceiling. Close to harbour, shopping and resturants.
Single traveller
Italy, Jul 2007
Close to the main station in Genova. Very nice staff.
Family with young children
Germany, Jun 2007
the room was spacious, calm and proper, but no sun light.
Family with young children
Italy, May 2007
Cheap and in a good position. Beautiful ceilings. Second floor with no lift. Weird Toilet.
Mature couple
Norway, Apr 2007
The frescoes were even greater than I expected, the hotel is very nice, good service and perfect location.
Not Specified
France, Jan 2007
tres bon acceuil satisfait de sprestations
Group
Italy, Jan 2007
It is a very good place to stay in GENOVA. I hope to return here again in the future.
Young couple
Italy, Dec 2006
E' un hotel eccellente in cui stare. La posizione è ottima per il prezzo proposto, colazione abbondate e personale preparato gentile. Preoccupatevi per il posto macchina poichè è offerto separatamente in un garage esterno distante 3 minuti a piedi ma che nel mio caso era già tutto esaurito. Chiedete prima di farvelo riservare se siete interessati. (Attenzione che l'hotel è al secondo piano di un palazzo storico e non lo consiglio per portatori di handicap o persone anziane)
Single traveller
Germany, Oct 2006
Was the second time there.Will come back again.
USA, Oct 2006
Hotel was convenient for us (near train station and easy walk to tourist sites) and seemed to be in safe area. Street was a bit noisy with window open and on weekend party nearby was also noisy. Staff was wonderful. Breakfast was good - especially the coffee! Having pc available was great. It is not at all fancy, but I would go back again.
Family with young children
Italy, Oct 2006
La famiglia che gestisce l'hotel è deliziosa e spero che restino sempre così, e chissà che prima o dopo non riusciamo a tornare a trovarli. A. Moscetti
Young couple
United Kingdom, Sep 2006
We enjoyed our stay at Hotel Balbi. The owners were very friendly and welcoming making it a lovely stay. Nice to get breakfast included for change too. The street the hotel is really near the train station, easy to walk to with luggage (although the hotel is up two flights of steps). The area is not the greatest but we were able to walk into the centro storico and piazzas which housed most restaurants etc. The room was huge with a nice bathroom and they also gave us a room with frescos on the ceiling as we requested
Young couple
USA, Sep 2006
This is the place to stay if you need to be near the train station! My husband and I were traveling from Florence to Nice and wanted to break up the train trip - we decided to spend the night in Genoa. Our hotel criteria were that it be near the train station, safe, clean and cheap. We got all that and more. The staff at this hotel is absolutely FABULOUS! Yes, the hotel was clean, in a great location, had FREE breakfast (yogurt, breads, cereal, etc.), cable TV, good hairdryer, and not too uncomfortable bed, but the staff was just incredible. They all speak fluent English and they really go out of there way to help. The front desk woman recommended several great restaurants, made our reservations and mapped out how to get there. She also recommended tours and sights around town. All the staff really went out of there way to make it a really great stay. I cannot recommend this hotel enough. But alas, there are some drawbacks: No internet access, teeny weeny shower, and no elevator (would not recommend for people with mobility issues). Still, this is a really great, well run hotel - definitely highly recommend!
Netherlands, Sep 2006
A frescoed ceiling in a spacious room and a wonderful staff, within a few minutes of the railway station Genova PP, and a few minutes more to the centre: few hotels are better located and suited. On the downside: streetside is noisy, and internet facilities, for those wishing them, are a bit poor and expensive.
Not Specified
Ireland, Sep 2006
There was a problem with the air conditioning unit. Once we learnt how to fix it ourselves, we had no problems.
Group
Spain, Sep 2006
i was in a quadruple room, the same as in the page of venere. we had private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, a double bed and other two beds, minifridge, a little table and two chairs and air-conditioning. ceilings are painted with "frescos". good breakfast: bread, cornflakes, croissants, cakes... (buffet) it's an ancient building, no elevator and it's a second floor. a lot of noise if you don't close the windows, because via balbi is a crowded street (it's patrimone unesco and there are some universities, with a lot of places to have lunch) well comunicated: 1 minute from the station piazza principe and the bus stops to everywhere in the city. friendly staff: very familiar, ready to help us and inform us about whatever you want.
Mature couple
USA, Sep 2006
This was our first time to stay at Hotel Balbi. I was afraid when we arrived that I had to climb stairs (I am handicapped and I walk with a walking stick) but the staff was very healpful with the bags and I made it ok. They made us feel right at home. I would recommend this hotel to anyone, very close to Train Station.
Family with young children
Germany, Jul 2006
Sehr gute Lokation leider ohne Parkplatz.
Young couple
Russia, Aug 2006
We stayed there in the end of August. This hotel provides the true feeling of the ancient city with a specific atmosphere of old times tune. Recommended for those who search for something special but not for those who prefer five diamonds all inclusive beach hotels. Try and enjoy!
Mature couple
Bulgaria, Jun 2006
Air conditioning noisy and not properly located, too near to the bed. No parking facilities, very difficult approach by car.
Single traveller
Brazil, Jul 2006
Very friendly staff. I didn't have to ask a single question - they were more than helpful, even letting me choose the room I wanted to stay in. They had some problem with TV reception, though (but no one is there to watch TV, right?). Decent breakfast. The only problem you might have is to climb up the stairs if you have lots of luggage. And the towels were a little too rough.
Mature couple
USA, Mar 2006
Very convenient location. The family was delightful and made our stay especially nice.
Young couple
Germany, Jun 2006
We have chosen the Hotel because of the Comments we found on this webpage and they didn't disappoint us at all. It is true that the breakfast was very limited (coffe, juice, bread/croissant, butter, cereales) which is not overwhelming, but the rest is perfectly as it's offered: The ceilings are just wonderful, the rooms are big, beds are comfortable, service very friendly, helpful and supportative in all situations. The street is noisy, better ask for a room not facing to the street, but we have to say that in the night it's calmer, only in the daytime there is a bus stop and this could affect a small siesta. Anyway, but the great and most important plus is, that's only five minutes from the central station (from there a direct connection to the airport every 20 min) and only five miniutes to the old city centre. in Balbi road, there is already a lot to see on the way to the city centre (university, library, royal palace) so it's worth the five minutes walk. Don't expect a luxury hotel, but it's nice, comfortable and very central, just perfect for a weekend/week trip to see Genua. We would stay in Balbi Hotel again. Almudena y Sven.
Single leisure traveller
France, May 2006
Tout a été parfait, de la réservation sur internet au départ. Merci au personnel de l'hôtel de Balbi Family d'avoir fait d'un déplacement impératif un séjour agréable.
Heterosexual Couple
France, May 2006
Hotel excellent rapport qualitée prix, propre, chambres spacieuses,tres bien placer, personnel multilingue. Un seul bémol la litterie, matelas tres fin sur lit tres fin, mais on peux dormir quand meme!!! En résumer tres agréablement surpris, ormis le lit. A.REMY.
Single leisure traveller
USA, Apr 2006
This hotel is a good value in a convenient location - just a few minutes walk from the Stazione Principe. The owner and staff are very friendly and helpful. I have stayed here twice and each time they have given me good service and good advice about Genova. You have to climb some steep stairs to get up to the hotel from the street but its worth the effort.
Group of friends
Italy, Mar 2006
Qualità assoluta di medio livello, ma ottima la pulizia ed il rapporto qualità prezzo. particolarmente eccellente la disponibilità del personale
Heterosexual Couple
Canada, Feb 2006
The staff are lovely and most competent. However, we found the room, while spacious and attractive, was quite cold. We were able to increase the setting on the radiator, but it made little difference. More importantly, you must inform possible guests that the hotel is on the third (fourth from the ground!) floor and up of the building, and there is NO elevator to the hotel. The staff was kind enough to carry up our one large bag, but nobody, guests or staff, should have to suffer climbing all those stairs with heavy bags!
Not Specified
USA, Feb 2006
Nice location, close to main train terminal, good breakfast. Many steps to 4th floor with luggage.
Heterosexual Couple
Italy, Jan 2006
The bathroom attached to our room had no lavabo, the lavabo was inconveniently located inside the room. The beds were not so confortable. Apart from that, the location is nice and very convenient, and the owner extremely kind and knowleageable.
Group of friends
Italy, Jan 2006
Nice hotel, good prices....and in the historical centre...go for it
Not Specified
Italy, Oct 2005
Il personale è gentilissimo, le stanze molto belle. Unico neo forse, dovrebbero insonorizzare in qualche modo le stanze sulla strada (l'autobus passa ogni 10 minuti!!). Per il resto tutto ok
Not Specified
Netherlands, Oct 2005
Hotel Balbi is a pleasant hotel once you are on thee third flor. The communal entrance on the groundfloor is a bit of a turnoff. But the rooms are very spacious witj high ceilings. The frescoes are wonderfull. The hotel is in a pleasant straat because the university is there. There are many bustling cafés to have bereakfast of lunch. The hotel is just a short and pleasant stroll from the cenmtre of Genua. The staff is very helpfull in advising on where to eat and when wanting to rent a car. You will enjoy your stay.
Group of friends
United Kingdom, Oct 2005
The hotel was exactly what we required - an inexpensive double room near the railway station. The staff very pleasant and generally I would recommend this hotel to anyone, however there is one drawback. The hotel is on the second floor and there is no lift which is difficult if you are infirm or have many heavy bags.
Not Specified
Canada, Oct 2005
Wonderful hotel with very friendly staff. Our room had a 20 foot ceiling painted with a beautiful mural. Breakfast was excellent and included with the room. The only downside might be street noise if one had a room on the main street and kept the window open. Next time I visit Genoa, I will be sure to stay at this hotel.
Heterosexual Couple
United Kingdom, Oct 2005
We had a very warm welcome and pleasant stay at the Balbi Family Hotel. The room was very clean and prices were very reasonable. Breakfast in the morning was continental and there was plenty to eat. The staff were very helpful with information on Genoa, places to visit and restaurant recommendations. The hotel is ideally situated near the station and, despite warnings about the 'dodginess' of the area at night, we felt very safe. We thoroughly recommend staying at this hotel.
Heterosexual Couple
United Kingdom, Sep 2005
The room was amazingly spacious, and, with a stunning painted ceiling! It was just fantastic!
Not Specified
Brazil, Sep 2005
The hotel is very close to the P. Principe Staion. The rooms are big. The breakfast is simple but fine. The only problem is to climb up the stairs with the luggage.
Single leisure traveller
USA, Sep 2005
It is a very nice bed and breakfast type of hotel. Good location - 300 meters from railway station on a beautiful Balby street close to main attractions. Rooms are very big with high painted ceilings. New window frames reduce the noise coming from the street. I had a pleasant stay there.
Single leisure traveller
USA, Sep 2005
We had a wonderful time at the Balbi Family Hotel. The staff were friendly and very helpful, even making recommendations for a delicious trattoria down the street. Our room was clean and comfortable and the painted ceiling was a fun touch.
Heterosexual Couple
Czech Republic, Sep 2005
The staff was very competent, willing and polite. The ceilings are magnifient! Sourounding is very nice, but we was warn, that in deep night can be dangerous. Parking for car is 200 m far from hotel, price 17 EU per night - it is save, You can leave unnecessary laguages in car. Aproach to the hotel by car is rather tricky, it is better to have good plan of town.
Heterosexual Couple
United Kingdom, Aug 2005
Really organised! Received a map and manager indicated where to go for all the sights and good restaurants! Spacious rooms with great fresco's on ceilings! Clean and friendly and great central location!
Heterosexual Couple
United Kingdom, Jul 2005
I confirm all the positive reviews I read on this site. We had a great very large room with vaulted frescoed ceiling! The furniture was a is basic but with a ceiling and a large space like that, who cares? Very friendly and helpful staff and nice breakfast. Very handy for railway station and within strolling distance to the harbour and city centre.Negative points: if you need absolute quiteness to sleep this might not be the place for you.
Single leisure traveller
Australia, Jun 2005
Great, I could not have had a better experience. In a great location and a very local experience...not an 'international plastic' hotel. I would recommendit to everyone who wants to experience a real Italian holiday.
Family Group
New Zealand, Jul 2005
A great place to stay, staff very helpful and friendly. The room was spacious and comfortable, great paintings on the roof. Very close to railway station and sites of the city. Great value for money, it was just a bit noisy as we were on the street side and it was a very hot night and we couldn't keep the window open. Recomend this hotel and would stay there again.
Heterosexual Couple
United Kingdom, Aug 2005
Hotel Balbi was nice and the owners were friendly. They gave us excellent directions to take a tour of the old city and their english was very good. The old city is quite beautiful and the hotel is very closeby. The hotel is also on a wide, well-lit street. Best: Try to get one of the rooms with a painted ceiling. Very cool. Rooms were also very clean. Worst: The beds need to be better. Some sort of mesh-spring with a thin mattress on top. Seriously this is my only complaint (well room safe's would be nice too) All in all though a nice hotel and I'd reccommend it. It is near the train station, and the train station is a little dodgy at night, but that's Genoa's problem, not Balbi's. We were also told it's not safe to be in the old city areas after the shops have shut, but we didn't feel too threatened when out.
Family Group
USA, Jun 2005
This hotel is a very short, straight walk from the train station. It does not have an elevator, and you will be going up four long flights of stairs....The lobby is very large and inviting. It is obvious you are in a very old building, but some remodeling has been done. There is one room dedicated to the computer where you can use the internet for a fee - I think it was about 6 Euros an hour - high, but you don't have to waste time looking for a cafe that way. We had a room with a blue frescoe on the ceiling that really needs to be "repaired" before it is too damaged to fix. No air conditioning...but there is a fan, and that moves the air around fairly well. It was mid-June when we were there, and Genoa can be hot and humid! The shower was small, but worked well! The bed was not very comfortable, but we were only there for one night. The evening front desk manager spoke very good English; the daytime one did not. Breakfast was good if simple. There is a wonderful woman who will make you any coffee drink you want, as long as you pay extra....The room had another one of those amazing frescoes on the ceiling, and quite a few tennis trophies as well. The night desk manager was happy to try to make reservations for us at a restaurant, but we were in town during one of those "Bank holidays" so the restaurants he tried were closed. He then recommended we try a place on the pier, which we did. He promised us a lovely view - it was! Kind of a scary walk back to the hotel after midnight, though - not the best area for a couple of women alone and semi-lost! If I were in Genoa again and I arrived by train, I suppose I would stay at the Balbi if I had no luggage to speak of....
Family Group
Canada, Jul 2005
too noisy and it was very warm- did not sleep well
Heterosexual Couple
USA, May 2005
good price, good breakfast, ceiling something to see, staff great
Single leisure traveller
Japan, Apr 2005
The owener is very kind and friendly! Nice hotel!
Single leisure traveller
USA, Apr 2005
From the other reviews, I got a very good picture of what to expect: the hotel was located on the 3rd or 4th floor of an ancient building very close to the train station, and that the rooms were almost palatial in size with original murals still painted on the ceilings...all of which was true. The ceilings were like 20 feet high and my huge quiet room looked out onto a not unpleasant inner courtyard. The hosts, Patrick and his wife, Roberta were charming and helpful. The only problem for this 76-yar-old was climbing up all those stairs: a 20-foot ceiling means more steep stairs per story! I was able to complete my business and leave a day early, which caused no problem. A big plus for me was having the internet available in the hotel.
Group
United Kingdom, Apr 2005
An outstanding little family-run hotel. The rooms were charming; the location ideal and all the staff friendly and helpful. The ONLY criticism is that some of the rooms retained a faint smell of cigarette smoke...but for value such as this, such a fault can be forgotten.
Heterosexual Couple
Ireland, Mar 2005
This hotel is located in a great location, just minutes away from the train station and aquarium. Our room was absoutely huge with awesome ceiling paintings!. The breakfast was basic, but good. Staff were friendly and helpful. I would recommend this accommodation to other travellers.
Not Specified
Italy, Mar 2005
all ok, more problem with the car bat the hotel is ok. the rooms is veru clear and the service is ok.thanks
Gay Couple
France, Mar 2005
Beautiful hotel, luxurious palace even, very near the main train station, wonderful breakfast, very charming and helpful manager. Huge bedroom with painted ceiling...! :-))
Not Specified
Spain, Dec 2004
The staff is exceptionally friendly. The hotel is on the third floor without an elevator, so I wouldn't recommend it to older people, but the staff carry your luggage. It is very confusing to find the building due to the numbering of buildings on the street, so ask for directions.
Couple with children
France, Nov 2004
The owners of this hotel are particulary friendly & are trying to make our stay in genova very good. At the moment, there is few things to do to make the hotel more confortable. When they finish to renovate the rooms, it will be very nice. if I plan to go to genova, I will reserve again in this hotel.
Single leisure traveller
Turkey, Nov 2004
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Heterosexual Couple
Germany, Oct 2004
We enjoyed a very warm welcome and had a few nice days in Genova which was partly due to the excellent information sevice we got at Balbis. The hotel is sited very near to the railway station and to the university. If you have to cope with anything concerning university, Balbis is a worthwile choice.
Family Group
Switzerland, Sep 2004
I already did sent a rating, but I think it got stuck in the mail. I really liked the place: it has enormous space in the rooms and very friendly staff. Not very noisy if you consider the central location (no through- traffic. Very recomendable if looking for a cheap, clean and central overnight- stay
Single leisure traveller
Australia, Jul 2004
The hotel is situated within easy walking distacne to the central station. My third floor room (#2) was large and clean and the high domed ceiling was painted with a delightful fresco. The room had a view onto the main street. Very nice.
Not Specified
Korea, Jul 2004
Hotel staff was courteous, cheerful and helpful.
Heterosexual Couple
Canada, Jul 2004
beautiful rooms, right on main road, close to train station, in old part of town.
Family Group
United Kingdom, Jul 2004
Hotel well located for railway station and sight seeing in the old quarter. Rooms had plenty of character with original painted ceilings. Staff welcoming. The only downside was traffic noise from the Via Balbi. Closing the double glazed windows removes the noise problem.
Family Group
United Kingdom, Jun 2004
Very hard to fnd by car but easy on foot from train station. Noisy street outside but rooms large airy and clean. Staff exceptionally helpful and friendly with good level of English!!
Family Group
Peru, May 2004
Very polite and helpful attendants.
Group of friends
Switzerland, Apr 2004
The welcoming was really excellent! I would advice this hotel to all young people who want to have a nice hotel in Genova next to the station and next to the university!
Group of friends
United Kingdom, Apr 2004
the lockers in the room were too small - we could not fit our packs into the lockers. Therefore, we could not lock our belongings away.
Single leisure traveller
USA, Mar 2004
I was very pleased with both the accomodations and service. The staff were friendly and helped me out with directions and my feeble attempts at Italian.
Not Specified
United Kingdom, Feb 2004
We stayed at the Balbi Family Hotel for two nights. We didn't see much of Genoa as it rained almost all the time. However, the Balbi was great so we enjoyed our visit and would certainly return. Very friendly and helpful staff and wonderful ceiling in our room.
Family Group
Australia, Dec 2003
A reasonable nights stay. The frescoes on the ceiling were a pleasant surprise. The staff were really friendly and the breakfast was good. Rooms were clean and spacious. The 3 flights of stairs were a bit hard after a long days travelling! Same problem as most places, car parking is difficult. Street space is very limited requiring the use of parking stations. Add a third of the cost of the room for car parking. It was a bit awkward to find by car and as the whole area is undergoing renovations, the immediate surroundings are not exciting and have very little choice of restaurants etc. We found it served our purpose as a one night stop over.
Not Specified
United Kingdom, Jan 2004
We had a wonderful stay at the Balbi Family Hotel...the rooms were simple and lovely and the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Heterosexual Couple
United Kingdom, Dec 2003
Only problem for us as elderly guests several flights of stairs to reception & no lift. However the proprietor did come down to fetch our luggage & there was storage on the ground floor for heavier items not required overnight.
Heterosexual Couple
Egypt, Nov 2003
Close to the Train. Very helpful front desk. Breakfast was good and served with a smile! Close to shopping, museums and the tourist center. This is a great little place to stay if on a budget, or just don't want to spend an bunch on hotels. The only negative was the >50 steps up to the hotel and rooms.
Family Group
Mexico, May 2003
Service was fine and employees helpful and ready to assist in anything needed. Well located.
HOW TO REACH THE HOTEL
By car
The hotel is easily reachable from the highway A12: take the exit Genova Ovest and follow the indications to centro-stazione.
By train
The Genoa Porta Principe railway station is about 200 meters from the hotel.
By airplane
The Genoa airport is about 7 km from the hotel.
By ferry
The hotel is about 500 meters from the Genoa harbour.
TRANSPORT SERVICES
- Garage
Guests are entitled to a discounted price at a garage located only 150 meters from the hotel.
HOTEL
reception
ROOMS
double room
HOTEL FACILITIES
internet point
The hotel is equipped with a functional Internet Point with ADSL connection, perfect for those who wish to surf the web for business or leisure.
MORE PICTURES (BY VENERE HOTELS GROUP)
HOTEL POLICIES
METHODS OF PAYMENT
Venere.com does not debit your credit card for your reservations. You will be asked to insert your credit card details which will be sent to the property only as a guarantee of the reservation. The bill will then have to be settled directly at the hotel. In case your chosen hotel needs a deposit, this information will be included in the "Cancellation policy" section and the deposit will have to be settled directly with the pre-selected property. It is not possible to cancel your reservation if you selected and booked a room indicated as "PREPAID/NOT REFUNDABLE".
CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT
Check-in: the rooms are available at anytime after 1 p.m.
Check-out: it is necessary to leave the rooms not later than 11 a.m.
INCLUDED/NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Parking in the nearby garage is not included in the price. Charges range between €15,00 and €22,00 depending on the size of the vehicle.
Use of the Internet Point is not included in the price and costs €1,00 for 15 minutes.
Breakfast is included in the price.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservation guaranteed by credit card (Pay at chek-out)
Cancel 2 days prior to arrival date to avoid penalty of 1
night room charge.
Check-in before midnight
You may cancel your reservation without penalty up until 2 days before your arrival date, by accessing the Your Reservations page. It is not possible to cancel your reservation if you selected and booked a room indicated as "PREPAID/NOT REFUNDABLE".
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