Sleep where the history is: near the old port, on the grand boulevards or inside the caruggi themselves.
For first visits, the old port and the historic centre put the Acquario, the palazzi and the best food within walking distance. Via XX Settembre and the area around Brignole station are grander and calmer; the hillside districts trade stairs for views.
A grand historic hotel in a Liberty-style palazzo on the main boulevard, with frescoed public rooms and a classic Genoese atmosphere.
A waterfront hotel on the old port, steps from the Acquario and the Galata museum, with harbour-facing rooms.
A sleek five-star in the business quarter beside Brignole station, with a rooftop pool and polished service.
A small designer hotel tucked into the old town's narrow lanes, close to the cathedral and Piazza De Ferrari.