When I was told that I was going to be staying at a Best Western Plus hotel during Turin Epicurean Capital, I didn’t expect much, mainly because I rarely find anything interesting about chain hotels. But Hotel Genova contradicted all my beliefs!
First of all, this hotel has been a family owned business since the 1880s. According to the current hotel manager and owner, Dr Fabio Borio (his grandfather bought the property after World War 2), it was originally an inn with a restaurant with just a few rooms.
The name “Hotel Genova” can be confusing, since it’s not in the city of Genova, or anywhere close to it. I discovered that the name came about because it was on the way to Genova. Back in the days, when people left Turin to head towards the Italian riviera, they would stop at Hotel Genova for a meal.
Originally, the hotel had only 20 rooms. Over the years, the family has added floors and contemporary style rooms, bringing the number of rooms up to 88. Because of this, each floor is done in a different fashion, with staircases, carpets and decor representing many decades. Guests can see that no two rooms at the hotel are alike. For example, on the fifth floor – known as the Parisian floor, there are all attic rooms with wooden beams. My room looked like it was out of a children’s story book, with slanted roofs and all!
The fourth floor has more elegant rooms with high ceilings, glass chandeliers and huge baths. The room I ultimately stayed in also had a 2-person jacuzzi tub right in the room! There was also a small patio with beautiful views of the city.
The third floor of the hotel has contemporary furniture but wooden floors dating back to the 19th century, and the second floor was originally the piano nobile or the main floor of the original building back in the 1800. Walking around the hotel can be quiet interesting, as one may discover original stained glass windows, paintings, antiques, and world war memorabilia.
The hotel is centrally located across from Porta Nuova station. It is 5 minutes walking distance to Via Roma, the hub of shopping, restaurants and cafes, as well as to most tourist attractions.
Hotel Genova is truly a charming family-owned boutique hotel that is now part of the Best Western Plus family.
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