Bentley Hotel
N. Italy: Liguria: Genoa
Located on the upscale Via Corsica, the Bentley Hotel that opened in September 2007 after a 30 million euro makeover, might just be THE hotel that draws travelers to Genoa. As Genoa's first 5-star hotel, it is stylish with art deco decor and is beautifully appointed down to the last detail. Windows are large allowing for a lot of natural light throughout the interior. Public spaces are also large and include a lounge bar - overseen by the engaging Tony Micelotta, who is the Master of Martinis and has published a book on the subject - and an amazing gourmet restaurant (guests will want to dine in at least one evening). The General Manager is a trained sommelier and has a wine list with some 360 excellent labels. And don't miss the lavish breakfast buffet in the restaurant! Another "don't miss" is the lower level "relax" area with a large lap pool with a resistance water feature and fully equipped gymnasium.

The Bentley Hotel is just a short walk from the historic center of Genoa (the largest historic center in Europe!), Palazzo Ducale, the theatre, many museums and excellent shopping. Be sure to include Via Garibaldi with its historic liberty styled buildings in your tour plans. The manager of the hotel is a trained sommelier so expect an excellent wine list at the gourmet restaurant. This may be THE hotel that can get travelers interested in the many things Genoa has to offer as staying here is SUCH a treat!

All accommodations have a fresh clean look with light colored wood floors, immense carved wood doors, marble bathrooms, 42" LCD TVs and LCD TVs cleverly imbedded in the vanity mirrors in the bathrooms. The sixth and top floor houses the hotel's suites, all of which have private balconies. The 80 square meter presidential suite has a large, wraparound, private balcony with two chaise longues, an outdoor Jacuzzi tub with a wonderful view of a floodlit church at night, a huge walk-in closet, two sitting rooms, and large bathroom. There is even a tv over the tub in the bathroom! Beds are dreamy! And for families, there are connecting rooms as well as rooms at the end of each corridor that can be closed off together.

Another outstanding feature of the hotel is the accommodating staff. At every turn, someone is there to assist you or answer a question as though you are the one person they have been waiting to see all day! In fact, the concierge is the only Clef D'Or concierge in Genoa! This is a reflection of the importance the GM attaches to excellent customer service.

The Bentley Hotel is just a short walk from the historic center of Genoa (the largest historic center in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site!), Palazzo Ducale, the Carlo Felice Theatre, many museums and excellent shopping. Be sure to include Via Garibaldi with its historic liberty styled buildings in your tour plans. Include Genoa in your next itinerary. You will not be disappointed in either the city or this fabulous hotel.