Maskay guide

Where should you stay in Genoa if you arrive at Piazza Principe and want to walk to the Aquarium?

Two hotels connect rail and Porto Antico: one faces the station, the other stands beside the Aquarium and boats.

In Genoa, the first lodging decision can be made on a small map: Piazza Principe, the Porto Antico quays and the Aquarium fit within a walk. The Aquarium itself estimates 10 to 15 minutes from the station and also lists the metro to San Giorgio or a bus towards Caricamento for anyone who would rather not walk. The real question is where to put down the suitcase. Sleeping opposite the train makes arrival easy; continuing to the marina makes the harbour part of the next morning.

B&B HOTEL Genova Principe stands at 1 Piazza Acquaverde, about 120 metres from Piazza Principe according to the company. It is a three-star hotel with functional rooms, permanent reception and a buffet breakfast, whose inclusion depends on the chosen rate. Guests often praise the location and staff; reservations about individual rooms and possible noise are reminders that a convenient station also means a busy urban setting. If you arrive late or leave early, crossing almost straight from platform to reception saves time and luggage handling.

NH Collection Genova Marina stands at 5 Molo Ponte Calvi. The building designed by Renzo Piano rises on pillars within the redeveloped Old Port, leaving the Aquarium steps away. It has 140 rooms, some with terraces or water views, as well as restaurant Il Gozzo. Its four-star classification guarantees neither a particular view nor a stay free from complaints: travellers praise the position and breakfast, while others mention soundproofing or maintenance. The exact room, not the hotel name, determines whether the harbour is outside your window.

The walk between the two hotels also tells the story of Genoa’s transformation. From the railway square, head down towards Via Gramsci, pass the Galata maritime museum area and reach the Aquarium on the old quays repurposed for the city. If bags are heavy, the metro and bus options listed by the Aquarium spare you from turning arrival into an unwanted hike. For entry, check your date and time slot: its fixed-date ticket requires both to be observed. Do not plan a leisurely breakfast before checking the admission time.

Choose according to the moment you most want to simplify. B&B HOTEL keeps the walk with luggage almost to a minimum and leaves the waterfront route as sightseeing. NH Collection moves the stay to the water’s edge and shortens the Aquarium walk, but means bringing bags from the station. Compare the final price, breakfast, cancellation terms and room outlook; official hotel stars and guest scores answer different questions.

Bottom line

B&B HOTEL Genova Principe makes rail arrival and departure simpler; NH Collection puts the Old Port and Aquarium at the door, with views depending on the room.

Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

  1. Official website of B&B HOTEL Genova Principe ↗ Primary source B&B HOTELS · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  2. Official website of B&B HOTEL Genova Principe ↗ Primary source Regione Liguria · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  3. Official website of B&B HOTEL Genova Principe ↗ Primary source Acquario di Genova · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  4. Official website of NH Collection Genova Marina ↗ Primary source NH Collection · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  5. Official website of NH Collection Genova Marina ↗ Primary source Regione Liguria · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  6. Official website ↗ Primary source Acquario di Genova · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  7. Official website ↗ Primary source B&B HOTELS · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  8. Official website ↗ Primary source NH Collection · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  9. Official website ↗ Primary source Regione Liguria · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  10. Valoración Google del hotel exacto ↗ Secondary source Google Travel · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Google 4.4/5 y 3719 reseñas, consultado 11/10/2026; no confundir con las reseñas internas de B&B HOTELS.

  11. Valoración Google de la sede ↗ Secondary source Google Travel · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Google 4.4/5 y 2766 reseñas, consultado 11/10/2026.

  12. Experiencias de huéspedes ↗ Secondary source Wanderlog · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Opiniones mixtas sobre vistas, desayuno, insonorización, mantenimiento y estacionamiento.