Palazzo Durazzo
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Hotel Details
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Palazzo Durazzo · Genova, Italy
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Expert Review: Palazzo Durazzo
Palazzo Durazzo, a Michelin Key Selected property in Genoa, Italy, offers a truly opulent and historically rich experience, consistently lauded by guests for its exquisite design, exceptional service, and prime location.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Palazzo Durazzo consistently receives high praise, with an average rating of 9.1 out of 10 on Booking.com and 9 out of 10 on Trip.com, reflecting an "Exceptional" to "Outstanding" sentiment. Guests frequently describe their stay as "amazing," "fantastic," and "luxurious," highlighting the hotel's successful blend of historic grandeur with modern comforts.
2. Key Highlights
Guests are particularly captivated by the hotel's setting within a beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo, formerly a doge's residence. The blend of old-world charm, featuring original frescoes and antique furnishings, with contemporary design elements is a recurring highlight. The attentive and friendly staff, the superb breakfast, and the central location overlooking the yacht-filled port are also frequently cited as major draws. The spaciousness and unique design of each room also contribute significantly to guest satisfaction.
3. Room Quality
The 12 rooms and suites at Palazzo Durazzo are individually designed, each a "treasure trove of History, Art and Design." Many feature centuries-old frescoes, double-height ceilings, shell mosaics, terrazzo floors, and grand four-poster beds, creating a stately and refined atmosphere. Rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities including air conditioning, minibars, Nespresso coffee machines, tea-making kits, smart TVs, and soundproofing. Bathrooms are often spacious, featuring walk-in rainfall showers and high-quality Diptyque bath products. Some suites offer stunning sea views and unique features like a mezzanine-level hot tub or even a private chapel.
4. Dining Experience
The breakfast experience at Palazzo Durazzo is highly praised. Served in a gilded, frescoed hall dedicated to Ovid's Metamorphoses, which offers wonderful views across the harbor, it includes a rich continental, buffet, and Italian selection. Guests can enjoy local specialties such as Ligurian pesto, panera (Genoese semifreddo), homemade cakes by the pastry chef, cured meats, and cheeses. Freshly made dishes like avocado toast, full English breakfast, "cloud eggs," and smoked salmon are also available. There is also an on-site coffee shop and a welcoming lounge bar where cocktails, family wines, and snacks are served.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Palazzo Durazzo consistently receive "exceptional" feedback. Guests describe the team as "competent, attentive & friendly," "excellent," "polite," and "helpful," often noting their "extreme attention" to detail. Many appreciate the staff's passion for Genoa and their willingness to provide insider tips and even tours of the Palazzo, making guests feel like part of an extended family. Amenities like a 24-hour front desk, private check-in/check-out, and valet service further enhance the guest experience.
6. Location & Accessibility
Palazzo Durazzo boasts a prime location on Via del Campo, in the heart of Genoa's old town, offering views of the city's yacht-filled port. It is within easy walking distance of major attractions, including the Aquarium of Genoa (just a few steps away), Palazzo Ducale, Porto Antico, Doge's Palace, and the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli. Public transport is easily accessible, with the San Giorgio underground station nearby (within 200 meters) and Genoa Piazza Principe railway station a 10-minute walk away. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Valet parking is available for guests.
7. Value & Pricing
As a 5-star, Michelin Key Selected property, Palazzo Durazzo offers a luxury experience. While specific pricing varies, rates start from approximately $352.50 per night. Guests generally rate the "Value for money" highly, with an 8.6 out of 10 on Booking.com, and some describe it as an "outstanding blend of quality and value." The immersive historical experience, bespoke design, and high level of service are considered well worth the cost by most visitors.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some guests have noted minor issues. The most recurring complaint relates to noise, particularly for rooms located on lower floors with balconies facing the main street, despite the installation of double-pane windows. Although located centrally, some guests found the immediate vicinity to be very active and sometimes loud, especially at night. Additionally, some guests found the hotel difficult to locate due to minimal external signage, a consequence of its status as a UNESCO building. The hotel is also noted as being unsuitable for guests with reduced mobility.
Sources
- booking.com
- booking.com
- trip.com
- mrandmrssmith.com
- booking.com
- theworlds50best.com
- oreateai.com
- booking.com
- palazzodurazzo.com
- palazzodurazzo.com
- theweek.com
- hotelgenova.net
- genoa-hotels.com
- hotelitalianriviera.com
- palazzodurazzo.com
- hotels.com
- palazzodurazzo.com
- michelin.com
- michelin.com
- mrandmrssmith.com
- kayak.com
Google Reviews
57 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Giovanni Govi
Nice hotel in a historic palazzo with beautiful ceilings and a grand atmosphere in general. Personnel was attentive and breakfast was excellent. Our rate had a complimentary spa session as well. Our room was very nicely redecorated and modernised. Great view of the port but obviously may not be best area for a walk late a night . Recommended.
John Reynolds
Palazzo Durazzo was such a pleasant surprise after friends, who previously stayed there, highly recommended it. After staying there for about four nights during my first visit to Genoa, I understand – and wholeheartedly second – their endorsement. As others have noted, it is in a very busy but advantageous position in Genoa. Most sights are easily within walking distance. While the area immedi...
Santeri Lehtonen
Had a great 3 night stay there. A real bang for the money. Staf extremely nice and the room was spacious and in good condition. Break fast a lot better than in Italy hotels tend to provide. Would gladly stay there again.
Garrad Wayling
Exquisite hotel, gorgeous rooms, very stylishly appointed. Wifi was good though I had to get a second code because the main one didn't work with some of my devices. Staff are helpful. Breakfast was very good. Building has some frescoes in the breakfast room which is lovely. Location is good, in old town, however do expect that some of the surrounding shops are a bit grotty.
Caroline Taylor
Restored Palazzo suite hotel with unique historic features. Excellent service, across from harbor. An elevated highway passes outside, but windows are heavily glazed! Limited dining, but room service menu for small plates, breakfast. Breakfast room. Beauriful bar and lounge. If you arrive by car, access by via Gramsci, very low profile entrance next to Corderia Nazionale (sailing, diving supplies)...
Ruoxi Cao
What a grand property situated in Genoa's historic center. The staff were incredibly thoughtful, the room an elegant retreat in the heart of the old city, and the breakfast spread was exquisite (truly, the best omelette I've ever had...and I will think about the panera and pesto for a long time). The hotel bar alone was worth the stay. Thank you to the staff for taking such good care of my sprain...
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