Location: This hotel is right on the border between Genoa's centro storico and the major shopping avenues. So whatever you want to do is mere steps outside your door. There are also a couple of cute bars on the street.

Room: Our room was clean, bright (ask for a room in the front) and comfortable (we had a real queen-size bed, not two singles pushed together). The one potential downside to this place for some guests may be the decor - it's shabby-chic and funky. We really liked it, but our turquoise and purple room was definitely not traditional hotel decor.

Bathroom: We had a brand-new bath with a shower large enough for a full-sized adult (not easy to find in a 3-star Italian hotel). It also had a bidet and a serviceable blowdryer.

Breakfast: We don't usually eat breakfast in the hotel, but there's a lovely weather-proofed breakfast terrace on the roof with rooftop views. Totally worth having at least one breakfast there.

Staff: The staff is very friendly and helpful.

Parking: If you drive to Genoa, you'll need to leave the car in a garage. You do NOT want to drive around Genoa, and you can't drive in the centro storico anyway. We parked in the Marina garage, which is a pleasant 10-minute walk from the hotel, and is about $20 less per day than the municipal garage around the corner.

A small hotel in a very convenient location just off the Piazza de Ferrari and walking distance to the main historical sights. Our room was stylishly decorated in an eclectic fashion, even though there was a slightly unfinished air to it. The staff were friendly and helpful. There's a pleasant roof top terrace where a decent continental breakfast is served. There is a fabulous restaurant next door and a very good cafe bar for lunches next door but one.

Excellent hotel in perfect location in the old town. Not the cheapest place to stay but the rooms are all quirky and individual with a lovely feel to the place. Very friendly staff and great rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. We asked for a quiet room at the back and it was very peaceful. Highly recommended.

After the monotony of business hotels, the Colombo is so refreshing. Not the cheapest, but certainly individual, very comfortable and an excellent location on the edge of the medieval quarter. Our group took over most of the hotel so we were able to compare rooms; each floor and each room has its own quirky theme and is tastefully refurbished. The rooms are surprisingly spacious, tastefully refurbished with big comfy beds and a bathroom you can swing a couple of cats in. No views from the rooms at the back, you can almost reach out and touch the buildings on the opposite side of the street, but very quiet. On the front plenty of light overlooking the main street, but can be noisy. Breakfast is served on the roof terrace six floors up with great views. WiFi is available in the reception area only. Service is friendly and personal, reflecting the family ownership. Only criticisms are that breakfasts are OK but not outstanding. and the lack of few little extras in the rooms. Otherwise a great stay.