If you are seeking a relaxed getaway on a Mediterranean beach in a hidden destination, whilst enjoying the worldwide favoured Italian cuisine, Genoa is the place to be. With an endless coastline and ideal weather for seaside lovers, Genoa attract a gigantic number of tourists during summer months. In August it is especially difficult to find an accommodation, let alone stay on a low budget. Known as the first hostel open in the old town of Genoa, Manena Hostel has maintained its excellent reputation since 2013. Take a virtual tour around the hostel with me to explore why Manena is an ideal accommodation for low-budget travelers.
1. The hostel lies in an excellent location
Lying in the middle of the historic centre of Genoa, only 15 seconds on foot to Via Garibaldi (one of the most important streets of the old town), Manena Hostel is easily accessible by all means of transportation. The main train station, Genova Principe, is only 15 minutes away on foot. The bus takes you about 30 minutes from the Cristoforo Colombo Airport and 15 minutes from the ferry terminal to Manena Hostel. Once you get here, every main attraction is reachable on foot.
2. The common space with various board games is a great place to hang out
The common area with a laptop, a television, various board games and books on the shelf can be used for free by all guests. The area is great for both hanging out with other guests and spending time on your own relaxing. In order to let guests sleep, the common room and kitchen stay closed between 2 AM and 7 AM. Wi-Fi is available throughout the whole building and even at the front entrance.
3. You can save some money by cooking
The hostel’s well equipped kitchen enables you to cook on your own to save money on the road. Though Genoa offers plenty of tasty food, from fresh seafood to excellent local bread and famous pesto pasta dishes, you may want to make your own meal, especially while traveling long-term. Tasty breakfast with tea, coffee, milk, orange juice, cereal, butter or jam, bread and snacks is available upon request for 3 EUR (~3.36 USD).
4. Their facilities are brilliant
The hostel has 3 dorms in total including a five-bed dorm, an eight-bed dorm and a twelve-bed dorm. There’s a coat hanger for every two beds. Each bed has a light and curtains on the side so you can still enjoy privacy while sharing common sleeping space with other guests in the same dorm. An air-conditioner is in each room, and free linens and extra thick blankets are given to all guests to ensure it won’t be too cold inside during the winter. Each guest has his or her individual lockers to store large luggage. There are three common bathrooms with showers. With all these facilities, you only need to pay between 18.5 and 21 EUR (~20.73 to 23.53 USD) per person during low season, and 22 EUR (~24.66 USD) during high season.
5. The friendly staff will show you what to see and taste!
When checking in, the receptionist will give you a welcome tour whilst showing you the best places of the city on the map based on your preferences. Keep in mind not to miss one of the best viewpoints of the city – the Spianata Castelletto. This is where you’ll have a picture-perfect panoramic view of Genoa including the old colourful houses, the mountain, various palaces and the sea with a lighthouse. There are dozens of palaces, churches, museums and local restaurants that every traveller would love to explore. There’s someone at reception 24/7.
6. They also offer a top rated tip-based walking tour
The staff also offers you a private free walking tour. This is a great opportunity to explore the long history and culture of Genoa and its interesting facts such as how the city was named and where Christopher Columbus came from. Keep in mind that the city is made by dozens of small narrow streets and squares lying all over the place. It’s easy to get lost here, even with a map. Thus, walking around with an experienced, charming and cheerful local is a good way to travel efficiently. The guide will take you through hidden churches, palaces, and corners over 3 hours that would require years for you to discover on your own.
Other activities offered by Manena Hostel
Besides joining the walking tour, you can also participate in many other activities organized by the hostel including bike rental, free indoor climbing on the walls of the Sisport Gym Centre, a pub crawl, outdoor activities at the nearby Portofino Village (e.g., kayak, dive, snorkels, etc.) and car sharing. Genoa offers a wide range of activities and international cultural events for both visitors and locals.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
What To Buy In Milan, ItalyAnnelene -
Create an account to