The Metropoli is a five minute walk from the Carlo Felice Opera House, along Via Venticinque Aprile (and one of the closest hotels to the theater). No worries -- even at night time.

Mille grazie! I am very reassured by your post, because I read that the historic center was a little unsafe, and I don't like walking around late at night by myself.Is there a Not-American , non chain hotel in the area that would be nice but less expensive? I don't really now how you know all you know, but you seem to be part wizard! Again , my thanks.

Well, BW is not really a chain -- hotels are individually owned, so you can rest assured that BW hotels in Italy are not any different (for better or worse) from any other Italian hotel.

Anyway, The Bristol is a 4-star hotel on Via Venti Settembre (Genoa's major thoroughfare), and it is a 5 min. walk from the Opera house as well (in the oppositie direction). Otherwise, further down along Via Venti Settembre, there is the Soana Hotel, a smaller, 2-star small hotel (check reviews here on TA). The walk is about 15 minutes to reach it from the opera house.

Small wonder I know Genoa well -- I lived there 20 years!

Thanks for sharing the information. 20 yrs. is a long time , but I have lived in Philadelphia for more years than that , and I cannot answer all the practical questions that you can. I really appreciate the help. I will check out the other hotels. They sound like good possiblities.