After the delightful Corniglia and Cinque Terre, and string of scenic coastal vistas from the train almost all the way into Genova, the centre of Genova around the Piazza Principe station was, to be honest, a bit of a shock. Although parts of the wharf area were worth a visit, the vast majority of the "old town" appeared dark, dirty, and thoroughly "uncared for". Even the occasional historic gems that we came across could not easily be reached without passing through disturbingly neglected and unnervingly unpopulated "back alleys" and (apart from the main piazzas and one or two "rich" streets) this whole area seemed to be really struggling. Having said all this, our stay at Hotel Agnello d'Oro was very comfortable and pleasant - it is literally 2 minutes from the Genova P.P railway station, easy to find, and (because it is down a small alley off the main road) it was quiet during our brief stay. The staff were efficient and helpful, the breakfast fresh and choices broad, but there seemed to be few other people staying at the hotel, and the overwhelming impression we left with was of an old world "flower" decaying and depressed - very sad!