Italy
All I wanted was the five Cs
Cheap – in Venice that’s almost impossible, but this was very reasonable.
Cheerful – fabulous smile from the receptionist on arrival and every time we returned.
Cosy – ask for an attic room at the back so you can spy down into the locals' gardens below, and see the ocean liners berth in the distance. The breakfast room overlooks a local canal.
Clean – room was spotless and cleaned every day.
Convenient – 50 metres from Piazzale Roma bus station and car park, 250 metres from vaporetto number 1 stop, and 5 minutes from the railway station.
This small hotel (about seven rooms) has a spectacular location on the Grand Canal, right by the Rialto bridge. Our room (junior suite) had a breathtaking view right onto the Grand Canal. Excellent service from the charming owner made us feel like royalty - a really special place.
Only a few minutes from the railway station, bus station and Vaparetto stops, but tucked down a quiet alleyway.
The price is good (85 Euros for a single ensuite, 110 for a double) and the rooms, though small, are comfortable and spotless. Recommended for those on a budget who want a no-frills but pleasant place to stay in Venice.
I booked through www.venere.com but other agencies list the hotel as well.
Cannaregio 219 - Calle Gioacchina, Lista di Spagna, Venezia, Italia 30121. Turn left out of the train station down Lista di Spagna. The hotel is down a small alleyway about 3/4 of the way down.
I am Italian but currently living in the UK; I love Venice but I think that the prices of the hotels are too high, I suggest you to look for hotels in the pretty Mestre just outside Venice - the town is connected very well with Venice you could easily take a ferry to San Marco square and save yourselve a bit of cash. If you visit during the summer months you could also spend time on Mestre's beach.
Looking at the map of Italy just south of Venice on the coast.
Antico Doge is situated right on a little canal 5 minutes walk from the Rialto. You are in the heart of Venice but not in an area swamped with tourists. The hotel has been recently renovated, with the emphasis on creating a very luxurious ambience - gilt cherubs, swags of drapery, trompe l'oeil. The bedroom was really comfortable with a great shower and a window over the canal (you could hear voices and footsteps - but, of course, no cars!). Very romantic and relaxing.
Accommodation in Venice is not cheap - and neither is this hotel - but the streets are litter free, public transport is brilliant, all goods have to be delivered by boat: if you consider these costs and the taxes that businesses must pay to cover them, then it is surely value for money. You can't expect to stay in a museum for nothing!
C.po SS. Apostoli - Cannaregio 5643
Telephone: 041 2411570
Website: www.anticodoge.com
This 4 star hotel is very unique because it has been run by the same family for at least 40 years. This is a plus for every single guest experience: when you get inside you are not treated as a client, but as a friend. Furthermore, a must is the 5. pm tea offered every day in the garden.
Calle Larga dei Proverbi, Cannaregio 4587, 30131 Venice ITaly
Tel: +39 041.5225810
e-mail: info@hotelgiorgione.com
Website: www.hotelgiorgione.com
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