Hotel Centrale, Venice

Advantages: The decor, the breakfast, the friendly staff,
Disadvantages: Some rooms are a little on the small side, but this was no big inconvenience

...I booked a standard double room in the Ca' Dei Conti hotel (on expedia) for 3 nights in early January 2008, as a romantic break for my boyfriend and I. We fell in love with the place!. The hotel is incredibly easy to find by public water bus, you just get off at the San Zaccaria stop and follow the directions given on the hotel website. It's situated only a few minutes walk from St. Marks Square, but is incredibly quiet and secluded, so there is no noise or disturbances. The hotel itself is incredibly beautiful, as you walk over the little private bridge and enter into the hotel lobby, you're struck by just how beautiful this little hotel is. Checking in is very easy and the staff are friendly and speak fluent English. You are also given a map of Venice on arrival and the receptionist will circle all the main points of interest... Read review

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Advantages: cleanliness, location, friendliness, Service & Value for Money
Disadvantages: Situated in an expensive city

...croissants or toast. Walter and Sandro were very helpful in making recommendations for restaurants and even called to reserve a table for us at a popular restaurant. Many of the bars and restaurants in this area are wonderful because they are local places (i.e. no tourist menus) As well, there is a small bar off the reception area where you can get drinks or coffee in the afternoon and evenings. We sat in the courtyard and sipped on beer one afternoon after we took an unscheduled walk around almost all of Venice trying to find our way back to the hotel. The location is reasonably central - about 5-10 minute walk from the Rialto bridge. It's down a small side street but still very close to the Grand Canal. To be honest I thought it was better staying here than somewhere more central given how busy Venice is. I think we had the best of both... Read review

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Advantages: Awesome location
Disadvantages: Food prices very high

...In 2005, I was lucky enough to be able to travel to one of my favourite places, Venice. Previously when I have visited, I have stayed on Venice Lido, but this time I wanted to go for something a little more central. After a little searching on the Internet, I found the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal. **LOCATION** The location of the hotel can't be beaten. It is just under 2 minutes walk from the Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square), and it overlooks the Grand Canal. The restaurant, which I will talk about in more detail later, has seats right on the waterfront. If you know Venice, and know of Harry's bar, the hotel is right next to it. If you don't know Venice, Harry's bar is one of the most overpriced bars you will ever find, established by an American, but well worth a visit while you are there. **GETTING THERE** Access to the hotel... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Absolutely as beautiful as you'd expect and more
Disadvantages: Too many tourists and pigeons!

...to be in Venice for long at all I would advise that you visit at sort of late afternoon/evening time. There are many reasons for this. After about 4pm most of the tourists have returned back to the hotels etc, so you can properly admire the city for what it is without the hustle and bustle everywhere! Also a problem during the day is all the pigeons in St. Mark's Square, which all disappear in the evening, leaving a beautifully romantic setting. There are a few small groups of professional musicians dotted around the square playing amazing music for you to just stand and listen whilst you just take in these amazing surroundings. There was one group who were particularly entertaining, with the violinist laughing and joking...playing with his violin during the pauses in the music! One thing I would strongly advise is NOT to sit down for a coffee... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: The decor, the breakfast, the friendly staff,
Disadvantages: Some rooms are a little on the small side, but this was no big inconvenience

...I booked a standard double room in the Ca' Dei Conti hotel (on expedia) for 3 nights in early January 2008, as a romantic break for my boyfriend and I. We fell in love with the place!. The hotel is incredibly easy to find by public water bus, you just get off at the San Zaccaria stop and follow the directions given on the hotel website. It's situated only a few minutes walk from St. Marks Square, but is incredibly quiet and secluded, so there is no noise or disturbances. The hotel itself is incredibly beautiful, as you walk over the little private bridge and enter into the hotel lobby, you're struck by just how beautiful this little hotel is. Checking in is very easy and the staff are friendly and speak fluent English. You are also given a map of Venice on arrival and the receptionist will circle all the main points of interest... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: excellent location, clean, gorgeous views
Disadvantages: little to do in area in evenings

...1. LOCATION I stayed at the Venice Beach Cotel in September 2001 and was really impressed with the overall quality of the hostel and imparticular the fabulous location. The hostel is located right on the Venice Beach Front and many rooms over look the beach. In the day the area is vibrant, with many roller bladers and cyclists making use of the extensive promenade. The promenade is host the the famous 'muscle beach' where you can watch all the tanned posers working up a sweat! The area is also a tourist trap with people wandering round the many tourist shops and dining in the all american beach front diners (Silver jewellery here is very good!) My only downfall on the location is that if you want a vibrant nightlife this is probably not for you. The area is quite dark and many of the restuarants close fairly early. However... Read review

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