Hotel Helvetia, Venice

Advantages: Lots to see.
Disadvantages: Crowded.

...It was when I was expecting my first son that I stayed at the Des Bains in Venice. This hotel was where they filmed "Death in Venice" with Dirk Bogarde (who my sons nicknamed Dick Bogey when I used to read his autobiographies). It is a really sumptuous place with matching beach towels and seats in lemon and white stripes. Huge rooms with high ceilings and an air of luxurious silence. Goodness knows where anyone could find the money to stay there nowadays but even then a man was complaining because he wanted yoghurt for his son for breakfast and they wanted to charge him extra. Of course wherever you want to stay in Venice you can easily visit the popular places by waterbus. This is a novel way to travel and beats cars and roads anyday in my opinion. A very interesting book about Venice is Miss Garnet's Angel by Salley Vickers... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: ITALLIAN MEN
Disadvantages: NO AMBULANCE

...The City of Romance I have been to Venice in January 2007 with my cousin (unfortunately). The hotel we stayed was Caveletto hotel , which had magnificent views and was very close to Marcus square. I fell in love with the city , it was like they have build a city on water . I have never seen clear blue and green canal water which made you feel so relax when you looked at it. The narrow roads and walk ways where amazing . We got lost many times and every time we where lost we found a new street and different views. I loved the shopping bit , there where many shops around the city center. The most amazing thing was that we walked walked till 0100hrs and every where was still lively and no one bothered us it was a safest City I have seen. We tried on so many masks and brought one as a souvenir. I must say that Venice is full of love... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great atmosphere any time.
Disadvantages: None found.

...I know the name has connotations so don't let it put you off but do if in Venice give it a try. We go there every year on our Venice trip and have never felt out of it or disappointed. Our first trip to Venice and we stayed in a hotel just along from the bar and it was a stopping off bar on the way back to the hotel, and has now become a regular drinking hole. The name comes from the BIG mosquito that is hanging from the ceiling, (not real) and the adornments around the bar are tee-shirts with the creature on in various poses, print, languages and colour. Mosquito Bar is a bar for any age, and nationality. We spent a great evening with a couple from Ireland that had just landed and who where looking for a bar for the rugby match the following evening, directions given knowledge imparted and a great time had by all. Some nights... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful