Locanda Novo, Venice

We have just returned from the Locando Novo and were very impressed.

It is a small, family run inn/hotel in a very central location. We found it very quiet, unlike other hotels we have stayed in Venice, apart from the church bells starting at 7am and sounding every half hour until 9pm!

We booked via Octopus Travel online and paid £45 per night for a double room which included breakfast. Not bad for a city centre! You can book directly with the hotel but it is dearer.

Finding any hotel in Venice is fun, luckily this one is behind a major church, S. Apostoli, so we were able to ask directions to that, then found it easily. It is also on the main road Strada Novo that links the bus and rail station to the Rialto Bridge, so very handy.

The outside door to the hotel is kept locked which made me feel safe, and staff always are on hand to answer the bell and let you in. There is a small reception area, beautifully decorated in Venetian style. We were led to our room; the stairs have a stair lift for those who can't manage them. On the first floor there is a lounge area, with the bedrooms leading off of it.

Our room was the largest I have ever stayed in, about 5 times the size of our one at home! There was a bed (so large we had to wave at each other!), a large sofa that could become a bed sofa, a single easy chair, desk and chair, wardrobe, table and chairs, and bedside cabinets. All beautifully decorated and completed by a full size chandelier! The bathroom had shower, loo, bidet and sink, with 4 lovely clean white towels and sachets of shampoo etc. I actually exclaimed "wow" when I walked into the room. I would have expected to pay double for such quality and size.

The hotel serves breakfast in your room, which I had been looking forward to, and was not disappointed. They ask on your arrival what time you would like breakfast, and if you'd rather coffee or hot choc. It then appears bang on time each morning, to eat at the table or in bed! The tray contained 1 croissant and roll each, , a pack of French toast, 3 jams, 2 butters, 2 soft cheeses, and a pot of coffee enough for 2 cups each (and so delicious!), and a jug of hot milk.

The hotel is a 10 min walk from the Rialto bridge, and in the centre of the main shops. There are hundred of restaurants and cafes within a few mins walk. There is even a Mc Donald's 10 mins away for those on a tight budget.

The staff were helpful and friendly and spoke good English, but did not take over and want to be your best friend!

I can not recommend this hotel enough for those wanting a central, clean room at such an excellent price.