Hotel Ca' dei Conti

A gem of a hotel in a great position, 5 minutes walk from St Mark’s square and the rialto bridge. Our room (a suite), was gorgeous, beautifully decorated and spotless. The bathroom was large and there were big white towelling dressing gowns and slippers and nice toiletries. There was a bottle of Prosecco and some chocolates in our room, a mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities. The staff were so helpful, friendly and polite. I contacted the hotel a few days before we were due to arrive to ask if they could arrange a water taxi pick-up for us from the airport, which they did. The taxi was waiting for us at the airport dock and the hotel porter met us at the side of the canal to take our luggage. It was a wonderful way to arrive, and very efficient. I also asked if the hotel could book somewhere for a simple meal on our first night, and they booked a lovely local Trattoria with the best pasta I have ever eaten. Breakfast was buffet style and plentiful. Good scrambled eggs and bacon, cheese, ham and a selection of good bread. Cereals, fruit and yogurt, and a great choice of different types of croissant. The pancake making machine was popular. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend the hotel.

Having read some of the reviews we weren’t sure what to expect before we arrived. However, we really didn’t need to worry. This is a hidden gem. The location is great and within 5 minutes walk to St Marks Square yet it’s so quiet. It is exactly what you would expect from a Venetian hotel -situated on the canal, accesible over a little bridge with so much character both outside and in. We read reviews saying it was dated - it’s not dated it’s a Venetian hotel not a Premier Inn! Our room was amazing and very clean, the staff couldn’t do enough for us (there was no milk in the room so I popped to reception to ask for some. A member of staff said some would be bought to our room and, within 5 minutes, a member of staff knocked on with a jug of fresh milk). Breakfast was great with lots of choice (both hot and cold) and an amazing pancake maker! We loved our stay so much that we’re already booking to go back next year. Thank you for a fabulous holiday!

So, our 8 night trip to Verona, Lake Garda and Venice ended with 3 nights in this hotel. We booked through a well-regarded travel firm in the UK (we usually arrange everything ourselves, but thought we'd save on the hassle this time), hence I didn't pre-check our accommodation as well as I usually would. The hotel is a short walk from the main tourist area of Venice, and St Mark's Square. First impressions were not great, the reception area needed updating, with a worn look to the floor coverings and furniture. Our impression was that the reception chap was rather unwelcoming, but maybe it was just his "resting face" and that he was smiling inside. Our "deluxe" room was located in the Annexe, now some of you reading this will note that others have commented that the annexe should be avoided, but I didn't read those reviews so didn't know until we got there. The annexe is a very short walk from the main hotel and does not have a staffed reception area, you access it with an electronic tag into a rather dark room/hall with some sofas and the lift. The room had a good view of the adjacent canal, and looked out onto a small square which wasn't too busy or noisy. I have added one photo of the room, it was taken after we had used the room, so the bed isn't made, and we've moved a couple of items (such as the small cushion on the chair, and tea-making stuff). It certainly doesn't look like the deluxe room on the website, it was very large and dark, cementing over the fireplace and not painting it seemed a bit odd. The furniture had seen better days, and the TV was placed at the ideal height for those seeking to stretch their neck muscles. Tea and coffee supplied, but no milk or Coffee Creme sachets. The bathroom was clean, but it was a bit of a lottery as to whether you got hot water from the shower (it was cold water only on the morning that we left). The safe was the smallest we encountered during our trip, no room for an ipad (11 inch). We didn't have breakfast We should have refused the room when we arrived, but we aren't seasoned travellers and are far too polite.