Great Value and Location

Posted by lrasmussen from Minneapolis on 6/26/07

I was pleasantly surprised by this hotel. The location was perfect: walking distance attractions but far enough away to feel like a neighborhood. There are several decent trattorias within a couple blocks (walking toward the nearest campo, and several bars on the campo from which to relax with a cold drink at an outdoor table and observe the nightly passeggiata. There were also interesting galleries and antique stores, and if one wanted to get picnic food, at least one small grocery store close by. The Italian staff at the hotel were quite pleasant. One spoke English quite well, another didn't speak it at all. I speak Italian, so that wasn't a problem. The room was small, but very clean and pleasant. I would have liked somewhere to sit and read at night as the tiny lamps next to the bed were no good for reading. Next time, I would bring a little book light. My room was on the front of the hotel, and there was some street noise (people talking), especially on the weekend, but I found that closing both shutters and interior windows helped a lot. We were there in the first half of June, and it was hotter and more humid than I was expecting, so I was greatly relieved to find that the romm was equipped with a nice fan that helped me comfortable during the night. (I'm not sure it would be enough for July and August, however.) It also came in handy for drying my hand wash. I feel I should caution that the lack of elevator could be a problem for those with physical limitations. My room was on the first floor (i.e. one floor up), but that required ascending 38 steps just to get to that floor, and I was plenty tired and winded when I arrived. That is also the floor where the reception desk is located, so that is the minimum number of steps quests must ascend. The second floor is another good climb. On balance, I found this to be an entirely acceptable hotel, and very good value. I would go back again.

A Fantastic Find with Perfect Prices

Posted by Matt from Spartanburg, SC on 10/29/06

I recently spent a weekend alone in Venice (a friend was supposed to travel with me, but cancelled at the last minute). We had booked a room at the San Samuele, so I decided to press on and go it alone. The room was quite small, with a double bed, bureau-type furniture piece, sink, and a bed-side table. I shared the bath down the hall with some other rooms, and the bathroom was absolutely spotless. It was so very clean, and all the appliances looked to be relatively new. The sheets and pillowcases also looked brand new and freshly washed, as did the blankets and comforter. The staff was very friendly, and the hotel's wonderful location allowed me to orient myself, and then put away my guidebook while I wandered. It was about a 7 minute walk to Piazza San Marco, which meant that when I headed back in the evening, I knew I was going to find peace and quiet. All in all a fantastic find with perfect prices, particularly in a city that can be as pricey as Venice! Highly recommended!