I got a message from Igor at FB about some very bad news for the Locanda and its fans. Apparently the bureaucracy and corruption described in Donna Leon's (fictional) books among other sources have hit the Locanda and the family owners and associates.

Though they purchased in good faith, some previous owners may perhaps have skimped on the paperwork, and the Locanda is apparently having to make substantial changes such as closing off the utterly lovely breakfast room (with the canal-side window!) and sitting area.

I suppose it's possible that Barbara and Matteo are wiley and well connected enough to pull off a reprieve, but it's definitely worth checking ahead if you are planning to stay. I think they already had to close off 3 rooms due to supposed irregularities in the paperwork etc. All very sad. Memories of my stays there keep me going all year long.

Can you tell us about the Locanda? I tried googling but nothing useful came up.

Oh, you meant Locanda Orseola!

annw
So sorry to hear. I think I have changed my mind about staying
there. Keep us posted on any future changes if you would. Thanks

Deedeedee, I think I would stay there anyway for the wonderful staff and rooms, personally, but it definitely is worth following the situation. Or if I had the resources I *might* try their sister hotel.

Yes, tarquin -- I didn't type out the whole name because I didn't want it to turn up in a google search or at least not high up -- it's still a place worth going to and supporting, but a different experience, I think. I think they are going to do breakfast still, but differently, etc.

I'll post updates on this thread.

annw, any further updates regarding L O.?

I have been looking at the reviews on tripadvisor and it looks like the canal entry is still being used.

Thinking of booking there next year...

We too are hoping to book there for 2014. Interested in hearing the latest status

Last I heard they were making progress with the city -- I would go ahead and book!!

What IS this about, anyway? There is obviously information here that is NOT being fully explained or is this one of those "you'd know it if you were on Facebook" things?

And please, do not start a thread and then say we should all "know" the details because we don't.

The "reprieve"

the supposed irregularities in "the paperwork"

Well, the reviews are still excellent, it is still #1 on TA and it looks unchanged for now, so I went ahead and booked. We may end up in an apartment anyway, but at least I have my seat saved for now.

Dukey, you could chill on the attitude a bit.

I explained up thread that I was avoiding using the full name so as not to impact their business more broadly (in search engine results etc.) in the event they were able to work things out. Apparently they are working things out with the city, which (venice) is notorious for difficult, bureaucratic, costly, and not always ethical practices.

"This" is "about" potential changes to a beloved, top rated, locanda; happily, so far the owners have been successful in keeping it that way. Since many Fodorites are familiar with the locanda, I shared this info which could potentially affect their lodging plans.

If you aren't familiar with it or planning to stay there, clearly it's not a concern for you.

Weke, I tried to book for next September but no room! I say keep your spot--you'll never regret it!

ann, I have been told to book early and we are going in mid June, which is high season so I thought I'd get the room booked. They don't charge a deposit, so there is no real downside to doing it this early. I reserved a superior room on the top floor with a view of the canal. I hope they avoid having to change things. One way or the other it will work out.

Weke --> perfection! Superior room over the canal is the way to experience Venice IMO.

So far, no changes, so that is good! Have a wonderful time in Venice!