In booking our accomodations and travel arrangementsfor our trip to Italy/France in May, one of the people who works for our hotel in Venice has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

He has replied promptly to all of my emails, offered suggestions and help on booking travel arrangements, and has now offered to arrange our train accomodations since the Trenitalia web site does not have what we require on line. He has called them and paid for us in advance for which we will reimburse him on our arrival.

We would like to bring him a small "thank you" from America but we're unsure of what would be appreciated. Any suggestions?

Your input is most appreciated!

Hi Dejais, he sounds like a very nice as well as helpful person.

Do you live in or near an area where wine is produced? If so that would no doubt be appreciated. Or a nice bottle of California wine. All my friends in Veneto are always so intersted in Italian wine.

Or a small but coffetable type book with beautiful photos of your state would be another thought. Most Italians love books.

I would keep it a bit impersonal but yet something that pertains to your area if possible.

I suppose a nice pen could be considered also.

I am sure some will suggest something handcrafted from your area but unless it was masculine I can't think of anything a man would especially like unless you know he is married and he could take it home to his wife.

I would, even if you find a suitable small gift, be sure to give him a nice tip in an envelope. I would include a written note thanking him for all his efforts and help.

Another thought but unfortunatly you do not know what he drinks. Most men in Italy (not all of course) that I know really like Kentucky Bourbon.

If I can think of anything else I will post again. Have a beautiful trip. May should be a lovely month.

All the gift suggestions above are great, but even better (or in additon) would be a letter sent to the general manager of the hotel specifically complimenting the service you have received from this employee and "cc" the employee on a copy of it. Even if you can write only in English it will be the best "gift" you can give!

Loveitaly....Your answer was as thoughtful as the man who is helping us! See....the world is full of wonderful people. *S*

I also thought of Kentucky Bourbon. I mean, that's pretty American to me. My husband and I are Floridians with New York hearts. (We have lived here for 15 years.)

I was also thinking maybe a gift bag of American chocolates. You know like Hershey's or maybe Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies.

It is not so much the price as the thought involved. I just didn't want to be "tacky" and wind up giving him something he can walk to the other side of the square and purchase, you know?

Also, the gift of sweets could work as he runs this hotel with three other family members.

So, thank you for your answer. The bourbon was right on. I couldn't believe you suggested it! So glad someone else had my thought as well.

Dejais,

As I read through your post I thought I might have an idea where you are booked, so I checked back and sure enough . . .

You've only begun to experience their kindnesses! You are going to LOVE your stay in Venice!!! There aren't words to describe that family ~ or the way they make you feel when you are their guests.

Enjoy!

Pralines! And bourbon...

Rookie...

I figured any one who "knows" would figure it out. Needless to say, Locanda Orseolo is becoming very popular. This particular destination is our most anticipated. I have heard nothing but RAVES from everyone.

Counting down the days and can not wait!!!!!

You will not be disappointed, I promise.

They will appreciate whatever gesture of appreciation you offer for their efforts, no matter how small you may think it is. They are an amazing family.

Mateo is a sommelier, and was hoping to introduce evening wine tastings for guests, but I haven't seen any mention of that in reviews. I understand they've continued to "dress up" the interiors, so maybe that's still in their future.

Barbara had helped me with advance dinner reservations. When we checked in, we found on the desk in our room she had placed a lovely welcoming note with maps and directions from the hotel to each restaurant.

I could go on and on and on . . .

A gift might be appropriate for a friend or relative who is doing you a favor but for professionals the proper way to show appreciation is with Euros.

From Fodor's website:

In Venice, though the hotel portiere (concierge) usually receives compensation from restaurants and taxis booked on your behalf, he still expects to be tipped, based on service you received, EUR10-EUR20.

Rookie...

I will try and post when I come back if there are any new updates on Locando Orseola, i.e. wine tastings, interior changes.

I know everyone who has been there would love to hear about the family. They seem to have become special to everyone who has stayed there.

Hi Dejais, Kentucky Bourbon it is! I almost didn't mention it but I thought "why not". And dejais, even if he doesn't drink much he can share it with friends and family etc.

About cookies, may I suggest Mrs. Fields chocolate chip cookies. Italians seem to love chocolate chip cookies and that is something that don't have in Italy.

Have a wonderful time in Venice. I too will be looking forward to your report.

Money--no need to worry if he likes it or can use it. Can you imagine if every tourist he helped brought him some doo-dad ?

Hello abrahm, I knew there would end up being sarcastic comments regarding Dejais thread.

I would just like to say that I have a very dear friend in the Veneto area that is a manager of a hotel.

Let me tell you that he has often told me about something "special" that a hotel guest has given him as he too is one of the most considerate and caring people you could ever meet.

Yes tips of course are always appreciated and I feel sure that Dejais is more then aware of that.

But she wants to to do something beyond the tipping business. I personally can sure understand why. This man who does not know her paid for her train tickets in advance. Over and beyond what one would expect of any hotel owner or employee.

Italians are very generous and sentimental usually. I personally understand Dejais thinking and I can say from what I know her gift will mean a lot. Not everything in life is just money, money, money, sometimes something from the heart matters the most.

I imagine that Dejais will have a fabulous time in Italy. They will consider her simpatico.

Loveitaly...Thanks for the back-up! It is sometimes hard to get your true self across on a message board but I do believe you have "gotten" me. Both my husband and myself are extremely simpatico. And just for background...my husband is of Italian heritage and we own an Italian restaurant.

At times, an appreciation shown in currency can be crass and tacky. Of course, we tip, and we do so generously, but sometimes it is the personal touch of a small "something" that touches a heart.

Therefore, while I agree that tourists bringing "thank yous" is not an ideal situation (can you imagine the stuff some people would bring????), this is a unique situation which requires a touching and simple "gift". It is not something I would make a habit of doing but this situation definitely warranted recognition of a kindness.

Lovesitaly totally gets it. Thank you.

Hi D,

Since you are now in Florida, have you considered Key Lime Jelly?

Dejais... I figured out from your first post that you were probably talking about Orseolo (and most likely Bruno). I just wanted to wish you a very happy trip to Venice - Orseolo will simply blow you away. I've never encountered more wonderful people in my entire life, nor have I cried upon leaving a hotel as I did the morning we left Orseolo...it was like leaving family! We're going back in November and I am already counting down the days...enjoy!!!

A good friend of mine worked in the "Hospitality industry" for years.
I asked her about this, she responded that a token gift would truly be appreciated but a letter to his employers gets filed and is even better.
At least it works this was in the US.

I agree that a nice letter and a healthy tip at the end of your stay would be a lovely way to say thank you. I also like the Key Lime jelly idea,something regional. Every European who I've met has either been to or wants to visit California & Florida!

I ,however,would take anything but American chocolate!So far from what they have available in Italy,Switzerland,Belgium.