taitai

We just decided to go away for a long weekend in November to Venice to celebrate a special event. I have been searching all the hotel postings (and there are quite a few) trying to find a great hotel. Surprisingly, I am not interested this trip in going the super luxury route so the Gritti Palace and the Westins are out. My husband just read an article about the Bauer and is interested in trying that but it just doesn't seem quite right to me. I just want to find a fun boutique hotel for a couple of days -- something along the Bobo in Buenos Aires for those fortunate enough to have stayed there. Any thoughts? For another benchmark, I have stayed at the Belletini in Florence and want something a bit more fun and energetic than that but I don't really desire more services or amenities.

Thanks for any help you can provide even it is to say such a thing doesn't exist.

Taitai

marcy_

I think the Novecento looks intriguing, but I haven't stayed there. It gets glowing reviews on tripadvisor.

http://www.novecento.biz/en/

jgg

I have not been to the other places you mentioned, but The Locanda Orseolo (www.locandaorseolo.com) is a great boutique hotel in Venice and the owners - Matteo, Barbara and Bruno are some of the hippest, trendiest people we saw in Venice and also consumate hosts. The hotel has recently been redecorated with beautiful furnishings and great decorative painting in each room. Matteo also makes a wonderful breakfast each morning including made to order omelettes and crepes. Check out their website and other comments on here and tripadvisor.

Julienas

Hotel Ca'Pisani, in Dorsoduro.
I can't compare this to the other hotels you mention since I don't know them, but the Pisani is a hip hotel, modern decor as opposed to traditional Venetian.

Fodorite018

We did not care for our hotel in Venice, so I can't help you there.

A poster on the US board has been doing a lot of writing about Venice on another travel forum, so you might want to ask her. Do a search for Kimamom

kelliebellie

Jump on Locando Orseolo. It books fast so do it now! Get a canal view room and enjoy the heck out of yourselves. You will love it there.

LoveItaly

Oh mms, you are funny!

latenighter

My husband and I stayed at the Locanda Orseola as well in Venice and loved it. Great location and tucked away from the loud rush of the tourist section near St. Marks Square, but close enough to anything. We felt the same about the owners, they were spectacular and most helpful to us! They directed us to a incredible restaurant and we will never forget it!

latenighter

oops...a few more comments about Locanda Orseolo: ask for the room on the second or third level with the private patio! The room is very small with a queen size bed, but the private patio is a nice touch. This hotel is very clean and we had a nice bathroom! Nice breakfast in the morning as well.

Scarlett

Yes, kimmamom has given much advice on Venice, as well as Florence!
She should be able to help with this.

artlover

Check out www.camariaadele.it.

tuscanlifeedit

I know that Locanda Orseolo is popular, and it must be quite nice, as must be the proprietors, but does it at all qualify as hip and trendy? Cozy, comfy, nice, pleasant, clean, well located.... but hip and trendy? What say, LO fans?

Carmen

I'm a total LO fan, but I did hesitate to post it here as "hip and trendy." It's more like staying with very cool old friends (that you just met) in a very comfortable Venetian home. I personally would not stay anywhere else, if I could help it.

wonderbar8

I've heard good things about http://www.cadeidogi.it/

we're staying there in May.

jgg

Tuscan-Well, I was the first one to mention Locanda Orseolo on this thread, and I admit I hesitated as it is probably more traditional Venetian than hip and trendy. However, since the owners are very young, hip and trendy, and a HUGE part of the Orseolo experience, I decided to go with it. Check out the website - there is a great picture of all of them!

julia_t

Have a look at

www.mrandmrssmith.com

They have a list of very hip and stylish boutique hotels in Europe.

JulieVikmanis

From what I've seen, I do not think that Locanda Orseolo is what you are looking for. Ca Pisani on the otherhand, very likely is. I've always wanted to stay there but I travel with traditionalists so I'm outvoted.

kelliebellie

LO is not modern, but it is not old fashioned either. The rooms are a very clean white and murano glass lighting. They are very pleasing to be in. I would call it hip for Venice. The OP wanted a "fun boutique hotel" and it definitly qualifies for that.

taitai

Thanks for all the replies and keep them coming. I am checking out all the web sites and trying to figure out where to stay. As this trip will be to celebrate a milestone birthday, I really want to stay somewhere fun and fresh and not at all staid. Something the opposite of my life as a stay at home mom driving a minivan with lots of very little kids.

Keep the suggestions coming.
Taitai

beanweb24

I would classify the renovated rooms at Orseolo as very hip. The "old" rooms are white/stark and not very exciting. The "new" rooms are very dramatic -- lush red colors, gold linens, murals on the walls...very beautiful.

Try Pulcinella, room #15. Overlooks Orseolo canal...can be a bit noisy, but using the shutters properly can help drown out some of the noise.