Venice hotel experience?
 

Has anyone stayed in the Hotel Torino in St. Marks area? I am trying to find an atmospheric hotel under $250/night for our family of four (2 children) for 3 nights in June. This looked good on website, but didn't have such great reviews on Trip Advisor. Also wondering about Hotel Bisanzio (more expensive), Hotel Al Piave, Albergo Doni, Locanda Remedio and Hotel Castello (also disappointing reviews), if anyone has any personal experience. I'd love to get into a hotel with canal view, but realize this may be tough at our price range. (Don't mind Dosodoro or Castello sestriere if close in.) Thanks!

Locanda Orseolo is absolutely wonderful. We had a delightful canal view room. I don't know if they have rooms for 4, however.

Thanks Kelliebellie! My Italian language teacher suggested that a few weeks ago, and it does look great, but I contacted them and they are full. I am starting to feel desparate! Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

We slept 4 in a huge room behind the desk at http://www.locandalevele.com/.
It has floor to ceiling windows with small balcony and small canal and small bath. Wonderful service with breakfast served in the room--and wonderful a/c.

Hello guanciale,

I love the Bisanzio. It's in a very quiet location, a very short (1 minute) walk to the Grand Canal, and 5 minutes or less to St. Mark's. In the last couple years they've added a/c. The breakfast (included) is certainly ample (although I remember the hot chocolate was really strong--but they brought more hot milk). Lovely Murano glass chandelier in the room, and some rooms have balconies.

How old are your children? The only reason I ask is because when we had a quad room when kids were young, their quad room was a regular size room but they brought in 2 cots. And I mean cots. Kids didn't complain, but it was a bit of a tight squeeze. But we were on a budget, could not afford 2 rooms, and this was a good deal for us.

I would definitely stay there again, but for 4? hmmmm...

Next time we took the kids, we stayed over in the Dosoduro in a wonderful apartment (palazzettodaschio.it) Highly recommend! Large rooms, kitchen, very quiet, perfect hostess in the owner (Contessa daSchio). Not sure she's available for only 3 nights, though.

Good luck!

I was just reading a positive review about this hotel on SlowTrav tonight. It has quads for 205 Euros in June. But I don't know anything else about it.

http://www.orion.hotelinvenice.com

Doh! Well that is a shame. Last time there it was full for us too (darn tourists! :) ) so we stayed at this place which was very nice and centrally located. There were 3 of us in seperate beds in a room on the top floor. It had nice A/C which was essential since it was 98 degrees outside, a nice big bathroom, and some charm with a beamed ceiling. I don't think we had a canal view however, but we did have a nice window. You will be seeing canals all day, so a view of one from your room isn't all important.

Ca' Dei Conti
http://www.cadeiconti.com

Guanciale,

We have stayed at the Bisanzio...I think it was two years ago...simple rooms, clean, very good location, just a short walk to St. Mark's, but off the Canal, no water view...I don't think I'd consider it "atmospheric" though....

i'm not sure room configurations or availability but www.lacalcina.com would be worth a try.

Hi all you Locando Oseolo fans. I just emailed them and they have a vacancy for when I am going in April, but it seems a little pricey for my budget ($210 for a standard facing the courtyard). I've read Tiff's trip report that said that this hotel is lovely... Would you say this price is what is usually charged and a good value?

Well, that is what happens when you get famous! I still think that is a good deal for that place. Venice lodging is just very pricey. There you will get a beautiful room and top notch concierge service. They will send you to the best restaurant, book your tours, etc. And they love to cook you whatever you want for breakfast. They always seemed disappointed that we didn't want more. I would book it if I were you. I think we paid at least 180 euros several years ago.

Guanciale,
The Hotel Torino is very lovely in some respects -nice public areas, pleasant breakfast room - but a caveat about some of the rooms. They face a tall building which is very close, and the windows in the rooms are not at eye level, but rather, above most people's heads. So even looking up out the window all you see is the wall of the other bldg. Very claustrophobic.I spent one night there and felt as tho' I were in a dungeon. As nice as the rest of the hotel was, I had to leave, because they had no other rooms available.

Try the Hotel Lisbona, which is nearby. Nothing too fancy, but pretty rooms and very pleasant and friendly, with excellent service. Some rooms face a canal. That's where I moved from the Torino. It's right near the little bridge that you cross with the Piazza San Marco behind you. I didn't have a canal view, but at night I could hear the gondoliers singing. It was lovely. I think it might be in your price range, too. The Hotel Flora is another lovely hotel nearby but it might be a bit out of your price range. But it's worth a try. Good luck.

<< Locando Oseolo . . . April . . . $210 for a standard facing the courtyard . . . Would you say this price is what is usually charged and a good value? >>

It is hard to just compare price with what others have paid. It depends on whether it is high, low, or shoulder season.

Last November, we stayed at the Locanda Orseolo. We paid less than $210, but it was low season.

Staying at the Locanda Orseolo was the highlight of our trip.

Woody

That is interesting Woody, because I've described staying at Locando Orseolo as the highlight of our trip as well. I guess you can't put a price on that!

kelliebellie,

The owners and staff at the Locanda Orseolo are <b><i>so</i></b> friendly and gracious.

You're absolutely right, &quot;you can't put a price on that!&quot;

Woody

kelliebellie and Woody: Thanks for the feedback about Locando Oseolo. I may just spring for it! :)

Thanks everyone! Okay, now that I've done more research, including checking out all your great suggestions, I'll ask if anyone has had experience with a couple others. Unfortunately, La Calcina was already booked, Hotel Lisbona is quoting $354,(I had already found it and loved it!), Hotel Flora is $424, Ca dei Conti-450 euros, Locanda le Vele and Palazzetto da Schio are too far out with kids ages 7 and 10.

I will check the Orion, but was wondering if anyone knows anything about Ca del Pozzo or Locanda Barbarigo near La Fenice Opera House, Villa Igea or Locanda Remedio, which is theh less expensive annex of Hotel Columbina in Castello? (I can't seem to find a direct e-mail address for them.)

Glad the Orseolo is working out for you &quot;youngandrestless!&quot;

Thanks again!

Ouchie mama those are some high prices! I wish I had more advice for you.

Guanciale,
Sorry about those prices! Have you looked at veniceby.com and venere.com?