Trying to decide between the Bauer Il Palazzo and the Westin Europa and Regina. Any opinions?

I've stayed at the bauer before but years ago! I remember it to be an amazing place but am also now trying to decide between the gritti, danielli, and the westin europa for an upcoming trip. I've read several reviews that were negative about the bauer hotel. I'm having trouble deciding as well.

I am reserved at the Europa Regina , leaving on may 12; there have been bad reviews lately on westin properties regarding service and attitude but within 10 days of my departure, I am stumped as to changing hotels or chancing it.

If I could get a lower price for the Cipriani, I would change but it is way up there....

There is a very recent (as in earlier this week) post from a very unhappy Westin Europa & Regina honeymooner. If memory serves, the complaints were as mitchdesj says, regarding service and attitude.

Mitch's mention of the Cipriani brought to mind the San Clemente Palace.

http://www.thi.it/english/hotel/san_clemente/index.htm

This property is in its first year of operation and is getting rave reviews here and on tripadvisor. Looking at their website, it appears they are still offering some deeply discounted rooms and packages - probably because they don't yet have the long history of service the Cipriani does. They may not be booking out completely because they are new, and even Mitch can probably snag a "last minute" deal.

Where ever you decide, enjoy Venice.

I'd share your concern if I were in your shoes Mitch. If you don't want to bother changing plans, on the basis of the review that just appeared here (title was something like- Think twice about staying at Europa Regina- in case you didn't see it) I'd make sure you have a b&gt;written confirmation of your reservation that includes room type/description (ie canal view or superior or whatever) <i>and</i> the agreed price. If they try a &quot;bait &amp; switch&quot; ask to see the manager &amp; refuse to pay more than agreed. I'd also join the Westin affinity/frequent guest program. If there's not enough time to get a card before you leave, make sure you have your account number.

FYI, if you're arriving at Marco Polo, I noticed Starwood/Westin had an office at the airport for water taxis to their properties. Check to see if it's offered as a courtesy or discount. You'll have a great time in Venice, I'm sure.

I highly recommend the San Clemente Palace...loved our stay there in March.Beautiful rooms, excellent service, great breakfast, unbeatable views and very reasonable rates. Truly a 5-star hotel with 3-star rates, at least until they are discovered. Have a great stay in Venice.

IMO getting worked up, and especially at this late date, because ONE person who posted here had a &quot;bad experience&quot; at a hotel seems a little hasty to me.
Admittedly, the experience posted didn't seem very pleasant, but, of course, there are usually two sides to every story aren't there? It's too bad we never have the opportunity to hear the other one.

I just read the negative reviews on the Regina E Europa and disagree with Singletail's admonishment to ignore.

Poor service can really ruin a hotel stay.

The Il Palazzo staff, unlike the Bauer staff, seemed very nice, helpful and deferential.
The lobby of the Il Palazzo (if that's what you call the area with their front desk) was tiny but crowded with bellmen waiting to serve. Someone is posted at the water entrance at all times.

The Bauer and Il Palazzo have separate water entrances- the Bauer's is on a side canal.
I think you'd be very happy with a room at Il Palazzo. I would restrict my questions to the Il Palazzo front desk and avoid the Bauer unless you see one of the young concierges in their 30s.

The Bauer's lobby and other public areas are lovely- very classy - huge with high ceilings but not overdone. To exit Il Palazzo on foot, you'll walk through these areas.
My husband, who is not a clean freak, was grossed out by the public restroom at the Danieli.

We received very good service and loved the hotel Europa; we were upgraded to a suite in the venetian section; it had a partial view of the canal but the extra space more than made up for it.