Has anyone had an exceptional hotel experience in Venice lately?

My husband and I stayed at the Locanda Orseolo a month ago.
We read 100's of rave reviews about this hotel on tripadvisor and their positive feedback continues to grow. The location makes it great to navigate the city. It's close to St. Mark's Square on a canal (you can take a water taxi to climb in a window and into the hotel!)but the area is away from the hustle and bustle. The rooms were nicely decorated and immaculately kept. Breakfast was included in the room rate and was a delicious start to the day. Best of all, were the people who work there, Mateo, Barbara, Francesco, and Bruno. Their goal is to have you enjoy your stay, and enjoy it you will!

I've not yet had my exceptional hotel experience in Venezia, but I'm hoping to have in a couple of months-Liassidi Palace Hotel-reportedly a real gem-lovely rooms, all with some sort of view: either an inner courtyard, a garden or the canal, it's about a 5 min. walk to San Marco or Rialto Bridge, staff very friendly, jacuzzi tubs, l7th cent.
-why am I telling this? I'll never get in now!

tcinct: have heard very good things on Locanda Orseolo-climb in a window and into the hotel? that sounds like fun!

I need to remember this thread.

I just looked at tripadviser's ratings for Loconda Orseolo and am amazed. I have never seen so many people use the staff's first names in a review. I know there are people who are just name droppers, but how does this happen?!

Anyone have a website for this hotel? It looks like they are closing for renovation.

I yahoo'd the website. www.locandaorseolo.com (duh)

ttt

They were closed in the month of January for the renovation work (and for Barbara and Matteo's wedding!)
We were just there about two weeks ago for 4 nights. The rooms are newly decorated and just beautiful in the Venetian style with dark red walls, gold mirrors and Murano Glass chandeliers.

We all refer to them by their first names, because they really make you feel like family. They welcome you by name when you arrive and from there until the last moment you leave they are truly at your service.

If you are looking for an exceptional hotel experience in Venice - this is definitely it!!!

Last May we stayed at the Novecento, a boutique hotel owned by the son of the Hotel Flora's owner. It was small, just 9 rooms, located on a quiet street between San Marco and the Academia bridge.

We loved it. The decorating is fabulous, with a mixture of Morrocan and Venetian flare. The rooms and bathrooms were small but beautifully detailed. We were on the third floor and there was a sitting room there for guests, as well as one on the first floor. The breakfast (included) was exceptional; cereals, proscutto, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, lemon cake, and the best cappucino. It was served either in the lounge area or on tables on the rear patio, with vines and plants - a relaxing oasis.

It was wonderful. The people (I wish I could remember their names, but it's been a year) were friendly and helpful. Website shows photos: http://www.inns-venice-hotel-design.novecento.biz/ Rate as I recall was about 200E.

jgg, thanks for the info on your recent stay. I'm waiting for a return e-mail to see what rooms are available and the cost for 6 nights in November. Believe it or not, Expedia last night has a standard room for $135 (that's right USD135) a night. The same rooms on the Small Luxury Hotels website is listed for Euro300! I'll see what the hotel responds with but will most likely go on and book with Expedia. I don't usually like the discount websites as I feel like you get the worst available room but it looks like all the rooms are fantastic at Liassidi so there isn't really a danger of getting a lousy room.

We stayed at Novecento as well, in December '04 for 4 nights. Truly a great experience, excellent breakfast and wonderful, friendly service from the young and very attractive staff.

Foscari Palace (www.foscari.hotelinvenice.com)

Dave