Our wonderful stay commenced with arriving by water taxi at the Hotel's private berth to be met by the charming Oliver. We were made to feel welcome from the very beginning.
To have a room opening up onto the Grande Canal with views to the nearby Rialto Bridge was like being in Paradise. All day there was activity on the Canal, from early morning when the tradesmen, etc would go past in their boats laden with building materials or large linen bags for the many hotels. Then all the ferries packed with workers and later on the relaxing gondolas.
The room was large, with beautiful furnishings. The entire Hotel was tastefully decorated. The terrace on the first floor is incredible You can have breakfast there or just wander out and sit any time during the day or night.
One of the recommended restaurants in particular, and about 2 minutes from the Hotel, was excellent. It is Barababao and has lovely efficient but friendly staff, including the Owner. Fish dishes are great and the value very good, including the wines.
There were however some disappointments with the Hotel. WiFi reception was very intermittent and access expired every 24 hours. This was quite annoying. The hot breakfast was brilliant as you could order any style of eggs, including choice of omelettes Also very nice cappucinnos. Unfortunately the choice of fruit was very poor, with one variety only of tinned fruit and a very small selection of whole fruit. Nothing really to have with your cereal. We ended up buying our own fruit at shops. There was also a very limited range of cereals. A better breakfast would be expected of such a high class Hotel. Staff at breakfast were extremely friendly.
The great bar area, where breakfast is held in the mornings is always available. However, despite the fact that there is always someone available to pour you a drink or coffee, you may receive a shock when you pay your room bill at the end. The extras, ie drinks and coffee, mount up and you are not aware of the cost when you have them.
Often the front desk is unattended as the receptionist may be upstairs pouring drinks in the bar or elsewhere. We noticed this when we arrived as the water taxi driver went inside to find someone to help with our bags but it took some time to find someone. The driver was not impressed. Also inconvenient when you return to the Hotel and have to wait for someone to appear so you can retrieve your key.
Our room in general was clean, but the first day we noticed small pieces of glass on the floor and rug. Despite notifying staff there were still pieces there when we departed several days later. Meant wearing shoes the entire time.
We loved the Hotel and would definitely stay again, just that a few minor improvements would improve the Hotel to match the high tariff and the Hotel's rating.