Ca' Sagredo Hotel Venice

This was our second trip to Venice in ten years, and first with children. Previously we have stayed in less touristy areas, but thought a grand palazzo on the canal would be fun and special. It was and it wasn't, whereas our stay with Helvetia & Bristol in Florence was wholly special. First, if you go, be certain to frequent the hotel's second floor. It's like a museum. We were not informed about it until our last day, so it didn't factor into our stay. It is, though, amazing. As I suspect the rooms immediately overlooking the canal are amazing. Our suite, by contrast, had no window of decent size. We did nicely have steps up to the roof top, with sole access to own roof top dining table. That was lovely. Our room itself was rather a drywall rectangle, with harsh white paint and underwhelming fake moulding. Finally, and perhaps most significant to me, the staff lacked any sense of hospitality. In part due, I think, to the set back nature of their desk, and in part, their personal style. We never interacted with them other than most cursorarily upon arrival. This stood in stark contrast to our hotels in Florence and Verona, where people knew our surname and chatted. The immediate neighborhood, too, is high tourist, as opposed to elegant shops. So, we would not likely stay here again, unless we went full stop and booked a room directly canal side (with attendant pricing).

The hotel location was ideal, as it is away from the hustle of St Marks but near enough to get to all locations. Our room (which I think was a standard room?)was very well appointed and the service from hotel staff was impecable. Our only gripe was with Venice as a whole, and that is the feeling of being totaly ripped off. Whoever we spoke to, said they felt the same - yes, you expect as tourists to pay higher prices in such a great city but Venice seems to be doing its best to ensure many will not return. I know from other reviews that the hotel charges more for drinks, being a 5 star, but 20 Euro for 2 glasses of wine (house) is a bit steep by most standards! (Dread to think what a meal in their highly recommnded restaurant would have cost - didn't risk it after the wine). You can find eateries that are off the beaten track who charge a bit less but the least amount I paid for a small beer and glass of Coke was 9 euro. Fabulous place, glad we went but probably not likely to return - would recommend the hotel though.

One of the best hotels we have stayed at, anywhere in the world. Beautiful, comfortable room -- actually we were upgraded to a suite. Plenty of drawers and closets. Good lighting. Fluffy pillows, etc. The staff was consistently helpful; knowledgeable desk clerks served as concierges. Hotel itself is small (44 rooms, I think) and intimate. It's in a historic "mansion" on the Grand Canal, on a lovely plaza. Filled with great artwork (no kidding). Location is excellent, not in the center of the action, but just a short walk. The bar includes tables on a plaza right on the Grand Canal -- elegant!