The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice

The hotel is quite beautiful as you enter it. It is in front of the canal but that is where all beauty stops. First we were greeted by the coldest Westin representative. We just completed 12 hrs of flying and [...] (the person checking us in) was like a Russian militia captain. She didn't make eye contact, she didn't go through pleasantries, she just asked registration questions like if you are a prisoner. Our room was not ready as check-in is at 3pm. She didn't even have the consideration to offer to store our bags temporarily until the room was available. Apparently this is how Westin trains their people because I have never interfaced with hotel industry representatives that were so cold - not a smile, not a pleasantry. All the ladies behind the counter (3), 2 concierge reps - all were the same. There was one concierge named [...] who was human and very attentive. Once we got to our room - after 3pm - it was a plain large room. The only pretty thing was the headboard. The mirror was broken, the A/C didn't cool well, there was no art work on the walls. We had 1 bed, 1 chaise lounge, TV and a desk. For $500/night, this truly was the worst experience we have ever had. When we booked, it said that this room had a side view. When you look at the pictures, they make you believe the 'side view' is to the canal. That is not the case. The hotel has 2 buildings - one faces the canal and one toward the street. There is no side view because it was not in the building by the canal and other than that, Venice is all compacted so if you are in the inside building, all you see is the next building to your side. We asked about going to Murano Island and the hotel offers a water taxi (complimentary). Be aware that the taxi takes you to a particular gallery in Murano where they work really hard to sell you their expensive beauties. The gallery had incredibly beautiful things but you can feel the pressure to buy something expensive. It was not worth the compliment! We also had to take a water taxi from the hotel to the train station. We were told it would be 65 Euros. The taxi charged us 70 Euros. Frankly, it was a disappointment to go with Westin. We have done luxurious Marriott and Intercontinental Hotels and that is luxury. Would not recommend spending the money.

Beautiful 5 start hotel on the Grand Canal in Venice Italy. Excellent location and staff. The only downside is the cost at the hotel bar (to be expected) was high but considering the outside seating over the Grand Canal, it was worth it. We had a newly decorated room that was very nice.

Location is fantastic: 3 minute walk to San Marco Square. Hotel very nice and the staff very helpful! Have stayed at the Cipriani on Guidecca Is. before, but enjoyed this location more.

We must have had the best view from our first floor balcony over the Grand Canal in the whole of Venice. Just stunning. Hotelclub advertised it as an extraordinary view and we were not disappointed.

Fabulous location at the bottom of the Grand Canal just a stroll from St. Mark's. We spent a fair amount of time in the bar overlooking the Canal.

Had a great experience at the hotel...was upgraded to a larger room as a SPG gold member. The staff was very friendly.

A luxurious, brilliantly sited sited hotel, right on the Grand Canal. The bed was perfect. The linens soft. The bathroom was a marvel in orangish-pinkish marble. Wide-screen television with excellent reception. Reasonably priced internet. Room soundproofing was first-rate. Our room was upgraded on check-in, and we got a spacious sixth floor expanse which included a sundeck the size of many rooms I've stayed in over the years. Our room was not directly over the Grand Canal, but our sundeck's view was marvelous, nonetheless. Looking one way, we could see the Grand Canal and the Island of Giudecca. Looking the other way were the rooftops, cupolas and spires of Venice. A few nits: Though the public rooms are as opulent and palatial as any in Venice, our actual room was done up in a largely bland business hotel style. The only Venetian touches were a passel of Murano wall sconces, a Venetian mirror and a Gothic style headboard for the bed. The hotel is apparently used by upscale tour groups so the hotel's forecourt & lobby can be bus station chaotic. This also caused the front desk to be a bit "get 'em in, get 'em out" brusque. The price of breakfast (not included) was, to put it gently, a mite enthusiastic. All told, though, the place is aces. A slam-dunk recommendation.

Perfect location, great rooms

This a great location on the canal, walkable from the San Marco vaporetto stop if you have rolling luggage. We got a free upgrade at check in so had a large room with sitting area, separate dressing room and large bathroom. The Hotel does flood inside at very high tides. Concierge staff is mixed - one day I wanted a maintenance item taken care of while we were out sightseeing and was told to dial maintenance when we returned. Others were very helpful. as is common with similar hotels and Harry's bar, acouple of cocktails can cost $50.

Maybe it was the beautiful weather in addition to the great view but my hotel experience has never been as wonderful in Venice as it was here. Character of the city as well as the comfort and calmness needed after a day out. Once traversing the throngs at the nearest bridge/piazza(unavoidable)and gondolas, the hotel is tucked away; a bit secluded but also on the canal with the loveliest terrace and dining room for eating breakfast (sumptuous buffet) or enjoying a drink.