This hotel is so charming and i am not sure where to begin. First of all, check your American expectations at the luggage counter. There are no amenities, no ice, no temp control, and no elevators. The beds/pillows are small and not very soft. For heaven sakes, do not bring a heavy suitcase, because you must roll said suitcase along stone streets to the hotel. If you arrive via Venice's airport, you must either take the water taxi OR if you take a bus or taxi, you must lug your suitcase over one of Venice's many bridges. Do not expect to be dropped off at the door, or valet service, or a luggage cart to come and help you. (i learned this the hard way)
By now, if you are American and are used to being pampered with services and amenities like i was, you may be wondering why on earth i gave 5 stars.
Well, first of all, after being lost for about 90 minutes with my ridiculously heavy suitcase (i had packed a bunch of wine, some water, and food to save $), i arrived at Villa Rosa a first-class grouch and was greeted by the most wonderful concierge. I think her name was Alicea, and she put up with me having a fit that i was not on the ground floor. She then graciously offered to show me two rooms, one on the ground floor and then room 32, which was two flights up, and let me choose between them. i ended up selecting room 32, and she offered to help me carry my absurd suitcase up two flights of stairs. Thankfully, a good samaritan carried it and disaster was averted.
Alice directed me and my friend to two delicious restaurants that were way less touristy then the ones we had been considering. Room 32 was kept immaculate by the housekeeping. The breakfast was very good. The hot chocolate was outstanding. All in all, this hotel captures the charm of Venice...and that makes it worth every penny. read more