I didn't realize that the hotel would pick us up at the train station until I double checked their website for the address when we arrived. I hadn't made any arrangements in advance to pick us up, but I did call the office just to see if they could because we had luggage. The owner came within 5 minutes and was happy to do so.
We were visiting Venice, and he gave us a map of Quarto D'Altino and Venice. Then he took the time to give us many suggestions for our visit. He pointed out some points of interest and how to get there, and he also warned us about some of the tourist traps and how to avoid them and experience the REAL Venice. We took his suggestions on food and visit and we had a wonderful time. My parents were visiting a few days later and stayed somewhere else. After hearing about their trip, they seem to have gotten the "what tourists expect" experience, whereas we felt we left with a closer look thanks to his instructions.
Not only did we get the inside scoop from our hotel, but the neighborhood was clean and rather affluent. The hotel is a 10 minute walk down some side streets from the train station. The houses are all neatly kept and gardened. The neighborhood is pretty and quiet, and there is a cozy little pizzeria that stays open late. Across the street from the hotel is a small market, which you can purchase food to prepare in the kitchen that comes with the room. I would suggest having food kept to prepare if you are unfamiliar with Old Europe, as many places close early and there is no food for stay-out late-ers.
The room itself was very quiet and comfortable. It was listed as a triple. This is normal for Italy. Hotels offer individual twin beds and then configure them for you. If you need a double, they push them together. Not to worry, though, nobody is falling through any cracks. They will put a larger mattress over the two beds. The room was decorated very nicely in blue and white, and our beds all had tempurpedic mattresses. There was a small living room area with a couch and an eating area with table next to a large refrigerator. The kitchen had a stove, sink, dishes, and dishwasher. The bathroom had a nice 15 minute heater, bidet, ample towels, and even an apartment washer/dryer unit (not coin op, either!) Water pressure was nice, and the neighbors were almost non-existent.
Some things you need to know about this hotel (and Italian hotels in general...):
1) Hotels are often located within larger apartment buildings, and this one is no different.
2) Hotel front desks are only open during check-in times. The office here does not open until 2pm. There is literally no one there until then.
3) Check out time is still early morning. If you want a late checkout, you have to arrange it before the front desk closes. You settle up your bill the night before and just drop your key in the box on the way out in the morning.
4) The front door of this building is secure from outsiders. Your room key will open the front door for you.
5) In Italy, driving a car isn't as advantageous as it is in the States. Italians walk. You will have to walk to the train station or call a cab after your initial arrival. The hotel does not provide a shuttle and there is no pick up or drop off available as the office is closed. It's OK, though, because the walk is pleasant. It is also not unusual to walk down the street with luggage, as Italians also do this themselves. We felt no danger and did not feel out of place walking to the train with our bags. In fact, we saw quite a bit of that. If you have much luggage, though, you may need a cab.
6) The hotel does offer a coffee and food vending machine in the lobby with small snacks. It only takes Euros. However, there is a quick market across the street or you can go down to a bar or a pizzeria on Via Roma.
7) The hotel and the neighborhood are family friendly.
8) Hotel staff does speak English.
9) About a 15 minute train ride from Venice's Sta Lucia station. Costs about 5 euros round trip per person. Make sure you validate your ticket before boarding.
In short, for the very little money you pay for this hotel, you get a lot and it's a very pleasant experience. Hotels in the States could take some hospitality lessons from places like these. When I come back to Venice again, I will look for this hotel. read more