I don’t think we could have struck luckier with our hotel for the trip, which not only was in a great location, but also had the perfect mix of traditional Venetian decor and modern amenities. With friendly staff on hand to attend to your every need and even offer local restaurant recommendations, I think it has to be one of my favourite aspects of the trip itself.
As a four star hotel, within the Accor collection – I was rest assured even before we’d arrived that we were going to be in for a treat, but it was only upon arrival I realized quite how lovely our stay was going to be. Despite arriving nearly four hours earlier than you are supposed to check in, the hotel staff had our room ready and checked us in with ease, giving us a map of the city, talking us through where to see and what to do. As it was during peak season, I had expected the hotel to feel very busy and cramped (it’s a known fact that everywhere in Venice is rather small) but despite families, couples and the like checking in regularly, the spacious, luxurious feel to the hotel meant it never felt crowded.
Our room was above and beyond what I could have ever expected, with a view onto the canal and a beautiful king size bed with a traditional style Venetian headboard. Although not the largest hotel room I’ve ever stayed in, it was the perfect size for what we wanted and everything felt very luxurious – yet comfortable at the same time.
The breakfast spread each morning was also rather spectacular, held in the Venetian ballroom (with a grand chandelier taking centre stage). With an array of fruit, cereals, cooked breakfast, omelettes, pastries and meats on offer – we genuinely looked forward to waking up early each morning and heading down for breakfast.
The hotel itself really has thought of everything possible to make each guest feel welcome and comfortable, providing little touches – such as this multi-function charger – to make everything feel easy.
Our room even had it’s very own chandelier!
Located just around the corner from the grand canal, in the historical part of the city, the hotel is very easy to get too from the train station, the airport and the main bus port – but the area itself never feels quite as busy or crowded as the areas around the Rialto and St Marcs, which is honestly a breath of fresh air. 20 minutes walk away from many of the main attractions, the canals and streets around the hotel are very quiet, offering beautiful little restaurants and bars (which are affordable too) in addition to an array of traditional Venetian Mask shops.
After a days spent walking around the ‘tourist hotspots’ it felt great to come back and dine in an area which was a little quieter and less cramped. Similarly, located just adjacent to the hotel is the Papadolphi Gardens – which in a city full of water, concrete and brick – is a real treat, as you can relax for a few hours (and rest your feet), lay on the grass and watch the world go by.
Venice is a one of a kind destination that is worth a visit, whether with family, friends or with your partner. I personally feel that our stay was shaped by how fantastic (and romantic) our hotel was, so I can definitely recommend splashing out a little on where you are staying. It really is one of a kind!
For more information on the Hotel Papadolpoli, please visit their website here. Let me know if you have any questions on the hotel, or the area – am always happy to help!
* our stay at the hotel was provided free of charge by the manager. However, as with all of my reviews – in no way did this affect my opinions of it at all.
