Hotel Flora

First, the location. It could not be better. It is just a few minutes' walk from St Mark's Square (and vaporetto stops) which is crowded with tourists, but just a few minutes in the other direction you can find youself in atmospheric back streets with very few other people about. As well as St Mark's there are plenty of other sights in easy strolling distance including the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio and the Ponte dell'Accademia. Above all, if you are going to a performance at La Fenice opera house during your stay as we did, the Hotel Flora is just a couple of minutes' walk away. The hotel is just off the busy Calle Larga XXII Marzo with its international designer shops, but far enough away to be quiet and peaceful. The little garden where we had breakfast on our first morning was calm and tranquil (after our first day the weather became cooler so we ate inside). Breakfast itself was a very fine buffet. The hotel gives the impression of a slightly old-fashioned charm, but everything works well and it is run efficiently. Our room was splendid. It had a high ceiling and felt spacious The bed was large and comfortable if a little firmer than we like. There was a wonderfully creaky old wooden wardrobe with plenty of space for our clothes, as well as bedside cabinets and a little table. The walls were covered with fabric rather than paper which gave the feel of luxury. The lighting was good. There was no problem with reading at night. The shutters and curtains excluded all light from outside. The bathroom was good. The shower screen at first looked flimsy but was not. Not a drop of water got out onto the bathroom floor. Plenty of towels were provided. The staff were extremely welcoming and helpful. They were glad to give recommendations for restaurants (and to ring them up to make reservations) and to explain the best ways to get to certain places in the city.

Venice is a very expensive city. On the standards of the city Hotel Flora was good value, but it was expensive by any other standards. We would have preferred a slightly softer bed but that its just personal taste. Some glasses (rather than paper cups) to drink from would have been good. But Hotel Flora is a fantastic hotel and if we return to Venice we will aim to go back there.

Location snd beautiful courtyard.