Ai Mori d’Oriente Hotel

The 15th century palazzo that is now the Ai Mori d'Oriente Hotel was once home to the Moors -- the Turkish silk and spice traders -- and hints of Moorish-style decor remains in the property. There are many decorative domes and arches, wall lanterns, and even the original terrazzo Veneziano flooring -- a type of marble mosaic. There’s lots of dark wood, such as ceiling beams in the hallway and a marble-topped walnut reception desk. The inviting bar is walnut too, and the chairs have red velvet cushions. Overall the atmosphere is peaceful and polished.

The hotel is located in the residential neighborhood of Cannaregio, overlooking the Canale della Sensa. It’s a quiet and pretty spot away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas of Venice. A bonus of the location is that there are some great restaurants in the neighborhood that are frequented by locals, and not over-priced like many in the St Mark’s area. The downside is that to reach Venice’s top attractions like St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge guests must walk 20 to 25 minutes. There are some beautiful sights nearby, too, including the stunning Sant' Alvise church, built in 1338, and the Church of Madonna dell'Orto, an art-filled 15th century gothic-style church, both a three-minute walk away. It’s five minutes to the Wagner museum and 15 minutes to the Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, the museum of fabrics and costumes. To go over to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, the Madonna dell'Orto ferry stop is less than a five-minute walk away. 

The rooms at Ai Mori d'Oriente Hotel are spotlessly clean and have comfortable beds. Rooms vary in size and decor; some rooms are on the small side and the Classic rooms are a touch dated with patterned bedspreads. Other rooms are more polished and decorated in subdued gold tones. Decorative drapes or a canopy hang above the bed, with a matching padded headboard, bed cover, and throw pillows. Every room has air-conditioning, a minibar, flat-screen TV, safe, clock radio, and hairdryer. The Italian marble bathrooms are spotless too and each have unique tiling with rich colors. Some have bathtubs, but the rest come with large shower stalls.

The Ai Mori d'Oriente has no restaurant but offers a free continental buffet breakfast in a small breakfast room. During warm weather, this can also be taken in the charming courtyard. The American bar, Oasi d'Oriente, serves coffees and snacks such as sandwiches and burgers. In the evening, they have a good cocktail menu too. Food and drink can be taken out to the front of the hotel where they have a pretty terrace overlooking the canal. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi in all public areas, a small reading room with canal views, an elevator, and airport transfers. There’s a computer with Internet access available for guests to use and a meeting room for business travelers.