Lista di Spagna, Cannaregio 166, Venice, Italy | (618) 248-8274
On the Grand Canal, a three-minute walk from Santa Lucia Station
Authentic antiques throughout hotel's elegant common areas
Small, cozily decorated rooms come with street or canal views
All rooms have flat-screen TVs, en-suite bathrooms, and air-conditioning
Classic restaurant with romantic canal-side terrace and cocktail bar
Free hot-and-cold breakfast buffet included in all reservations
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Small, tired rooms are dark and sometimes musty
Some rooms get noise from nearby street and canal
Far from San Marco-area sights and attractions
Elevator is small and only services part of hotel; steps in hallways
No dinner service on-site in low season
Extra seating charge to dine on the canal
The two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Continental Venice is located on the Grand Canal, a three-minute walk from Santa Lucia Station. It's a classic spot, for sure, though some wear and tear is visible throughout the property. The 93 small rooms show off the hotel's traditional Italian look, with details like romantic scrollwork, striped wallpaper, and wooden furnishings. Superior Rooms offer canal views, though we spotted scuffed furniture and walls. The historic 15th-century hotel -- a collection of multiple buildings -- has one slow, small elevator and inconveniently long, winding corridors. Wining and dining at the canal-side restaurant is certainly a romantic extra, though the terrace seating charge is a major bummer. For something more modern nearby, Hotel Carlton is a pricier, but decidedly classier, option.
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Scene
Historic 15th-century hotel with classic style and canal views
Built in 1478 the historic Hotel Continental Venice is composed of four separate buildings, including some that were once the home of a noble Venetian family. While the hotel does insist that renovations have happened as recently as 2016, it retains its 15th-century atmosphere -- for better or worse. The lobby is decorated in yellow and white marble, plus abundant dark wood, and antiques are set throughout all of the interiors. While the common areas have lots of Old World charm, rooms are a bit less inspiring, and many simply look tired. Ceilings are low in the main hotel and the restaurant's dark indoor area, sometimes giving the latter a claustrophobic feel. There's a romantic terrace for dinners along the canal, but unfortunately it will cost extra to sit there (yes, on top of the food and drink bill). Families and older couples prefer this spot for its proximity to plenty of public transportation, as well as its reasonable pricing despite being right on the water. Keep in mind that there are steps in many hallways, so those with mobility issues may want to look elsewhere.
Location
Right on the Grand Canal in Cannaregio, near main train station
This hotel sits right on the Grand Canal near Venice's main train station. It's a lively corner of the Cannaregio district, near lots of restaurants and shopping. There are plenty of old Venetian buildings and churches for sightseeing nearby, as well as an old-town atmosphere, yet the area also includes quieter residential neighborhoods that still retain an authentic charm. A vaporetto stop is located only a few feet from the hotel, and Santa Lucia Station is a three-minute walk away for convenient transportation. Piazzale Roma, where buses and cars arrive, is only a seven-minute walk from the hotel. Unfortunately, the city's main sights are a fairly long walk or vaporetto ride away. San Marco and the trendy Dorsoduro area take up to 30 minutes to reach on foot. It's a 16-minute drive (about 30 minutes by bus, including some walking) to get to Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Rooms
Cozy rooms with classic decor and some canal views, though noise and wear are issues
Rooms at the Hotel Continental Venice are on the small side but at least have the necessities one would expect. The dark wood furniture does strive to make things cozy among details like romantic scrollwork headboards, striped wallpaper, and carpeted floors. Despite renovations in 2009 and 2016, though, many still feel a bit dated and dark due to the enduring classic designs. We also spotted plenty of wear and tear, like scuff marks on the walls and scratched furniture. Bathrooms are fully equipped with modern showers, heated towel racks, and bidets, though tubs only come with some upgraded rooms. Rooms can be booked as double, twin, triple, or family/quadruple rooms, and all include minibars, kettles for coffee or tea, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Optional canal views are available in higher category rooms. However, guests should be aware that rooms overlooking the canal or busy pedestrian street nearby can be noisy.
Features
Romantic Italian restaurant and bar overlooking Grand Canal, open during warmer seasons
This hotel's main draw is its romantic restaurant serving Italian and Venetian specialties overlooking the Grand Canal. However, the restaurant is only open during the warmer months, meaning dinner is not served during the winter season. Additionally, there's an extra seating charge per guest to dine on the canal. Room service from the restaurant is available, and a free hot-and-cold breakfast buffet is included in all reservations. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel.
