San Marco 1332, Venice, Italy | (618) 248-8274
Prime location on the Grand Canal, right at a water taxi (and bus) stop
Rooms have charming classic details, such as wood-beam ceilings
Some rooms have lovely water views
Excellent restaurant with wonderful waterfront setting
Easy walking distance to St. Mark's Square
Free water taxi service to Murano Glass Factory
Rooms are on the small side
No coffeemakers in rooms
No in-room Wi-Fi
The Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal in Venice is historic hotel that offers an upscale environment in a prime location near St. Mark's Square, and the price reflects that. Rooms have classic Venetian style but may fall a tad short of four-star expectations, and there's not much in the way of property features besides the restaurant and meeting rooms. The nearby (and comparable) Hotel Saturnia & International is often a bit cheaper, but it lacks Hotel Monaco's waterfront setting.
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Scene
An upscale hotel on the water that blends classic and modern styles
This upscale hotel was once a palace, and today it artfully blends minimalist decor with historical touches. The lobby is airy and open, with an almost greenhouse-like feel, thanks to the huge skylight and glass-walled room filled with potted plants. The furniture is modern, but the Roman-style columns pay homage to the building's 17th-century roots. The views are a big draw at this hotel, and restaurant terrace, lined with traditional Venetian lamp posts, has unobstructed views of the Grand Canal. The hotel is bestsuited for couples, though there are two conference rooms for business travelers. Families are welcome, but parents with young children may find the atmosphere a bit too grown-up.
Location
Near St. Mark's Square, on the most desirable stretch of the Grand Canal
The location is the big selling point here: right in the middle of Venice on the Grand Canal, next to Ca’ Giustinian, the historical headquarters of the Venice Biennale. It's surrounded by the most exclusive boutiques in a city known for exclusive boutiques, and it's a five- to 10-minute walk to St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, and Doge's Palace. Harry's Bar, a popular after-hours spot, is adjacent.Water taxis stop right in front, but it's just a three-minute walk to the San Marco's water bus stops, which are much less expensive. The water taxis will take you forth and back to the airport, too.
Rooms
Rooms have some charming classic details, but some are on the small side.
The 100 guest rooms (including six suites and an apartment) are furnished in old-world Venetian style, and feature both Baroque and modern influences. Some have wood-beam ceilings and chandeliers. Bathrooms are outfitted in marble tile and come with shower/tub combos; they're nice enough, but not luxurious, and we did observe some water stains on a sink faucet. Sheets are linen (some find them scratchy), and Internet is wired, not Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and meeting rooms). Though the rooms have plenty of charm, some have carpets (which feel a bit dated) and many are on the small side. And they're not always functional: the arrangement (and shape and size) of the furniture can make it a bit awkward to move quickly, and outlets are few and inconveniently placed. The lack of coffeemakers is another downside.
Features
A top-flight restaurant, meeting rooms, and not much else
The aptly named Grand Canal Restaurant is excellent, serving original dishes from salmon tartare to house-made mushroom risotto alongside lovely water views. The hotel is lacking in some key features one might expect from a four-star property, however, such as a fitness center, spa services, and a bar (though there is one next door).
