Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel

The two front desk staff I engaged with most were lovely, knowledgable and provided a great concierge service by discussing restaurant and travel needs, offering options and making bookings. They handled problems and requests quickly, had perfect English, were professional and capable. The gardens were lovely spaces, the inner courtyard especially tranquil. The palazzo origins of the building make you feel more connected to the history of Venice, and the decor was fresh, reflecting the fact the hotel was only created a few years ago. The newness of the place means that USB charging points are conveniently included in the rooms. Fresh fruit in the room, nibbles provided with drinks

The lounge rooms were dour and were not appealing as a place to sit. The hotel photos make them look traditional but in reality they would made a good set for Miss Havisham’s house. Not helped by the fact they were not lit after dusk. I’m sure in warm weather the gardens would be the logical place to sit for a drink, but in cooler weather there is nowhere convivial to sit. The reception area is overwhelmed by a sarcophagus of a table (that exudes the hotel branded scent - available for sale) which takes up any room for communing. When we came in after dinner out and asked to sit in part of the restaurant for a drink (there was some life there) we were told that it was for dining only.... The breakfast was overly formal, stiff service, a la carte only with somewhat limited options. I guess there are local interpretations of eggs benedict, but this was the first time I encountered no ham, no muffin and no hollandaise. The classic room I booked had the advantage of a balcony, with views of the tv aerials of the city. In hot weather the balcony might be a god send, perhaps compensating for the very tiny room, no room for two people to pass the end of the bed! Mould under the rim of the bath did not meet my expectations of luxury. Housekeeping had a go at removing, but it was still there. In summary, a middle ranking small hotel, with middle ranking management, attempting to be luxury boutique. However, this is Venice and I’m not sure this isn’t the norm.