Casa Santa Maria Formosa - Velence

Within walking distance of St Marks, Rialto Bridge and shops/restaurants. Next to large square and small bridges over canals to sit and watch the gondolas go by.

Economy Room was very small. We only had two cases, any more than that and it would have been difficult to actually move around the room. Although friends we travelled with who I also booked economy rooms for and paid same price were given much larger room which was ornately furnished which they were happy with (think they were given an upgrade). Breakfast room on ground floor snugly fits only 8 people. Breakfast is prepared in the small reception area kitchen and could not really be described as 'buffet'. Really just few rolls with a choice of ham/cheese/yogurt/cereal/croissant. It was adequate for a light morning breakfast.

The location was not bad to see the Venice(5 min. on foot to San Marco), the small chanel was under our window but there wasn't any bad smell.

We had to take privat motor-launch for 50 euros to get to hotel from parking place which is the one the island, otherwise it's too difficult to find the hotel if you are at first time in Venice. The furniture in the room was too old and dirty, they need to be more neat. The bar for breakfast was too small and I can't imagine how was it possible to eat if the hotel was full. No caps for expresso, poor meal, nothing special. The hotels near Grand Channel are more comfortable and easier to get to.

reception / housekeeper / waiter (all in one) was very friendly and helpful... but understandably rushed off his feet trying to do everything at once! location was good, once we had found the place! room was nice enough but see bad points below...

i had paid extra for a room upgrade and even emailed ahead saying it was our honeymoon, please please put us in a decent room... we were put in the basic room. i was not happy to say the least!! breakfast was awful... yoghurts and bread, that was it. very basic. the whole hotel felt very 'chip shop' - it was a one man show, he was trying so hard to do everything... but washing the plates and cutlery from breakfast at 9am right behind you in the kitchen (which was really just a tiny cupboard with a sink in!) is not acceptable for a supposedly 4* hotel. no facilities, too hard to find and most definitely not worth the money!

Very nice and clean rooms, friendly and pro-active staff.

No elevator, carrying the luggage up was a challenge.

We felt like we were (litteraly) IN the movie Casanova, starring Heath Ledger. We took a room with a canal view, which was really nice and romantic. The bed and the whole room were in an old Venician style. To go to the room you had to climb really narrow stairs and all the rooms had their own name, instead of a number. A very good experiance. We highly reccomend this hotel. We wish we could stay longer...

The room was unexpectedly beautiful. We arrived late, but the keys were there on the reception for us. The location is perfect, really close to all major city sites if you know how to find them, of course. It will take some time to learn navigating in the city.

The rooms were lovely, comfortable and very clean. We had a view of the canal which was nice.

Beautifully furnished and a good location. The hotel exceeded expectations.

The room had wow factor and was in a great location! Would recommend this hotel to our friends for sure.

The helpful and informative attitude of the staff. The very convenient location of the hotel. The room was very clean - the beds very comfortable and the bathroom spotless. A very good hotel - would fully recommend to anyone.

Whilst this was not a problem for us anyone with difficulty negotiating stairs would be advised to choose elsewhere.

Excellent location, clean room, the bathroom was renovated, which is very important for Venice old buildings.

Breakfast was very poor, the breakfast area was too small and dull, you may not even find a table to sit. Reception closes at 7pm, there is no lift. Almost no hotel facilities provided, the bed had a blanket. For sure the hotel was not value for money but if you consider Venice hotel rates and its location you can find it a good choice for your stay.

The staff were really helpful as we arrived late, they left the key and instructions on the desk. It was close enough to all the action but far enough away to be quiet at night.

It took us 2 hours to find it as its in a very little street that looks like house. There is no clear signs to indictae its a hotel. We aksed alot of people in bars and cafes and not many people had heard of it.

Staff were most helpful. When the Iceland volcano meant our flight was cancelled, they arranged accommodation in another hotel because they were fully booked. Within 10 min walk of St Marks square and Rialto.

excellent localisation, nice room cleaned every day, friendly stuff.

no elevator, poor breakfast

The location and helpful staff. Worth paying a little more to overlook a canal.