Ca' Sagredo Hotel

This was actually one of my favourite hotels that I have ever stayed in and we absolutely loved it and Venice!! Arriving via boat and alighting straight onto the hotel pier felt like something out of a James Bond movie. Totally awesome. Quirky décor, wonky floors, amazing views from the bar outside the restaurant right on the river, with even more stunning views from the rooftop bar overlooking the Grand Canal. Hanging massive wall tapestries, a sweeping giant staircase, huge high ceilings and fabulous furniture. Even knowing it’s a 15th century Palace it is still all very impressive. Breakfast itself was wonderful and the breakfast staff were super. We sat in the most splendidly regal room with quiet classical music. As well as the usual breakfast fayre, there were proper cakes for breakfast ¬- loads of them - which we English find a little strange but it was nice to try some. Our room was fine. A comfy bed, good shower, snuggly robes and a cute rooftop area outside with little chair and tables. You sat right amongst the chimney tops which was quite strange, but rather lovely. I loved having the old fashioned turn down service. Not many hotels seem to do this anymore. I thought it was a bit odd that they left you a chocolate beside the TV rather than on your pillow, but no bother. We did have issues with the aircon in our room and it seemed that if you touched the control panel it either churned out ice cold air and turned the room into Eskimo Country or pumped out constant heat. Reception seemed to tell us that it could only be adjusted by them, and each time we had to call them to ask if they could either turn it up or down a notch. This was annoying, but they never minded so it was not a huge big deal in the grand scheme of things. Unfortunately one evening the guests in the next door room, who also had the same tiny rooftop table and chairs stationed outside, sat outside one evening drinking wine and having a loud conversation which kept us awake. Their outside space was just a few feet away from our bed - so you are very close together should you get noisy neighbours. Most of the staff at this hotel were superb, lovely and helpful There was one very grumpy guy on day reception who was verging on rude, but all the rest were fab. One day they did forget to make up our room, but we let them know and they came straight away to do it. The hotel is perfectly positioned about a 15 min walk out of the main square, so away from the peak crowds – but still right by the canal and many restaurants and bars. We even got a gondola tour from the gondola station right by the front door and they also offered a canal crossing service from each side for 2 euros which saves time and energy! We did not eat in the restaurant at the hotel as it was very pricey, but I’m sure it would have been superb. There were lots of excellent less expensive restaurants within easy walking distance. I’d love to return and would stay in this hotel again for sure!

The room was 202, the former 2-story library of the palace. It was stunning. The library shelves are still there and contains a walkway around the upper lever (it is not accessible due to the structural condition of the building). However, only a half bath on room floor and full bath upstairs. The access to the room is almost blocked by the closet so not for anyone who needs full width of a door. The floor is slightly unlevel, but noticeable. A light on the front balcony partially lite the room at night as the shade would not cover the window completely. The air conditioning was either freezing or had to turn off, only to get stuffy. We could not get the thermostat to work. Breakfast is marginal and typical fare, nothing close to a 5 star hotel. Servers were very helpful and kind. Internet service was almost nonexistent. When we asked, it was because too many guests on the service. Also, the sister hotel next door “confuses” the signal. We took advantage of the afternoon lunch on the day of arrival. It was acceptable but caused us to not try the restaurant in the hotel as we were concerned about the quality of the food.