Carlton on the Grand Canal

Having read previous reviews my expectations were low and what we got was low. The lobby looked good but once we got out the lift on to our floor the look was not good. Very old and shabby/tired looking. Our room was small and worse of all very dark. We couldn't open the shutters as we were overlooked and had to keep the light on all the time. Fortunately we were not in the room much. Furniture looked like it had seen better days. It was quiet and the bed was comfortable. I will have to agree with other reviews that the breakfast was not worth having. Just bare minimum was provided. The hotel certainly doesn't go out of its way to provide much of a service. No iron is provided and when I tried to call the reception to ask if they had one, there was no number to call. The rooftop bar is very expensive but views are good. Never saw anyone in the restaurant/bar in the lobby. When we checked out the receptionist didn't even ask us if we had a good stay. Best part was the water taxi dropped us right outside the hotel. The hotel is in a good location and makes easy to get around. Good restaurants nearby. I am sure there are much better hotels in the same area.

We were very concerned stopping at this hotel with the recent reviews however don't be put off. Check in was easy, we stopped the top floor (4th floor) room 455, room was of decent size with 2 wardrobes for hanging plenty of clothes, very clean All staff were pleasant & helped with all requests The area where we stopped near the railway station was a lot quieter compared to rialto & Staint Marks square Be prepared to spend money especially when on the canal We both said we would go back to venice as there's loads to see and do. If you get chance visit murano & Burano We also went to Milan on the train Great day out trains are great & only 60 pounds return for 2 people

I stayed at the Hotel Carlton for the first night of my Italian vacation, after flying in from California. The very best aspect was the location - just a short walk away (less than 10 minutes) from the main transportation hub in Venice. It was nearly perfect for a one-night stay - I was going to be traveling with friends to Cortina the next morning (via the same hub). At the same time, it also felt removed enough from the traveler throngs to feel like Venice. Was my internal clock messed-up when I got there? Yep. Did I arrive way too early to check in? Hell yes! But the friendly, English-speaking staff gave me a map, let me change into warm weather garb, stored my luggage, and told me a time to return for a clean room and a key. Then I was off to explore the Venice maze...while also trying to stay awake. My friends arrived at the hotel a few hours later. As for the rooms: it was a very basic, traditional hotel with nominal amenities and some old-world charm. The room key, from the previous century, was large and heavy (and meant to be left at the front desk when you wander). Nevertheless, the rooms and beds were clean and the staff were friendly and accomodating. Breakfast was offered downstairs for an additional price, but we chose one of the many nearby cafes for a better deal. The hotel also offered a rooftop bar and restaurant. We visited before sunset to grab a cocktail before we headed out to a dinner spot nearby. The Hotel Carlton may not be the best bang-for-buck in Venice, but I enjoyed my stay here. I'd come again if I was here for a short visit, and if I needed to be close to transportation. For longer visits, I'd probably venture closer to the heart of town.