Archives: Where to Stay

The Villeggiatura is a very small inn offering a homey stay near the busy markets and streets of the Rialto. This charming option, with a somewhat residential feel, is in the center of Venice in the San Polo area. The many shops and restaurants around it make it easy to enjoy the city, particularly considering it is also near another of Venice’s top attractions, the… Read more »

This small and simple three-star boutique hotel is a rare find in Venice: well-located, near most of the city’s attractions (a 10-minute walk) and has lovely gardens and a patio, an almost impossible find at hotels in town. Do not expect an upscale stay, as everything about the Sant’Antoni is simple but pretty. The friendly reception staff will welcome you straight into the hotels hallmark,… Read more »

The Ai Realli is well located in a tiny square on a quiet street, something of a rarity in busy Venice. It is near the Rialto and just a 5-minute walk to San Marco. The property’s style is typical Venetian, with gilded chandeliers, metallic moldings and depictions of celestial elements. Contrary to a good amount of hotels in town, Ai Reali has used of good… Read more »

Right by one of Venice’s most photographed canals, The Splendid is on a busy corner of the town center and a short walk to most of the city’s popular attractions. Considering the property is located in the oldest and most demanded part of town, do expect busy days around the hotel. Evenings are a lot more peaceful and you will be strategically located to explore… Read more »

Should you be willing to enjoy a quieter side of Venice whilst making the most of the city, the Palazzo Veneziano could be a good option. It is located in Dorsoduro, an area away from the epicenter of the city’s attractions, but still close enough: a 20-minute walk to Piazza San Marco or the Rialto, and close to restaurants and shops in San Polo and… Read more »

The Orient inspired boutique Novecento, off a busy central street, is quite a change from what you usually get in terms of style in Venice. And this is not its only attraction: the extremely attentive and courteous staff, led by the family who own the hotel, make you feel like a cherished guest. A smart décor and cozy atmosphere add to the allure, as well… Read more »

If you are looking to experience the typical brocade-and-chandelier Venetian Palazzo and stay as central as possible to the city’s main attractions without paying a small fortune, the Cavalieri might be a good alternative. It is a 5-minute walk from Piazza San Marco and equal distance to Rialto. The hotel has its own small private dock, quite convenient for arrivals with bags. The elegant venue… Read more »

If you want to experience “another side” of Venice and still be within 15 minutes of  Piazza San Marco, the Ca Pisani might be a good choice. Located in a peaceful area in Dorsoduro on the other side of the canal, you will be close to the Accademia and art galleries, to Santa Maria Salute Basilica, and will enjoy a quieter Venetian lifestyle. This hotel… Read more »

One of the best places to stay in Venice, Palazzo Barocci provides a tranquil but upscale stay in close proximity to most attractions. The waterside property is located in a calmer part of town, with charming streets at its backdoors, and is a 10 to 15-minute walk to busy Rialto or Piazza San Marco. The converted palace is a respite from the tired classical old… Read more »

The Bauer, as it is known, is full of grandeur. The canal side property is a lovely classic Venetian building adorned with crystals and marble, well worth admiring, and the grand style is complemented by modern facilities in the adjacent annex. We loved the size of the rooms, particularly considering we stayed at a standard one, and the hotel’s service is flawless. The delicious breakfast… Read more »

The Londra Palace is a luxury property that seems to compete with other grand dames in Venice, such as the Gritti or the Bauer. The classical style is meticulously maintained not only in its common areas but also in the large rooms, with high quality carpets, upholstery and wall fabrics in blue, red and gold tones. Deluxe decorative pillows and crystal chandeliers add to the… Read more »

The Memmo is nowadays considered one of the trendiest hotels in Lisbon, and we could see why! Located in the Principe Real neighborhood, which has become the in vogue area, its pool and bar have great views to the city’s iconic rooftops and attract non-guests as well, specially late afternoon when you can find DJs playing some days of the week. A small reception and… Read more »

Walking distance to St George’s Castle this hotel is perfectly located in the oldest historic district of Lisbon, Alfama. Ideally suited to explore parts of the old city on foot, it is situated in the street where Christopher Columbus was married and where the Portuguese Way of the Caminho de Santiago de Compostela starts, but there are no pilgrims in sight. An old 15th Century… Read more »

A perfect choice if you want to stay in the Belém region, close to the Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower. The estate is an old palace, as the name infers, that used to be the residence of the governors of the Belém Tower. It has been beautifully renovated to offer a very comfortable stay in a smartly decorated setting. We loved the blue shades in… Read more »

We consider this boutique hotel one of the best options for a stay in Bologna. Located on a small street just off Via Independenza, which will take you to basically all attractions in the city, the Metropolitan is walking distance to all the great spots you will likely intend to visit, as well as eating venues, bars, theaters and shops. A trendy atmosphere and fashionable… Read more »

This lovely hotel is conveniently located on handy Via Independenza that takes you to all of Bologna’s attractions, and near the train station. It is right by Parco della Montagnola park, perfect for exercising or taking relaxing strolls. The recently renovated classical building has beautiful interiors with a contemporary and cozy décor. The in-house restaurant attracts non-guests for its delicious food, gardens views and mellow… Read more »

One of our preferred boutique hotels in town, the Novecento lies on a perfect spot, on the edge of a delightful and quiet small square, the Galileo, steps away from Bologna’s main attractions. The staff was one of the most attentive we met in Bologna, the complimentary walking tour offered by the hotel was a lovely touch as were the bicycles available for summer rides.… Read more »

Just off busy Via Rizzoli lies this small charming hotel, perfectly located on a little street with nice shops and hidden eating venues. It is stone’s throw away from the iconic Two Towers and so many other great Bologna’s attractions. It is a delightful hotel with a comforting and classical European décor, and its rooms are equally gracious. Even though the hotel’s street is a… Read more »