San Marco Palace & Residence, Venice

As part of an extended overseas holiday our visit to Venice was to be a highlight and the San Marco Palace came highly recommended by a friend who had visited recently. We have no complaint about the room, location or cleanliness - the staff and service (or lack there of) tainted our stay in magical Venice. The fridge in our room did not work - we notified staff - absolutely noting was done about it during our three night stay. We were supposed to have Web facilities - there were if you wanted to do your personal business sitting in the middle of the lobby - the breakfast was terrific but the two attending ladies two of the rudest and surliest people we met on our travels. The night attendent at sister hotel Best Western was exceptionally rude and totally unhelpful. This hotel is a gem but they have to do something about their service or the word will spread to avoid it like the plague.

We stayed at San Marco Palace for three nights in June 2006 and enjoyed our spacious and comfortable suite. It consisted of a separate bedroom and a large livingroom area that also served as a sleeping area at night for our two (older) kids. The place was clean, as well as a comfortable haven when we wanted to escape the crowds of tourists in nearby Piazza San Marco. The rooms were quiet and the air conditioning system was good (which may be a rarity in Europe!), which came in handy on those near ninety degree days that we spent in Venice. The bathroom was on the small side, and nothing fancy, but, hey, I didn't come to Venice for an elegant bathroom! Breakfast was included, and considering the sky high prices in Venice, this was a blessing. Breakfast is a continental one, yet tasty, and is served in a very elegant dining room which overlooks a canal. The location of this hotel is a good one. You will literally be right behind Piazza San Marco, with the Basillica and the Doges Palace and Bridge of Sighs close at hand. If you love to shop, you will have wonderful stores to go to in the Piazza as well as on the nearby streets. I have read reviews that say that this place is hard to find, but if you cross Piazza San Marco and go through the opening by Quadri Cafe, go over the little bridge and turn right you will be right there. There was one negative aspect that bears mentioning. Upon arrival, the girl at the desk was trying to push a free tour of Murano (the island where Murano glass is made). We had to decline a couple of times before she stopped pushing it. I felt that after that, she was not particularly friendly to us when we'd go to the desk to ask for something. However, the rest of the staff was courteous, and our stay there, overall, was a pleasant and comfortable one.

We booked one night at San Macro Palace after Princess cruise. We were very disappointed with the service comparing to the price we paid and other hotels we stayed in Rome or Florence. The room is nice and it comes with a small kitchen. However, there is no cookware. There is no cup or any kind of containers. When we went back to pick up the key for the hotel. The night manager was on the phone. Despite I was standing in front of him, he still talked about 10-15 minutes before asking me what I needed. We had a sick person in the party and we asked for a cup that could hold the hot water and the night manager was very rude and refused to give us anything. There was no information book about the suite facility. Even though the room was nice but I would not consider this place if I visit Venice next time.

We went to Italy for our honeymoon- and we are so glad we stayed at this Hotel. Every room in the Hotel is a suite. After staying in midiocre rooms throughout Italy, we were glad to make our last stop the best one. The staff is not as friendly as we expected, but then again Europeans don't know anything about customer service. This hotel was behind San Marco Palace and it was very convinient.