Hotel Aaron

The area around the hotel felt very unpleasant and unsafe, especially at night. There were many intoxicated people, drug users, and homeless people nearby, and police were often at our section of the hotel dealing with arguments and disturbances among homeless people. The location gets just one point out of five from me, solely because it’s easy to get to Venice: the number 2 bus stops outside the Ali supermarket across the road and takes about 15 minutes. Inside, the hotel was fine for its three-star rating, with comfortable beds and helpful, accommodating staff. We were in one of the other buildings rather than the main one, which felt a little unusual, but we had no major problems. There wasn’t any tea or coffee, though the room did have a fridge, kettle, and microwave. Staff were happy to bring extra pillows when we asked.

Breakfast was a good continental spread, and the staff were friendly. They also sent clear instructions for getting in after 10 p.m., which helped with our late flight. The room was compact and basic, but had what we needed for a short Venice visit. There wasn’t a kettle.

This came as part of a Wowcher holiday deal, and although it wasn’t somewhere we’d normally choose, we arrived feeling optimistic. The staff were very friendly and let us check in early. The room was small but clean at first glance. Then, after about five minutes, I noticed a really pungent smell coming from the ceiling, which was covered in mould. There were air fresheners all over the room, clearly trying to cover it up. I have asthma, and the smell set off such a bad coughing fit that I vomited. We decided not to stay because of the mould. If you’re given room 301, check the ceiling, as the lighting is dim.

Good spot, about a five-minute walk from the train station and supermarket. The rooms are so tiny there’s not even space for luggage, and breakfast doesn’t start early.