Bella Venezia

We got a good rate during carnival, and the staff were nice with quick service. There were plenty of outlets, so charging my things was no problem, but the room facilities were very basic and the lack of lockers may bother some people. The kitchen was poorly equipped: the boiler and coffee maker were shockingly dirty, a pot had been left unwashed, and there weren’t enough utensils, so I had to wait for others to finish cooking. The bathrooms weren’t very clean either, though that seemed to depend on the other guests staying there. It was also a little tricky to find, and it isn’t a B&B. Google Maps sends you to a spot beside the main canal, but the hostel is on a side street. Keep going past the marked destination, turn left right away, and it’s at the end of the alley.

The balcony off the spacious kitchen had a lovely view, which made eating in feel like a treat. The place was clean and comfortable, and the hostess was warm and helpful, even sharing cooking tips. I booked through Smartholidays and got the room at an incredible price. There weren’t any lockers, which was fine for us, though it could be a concern for other guests.

This is a hostel, not a B&B. There’s no breakfast, towels, or general amenities, and you have to pay before you can see the room. The beds are all tiny, with four to a room and no lockers inside. The bathrooms and kitchen were small, old, and dirty. Reception wasn’t consistently staffed, so even getting help with things like towels could be difficult. It’s cheap at €10 a night, but there are other places across the canal for the same price that are better. You’d need a ferry ticket to reach the plaza and main areas.

The price was okay, and I liked being in a quiet part of Venice that felt more authentic. Having a kitchen was handy. But they tried to insist on cash; I didn’t have any, so I refused, and they eventually let me pay by card. I also didn’t get the female-only shared room I’d booked. Bring a mosquito plug-in, because I woke up with lots of insect bites.