Domus Ciliota

The courtyard was my favorite spot, peaceful for breakfast or just sitting on a bench. Domus Ciliota used to be a convent, and the exterior still has that old feel, almost like stepping back in time. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the location was great: a quiet, safe street with restaurants close by, a little square with more places to eat just a minute away, and St Mark’s Square about a ten minute walk. From the airport boat, St Angelo stop is an eight minute walk away. Breakfast was lovely, especially the pistachio croissants and range of coffees. They even had oat coffee, which I rarely see in hotels. The room was simple but comfortable. The walls and a few other things could use small updates, and a bottle of water and kettle for tea or coffee in the room would have been nice. The price was very good for being so close to everything, and I’d happily stay again.

I liked how easy it was to explore the center of Venezia from here. Everything was a short walk away, so I could see the best of Venice without any stress, and I'd book this place again if I return. After staying at a four star hotel in Florence, I ended up liking this place best. Though cheaper and rated three stars, it had the comforts and amenities I needed for a short stay. My room felt spacious by European hotel standards, with a table and chair, and it was clean. I also loved the bath slippers.

The croissants at breakfast were surprisingly good. The room was decent, but there were ants. I don't know whether that's because it's Venice and the canals are close, or if it's an issue with the hotel.

The staff were lovely, and the cleaning team did a brilliant job servicing the room. The ensuite was tired and could do with an update, but the shower had strong pressure and plenty of warm water. Breakfast was average, though adequate. The former convent has been preserved in its conversion to a hotel, and it has some distinctive features. The room was tiny, like an individual nun's cell, with hardly enough space to move around, so you need to be comfortable with whoever you're sharing it with. The location is really good, close to Accademia and the Grand Canal. The air conditioning didn't work, something mentioned in many other reviews, so it's not just people complaining for no reason. On two nights it was 27°, too warm for me as someone from the UK, and opening the window was the only way I could try to cool down. That turned out to be a mistake. The blood stains on the wall give you a clue about the mosquitoes. We stayed in April and they were awful. I got bitten 15 times in two days, and barely slept the second night because every high pitched buzz near my ear scared me. A three star rating feels about right overall.