Hotel Santa Marina

Breakfast was a real highlight: plenty of choice, friendly and funny staff, good service, great hot coffee, delicious fruit pancakes, and even prosecco. Some quiet background music might improve the room. The reception and breakfast teams were great, and housekeeping cleaned the room very well each day, though they could be more considerate of guests who want to sleep in. Getting there from the airport by water boat was straightforward. Get off at Ospedale and it’s about an eight-minute walk; the fare is €19 per person each way, with tickets available on the boat. The hotel is also an easy walk from S.Marcs main square. Reception staff were friendly and helpful. You have to leave your key at reception each time, and the tourist tax must be paid before noon on departure. Room 303 was very compact. There’s space for only one suitcase, and the small wardrobe has few hangers, so most clothes have to stay packed. There’s just one mirror in the room, though there are more in the hall and staircases. The bathroom was so cramped I could hardly turn around. Getting out of the shower, I was blocked by the basin. Removing the little stool or the bidet might help, but the toilet is awkward to use and the basin is small. Sleeping past 8 am was a challenge. Nearby doors opening and closing, other guests talking, and the maids cleaning woke me up. The walls are thin, so you can hear people in the next room. The square is right outside, and workers and trolleys make noise whether the window is open or shut. How late you can sleep depends on the neighbors, cleaning staff, and street activity. There’s a well-placed little fridge. The air conditioning is simple, though I couldn’t get it working the way I wanted, probably my fault. The TV has only a few English-language channels, all news, so it’s no good for entertainment. For a weekend it’s a good hotel. I’d ask for a larger room, more self-contained and farther from the others.

The rooms were very dark, and the location was hard to reach from the water taxi, even with just a small carry-on. The hotel advertises air conditioning, but it wasn’t switched on during our stay, so we had to ask for fans to make the room comfortable. Service depended on who was there. Two women at morning check-in were friendly and helpful, while the men on staff were rude and unaccommodating. It really affected our stay, and I wouldn’t come back.

The bar was the best part of our stay. We spent such lovely family time there, talking and enjoying being together. The room was comfortable too, and we absolutely loved the hotel. At checkout around 4 am, a very kind staff member helped us. I can’t remember his name, but he sent us off on a golden note.

The staff were wonderful, and the included breakfast was amazing, with so many choices. It’s a beautiful but cozy hotel, just a two-minute walk from a grocery store. Definitely recommend for the value and service.