NH Collection Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi

After spending time in busier parts of other cities on our trip, we loved how quiet this part of Venice was. The gardens and waterside location were just right for us, and the breakfast buffet was expansive. Service was warm and attentive. We had a fantastic stay and would love to return someday.

The hidden garden was a wonderful place to rest, and from the boat landing there was a stunning view of Murano and even the Alps. The service was impeccable, and the restaurant alone makes the journey worthwhile. The hotel is one of the best ways to enjoy Venice, with a peaceful location within walking distance of San Marco, arsenale, and rialto. You can take in the slower pace of Venetian life.

We stayed three nights in a cozy, quiet room with large, comfortable beds. The hotel itself is beautiful, and breakfast had a great spread. It's far enough from the crowded areas to be peaceful, but there are still plenty of locals and visitors around, plus a great choice of bars, cafés, and restaurants.

We celebrated my wife's 60th birthday in Venice. The public water taxi from the airport dropped us within a five-minute walk of the hotel. It's at the top of the island, and a 10-15 minute walk takes you into central Venice. Our rooms were very warm and well equipped with tea, coffee, water, a clothes steamer, slippers, and gowns. The hot water tasted too chlorinated to all of us, and the whole party ended up with small rashes. Breakfast was disappointing: it was served in three separate areas, and it was hard for a table of six to get to. The food was nice, though not exceptional. Venice was very quiet in January, so we didn't get to enjoy a busy nighttime atmosphere at the bar. The hotel arranged a free water taxi to the Murano glass factory with a personal tour. If you want to stay on the island afterward, you have to arrange your own public water taxi back. Murano was well worth a visit.