Casa Fornaretto

Property is located in Canareggio--about 20 minutes walk from Piazzale Roma, 5 minutes walk from nearest (Ca'D'Oro) vaporetto stop. Even with directions provided by the manager, it was not easy to find at first. Location is actually quite central--under 10 minutes walk to Rialto Bridge; 15 or so to San Marco Square, 20 to the Ghetto. Manager was very courteous and helpful--but she is there only a few hours daily. No front-desk; no assistance when the manager isn't on duty. First room we were given had no usable safe (key had apparently been taken by a previous guest, and no spare) and a broken mini-fridge. We were moved the following day to a different room, with usable safe and working mini-fridge. Beds in both rooms were quite comfortable queen-size beds (as we requested). Room was quite spacious. Bed was made-up daily--but used towels were left in the bathroom--just as we had left them--sometimes on the floor as bathmat. So it's clear that the bathroom wasn't really cleaned. Room had an espresso machine with capsules, instant coffee and tea, and snacks--nice touches. Reception and some guest rooms are on second floor--no elevator--and others on third floor. We managed--but this is a critical matter for disabled or elderly guests who may be unable to handle the steps. Apparently the property recently changed hands, and the new owner is slowly getting around to updating and repairing it. It served our modest needs, and I'm sure that with investment of both time and money, it will be a lovely option for those wishing to experience the beauty of Venice.

The first impressions here were OK. Room looked cosy but clean. Upon spending 4 nights here, it seemingly got a lot worse. First of all, the windows are left open in the hallways with no fly screens and the windows in our rooms wouldn’t shut properly due to swollen wooden frames. Therefore we got absolutely eaten by mosquitos. No less than 20 bites on each of us which disturbed our sleep and had us clambering around the room trying to kill them in the early hours of the morning! The shower was dismal, a tiny shower head with very little water pressure attached above a bath. I am 160cm tall and could not put my head underneath it. Our room also was forgotten to be cleaned one day which meant we had no very basic breakfast included at all and dirty towels we left to be changed in the bath to be used for another day. On the plus side the location is easy to walk to all the main attractions and the bed (when we could sleep from itching) was comfortable. Not ideal but not terrible. I recommend buying mosquito repellant and making sure your room gets serviced.

This is a great location and comfortable beds, the rooms are a good size. I have read complaints from people who boked through booking.com, I booked through Hotels.com and had great communication, confirmation and directions to the hotel. I was a little concerned about the directions that were sent to me but I followed them exactly as they were stated and had no problem getting there.