Hotel Gritti Palace - Venice, Italy 

We arrived at the Gritti Palace after a lovely stay in Rome at The Hotel Eden and a relaxing train journey. Sadly the Gritti was a real disappointment in comparison. We had a Grand Canal view room, which was the single best thing about our stay. On the whole, the hotel was deeply uninspiring. In particular:- 1 Our complimentary bowl of fruit was mouldy. 2 The bathroom was extremely small. 3 The breakfast was one of the most uninspiring 5* breakfasts we have ever had, and the service was appalling, leaving us to clear our own plates. 4 The hotel arranged "free" water taxis to Murano and Burano! The price you pay for this is being subjected to relentless hard sell at the glass factory and also the lace shop. We have only encountered such a hard sell in India - where you expect it! We think this is pretty shabby behaviour from a european 5* hotel. Overall, it is outrageously expensive for what you get. Fantastic location but it is clearly trading on its former glories.

The Gritti Palace is right on the canal by St Marks Square, so a great location. The rooms are the most spacious, like suites, and filled with lovely antiques, crystal chandeliers, and a beautiful bath. Only complaint was the overpriced food.