Hotel Florida - Venice, Italy 

Have just returned from a 4 day trip to Venice staying in the Hotel Florida. We had read previouis reviews so were our expections were not high, but we really chose this hotel for the location and price given the high prices of hotels in this city. We were not dissappointed on this score as the hotel is literally around the corner from the train station and across the canal bridge from the bus station (10 minutes walk). The room we had was on the first floor overlooking the alleyway. Our first thought was to ask for a room at the back of the hotel but changed our minds as it was the only room with a little balcony and it had a nice feel to it. This proved to be a big mistake, as we discovered that this alleyway is a very busy walk through at night and early morning. A lot of high heeled ladies dragging suitcases. Also, the bells of the church chime at 7.15 and 8.15 each a.m. We had read about the bells in previous reviews and wore ear plugs and to be honest it didn't bother us as much as the noisy people outside, so the tip is to get a room at the back of the hotel. Contrary to other people's views we found the staff at reception more than helpful and advised us on a trip to Verona for a day which is a great idea. An hour and half there a back, well worth a visit. Breakfast is very, very basic, tea/coffee, yogurt, cheese slices, packet toast or white bread rolls, stale croisants and jam. For the price it could have been better and the breakfast area is very cramped. Otherwise, the room was very clean, shower and toilet adequate and plenty of wardrobe space. Pillows were thin but we had no problem getting extra ones. The water bus is only minutes away but we found that walking all the way to St. Marks square and getting lost a few times over little bridges was the best way to see Venice especially if you are snaphappy like my husband, stopping off for coffee and cakes on the way. A stunning city and everybody should go. I would recommend the Hotel Florida for the price and the super location.

The hotel is located literally 2 minutes walk from the train station and about 10 minutes walk from the main bus station (P. Romale). Their website provides a useful location map and the hotel is not difficult to find although down a rather narrow side street. The staff are friendly and speak English. Our room was a good size, with two single beds pushed together to make a king size. The decor was a little faded, but the room and bathroom very clean. The bathroom had a bath and shower although the former was very small. Our room on the first floor overlooked the alley outside the hotel and despite the double glazing and shutters, there was quite a lot of street noise. Added to this, there were church bells at 07.15 and 08.15 daily when we stayed there. Perhaps not the ideal hotel for light sleepers? The pillows on the bed were a little thin and not very comfortable. The room had a televsion with Italian and other TV channels. The breakfast was basic and included cereal, yoghurts, cheese, ham, crackers and bread. Various types of coffee and hot chocolate were provided on request. The hotel is relatively good value for Venice, but we found the bed uncomfortable and our room rather noisey.