My husband and I stayed here on our trip to Venice, and we really liked it. The room was clean and comfortable and a little larger than I had been expecting. The breakfast buffet provided each morning is fairly simple but tasty and quite adequate (meats, cheese, breads, yogurt, cereal, eggs, that kind of thing). The hotel is in a really good location, a short walk from the San Zaccaria dock (like a maybe 1-2 minute walk) and only slightly farther from Saint Mark's Square (you can get there in about five minutes if you don't mosey). There are many restaurants and bars within easy walking distance. The staff was very friendly. Our flight home was canceled and we had to stay an extra day, and they were very accommodating. If you're traveling with children (which, you're quite brave if so; I wouldn't call Venice a very kid-friendly vacation spot), I'm not sure it would be a great hotel to stay at, as it's a pretty small hotel and I suspect all the rooms are more couple-sized. But if you're traveling as a couple, it's a pretty nice place to stay.
The few downsides are things that the hotel can't really fix: The bathroom would occasionally smell slightly sewage water-y, but that's not the hotel's fault. It's just the special stench of Venice that comes and goes according to the tide. There was also a little bit of street noise in the evenings, which is also not the hotel's fault. It's due to there being a restaurant directly across from the hotel and a bar on the corner just two doors south. But even this wasn't bad. The windows keep out a good deal of the noise, and once those places shut down for the evening, this car-free city becomes super quiet. The last con is also a fault of Venice, not the hotel. You may be tempted to leave a window open at night. If you do, you will discover as we did that the mosquitoes will be coming to visit. There is an in-room air conditioning unit, so use that instead of your window if you're getting too warm at night.
Overall, we would happily stay here again and will probably be doing so should we have an opportunity to...
Read moreHotel Fontana is an absolute gem! From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in the warm, welcoming atmosphere that the staff effortlessly creates. The location is unbeatable, nestled a short walk from the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop, offering picturesque views and convenient access to city center.
Our room was a perfect blend of Venetian charm and modern comfort, and also impeccably clean. We had a wardrobe with extra blankets and pillows if needed. I chose the City view because I love to people watch. There weren’t many photos available so I’m adding those here. I loved seeing the people walk through the streets and hearing the Church bells ring, when we were there that is! We spent as little time as possible ‘inside’.
Waking up to the stunning views of the canals was a daily highlight. The breakfast served each morning was delicious, with a variety of options to suit every palate, and the cozy dining area added to the overall delightful experience.
What truly sets Hotel Fontana apart, though, is the exceptional service. They even let us check in hours before our scheduled time. The staff always went above and beyond to ensure our stay was memorable, offering insightful recommendations for dining and sightseeing, and always greeting us with a smile. Their genuine hospitality made us feel like treasured guests.
Hotel Fontana exceeded all our expectations, providing an unforgettable stay in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We can't wait to return and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a magical...
Read moreHotel Fontana is a charming, small, family-run hotel in an absolutely superb location just 5 minutes from St. Mark's Square and less than a 4-minute walk to the San Zaccaria vaporetto station. Rooms have views over the bustling Campo San Provolo and its numerous restaurants and bars or the spectacular San Zaccaria church. The owners, (cousins, I believe), Gabrielle and Diego are extremely personable and provide guests with invaluable information about Venice and the history of their beloved hotel. And at night, Frederico takes over as manager and presides over the intimate bar with a discerning eye and a masterful ability to mix a sublime Aperol Spritz while engaging in spirited conversations about Renaissance painters or Bauhaus architecture. A night of cocktails listening to Frederico pontificate on all manner of intellectual discourse added immensely to our stay. It was magical. Thank you, Diego and Gabrielle, and most of all, Thank you,...
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