Hotel La Calcina — Hotel in Venice

We had booked a room months before (and we paid in advance for the flat value!) But upon arriving the air conditioner was broken (it was in July, in the mid summer of Italy) and they relocated us to a new smaller room, quite inferior and without the view we had paid. The management was dishonest all the time: the first step was to send in a fan for the original room, which we did not agree, the second action was to send us to a room in a B&B next door, on the same property, which we had to accept by lack of choice (the third option was to stay on the street being that we had already paid our reservation in advance). At the end of the second and last night we were intimidated (even using security for that) to sign any paper because if we did not we would not have access to the room that we were relocated to (and where all our belongings were), doing it truculently, intimidating We had no choice, felt vulnerable and intimidated, insecure and had panic attack! The worst hotel experience I have ever had. I am quite experienced traveler and this had never happened to me. Since the beginning we cooperated as possible as we could with the situation but since then, we (the victims) were treated as if we were wrong being that but the mistake was totally from the hotel. Even now I'm pretty scared and panicked! We thought about calling the tourist police but we had only a few hours left in the city so we had to give up. It was a case of violence, harassment and mistreatment that I do not wish on anyone else, so I can not recommend this...

The staff were unhelpful and rude. I walked past and saw they were on the water so I decided to stop in for dessert. It took them at least 15 minutes to give me a menu. When they came by I told the waiter my order (not the cheapest dessert on the menu FYI) and they asked if I just wanted dessert, I said for now since I was hoping to get a mixer after and the waiter argued with me about eating there, then abruptly left without saying anything, and didn't take my order. Someone else eventually came by and explained that I would be charged a COVER charge of 3€ for eating there, so I left since they were being so judgemental and rude.

Now I can understand them being upset with someone occupying a table for something smaller during peak hours, but it was well after lunch around 3 and there were tables still available. At the least, they could have taken the time to explain why that'd be an issue and not get haughty with me.

Simply put, the service was slow, rude, and pushy. And made me so upset that I took the time to write...

Fantastic stay! All the staff were so warm and friendly and really made our stay. The communal areas were cosy and cute. The rooms were as expected in a 3* hotel; beds were comfortable, shutters kept it nice & dark and the environment was peaceful. Rooms at the front have a full canal view and across to Guidecca. Our room (#7) was on the side but still had a partial canal view. Location wise it was perfect. A couple of minutes on foot to the Grand Canal, surrounded by water and riverboat services and yet quiet and peaceful. Breakfasts (which were incl. for us) were filling and yummy. Each morning we were served with hot drinks & juices, fresh bread & croissants with jams, butter, honey & Nutella. We were also served prosciutto, cheese, bacon and eggs too. A great way to start the day for sure. As with everything else...breakfasts were served with a warm smile, and even a birthday song, cake & candle when the staff realised it was one of our birthdays. 5* service in a 3* hotel. Will return to this hotel on our next trip...