Hotel Santa Chiara — Hotel in Venice

We decided to stay at La Chiara by way of a friends recommendation. Thanks to them, or Venice stay was extra special. From the bell men, front desk, and wait staff, excellence is their target, and they center the arrows. Upon our initial arrival, we were shown a room. A very nice suite, but it wasn't what we expected since we had pictures from our friend and asked if they could move us. Not even a blink and we had that room. I know it wasn't as easy as they made it seem, but they were so nice about any and everything, this is just an example. At one point we were exploring the hotel and came upon their rooftop deck with a locked door. The people in the office next to it asked if we'd like to go out and see the deck and enjoy the view. They brought someone up, had them escort us and let us hang out as long as we wanted. Always accommodating, never even a hint that we were making unusual requests. The room was fantastic, the bed very good. Our view was perfect, but I know not all the rooms have as good a view, so you might ask when booking for upper floors, facing the Grand Canal. They are they only hotel in Venice that offers secure parking at the hotel. It is a very unique car elevator and has size restrictions which presented no problems for our economy sized touring rental. The staff have a vast treasure trove of information and two of the three behind the counter had around 20 years experience at Santa Chiara, so you are in experience and expert hands. The Hotel put us on the most incredible boat taxi, very luxurious and fun for a trip to the Glass Blowing Island one morning. This should not be missed. The glass blowing was world class, but the boat ride there, unforgettable. The taxi was as luxurious as any limo I've been in. The tight canals, the wiggle waggle hand waves by our driver to his friends, the jostling of the boats as they navigate the shrinking clearances under the canal bridges makes for a fantastic ride. To get back, you have to take the boat ferries available every fifteen minutes or so, and it pays to read the schedule and stopping points before getting aboard. We loved our stay at Hotel Santa Chiara and highly, and confidently recommend staying here if you...

First the good - this hotel is well located for connections via train or bus. Especially for early morning flights as the bus station is right around the corner. Something we didn't realize, but was a benefit of the location. Also, the breakfast is pretty decent, and was included with our room. The evening receptionist and morning bell man were also very kind.

Now for the not so good. The bathrooms are a bit dated and cleanliness was iffy. But the big issue was the room allocation. I booked the hotel specifically because the room was advertised as having a canal view. Not the grand canal, but a smaller canal. When we checked in, our room had no view of a canal and somehow we ended up with one of the only rooms in all of venice that overlooks a bus station!

Thinking there must have been a mistake, I went to reception and was told that that was in fact a canal view room. Furthermore, they were fully booked for the night, so there was nothing that could be done. The evening receptionist was sympathetic however, saying he understood my concern and doesn't really think there is a view either, but that is what the room is advertised as. He suggested talking to the hotel manager in the morning.

Well, the next morning we went down to speak to the hotel manager, and he was VERY smug and rude. He insisted the room had a canal view. I showed him pictures from the room (attached to this post) and he said yes, see there is the canal - you can determine for yourself if that is what I am looking at.

After significant argument with him, I was offered a different room a floor higher. Long story short, we accepted the offer and for the last night we had the canal view we expected (that picture should be obvious - posted as well).

Moral of the story. Be very careful when booking here if you are expecting a canal view. Be prepared to argue, and know that the manager is not overly pleasant.

Also, for $550 per night, you would think that they could include shampoo and conditioner, no? Not just a basic hair and bodywash bottle. Small detail, but says...

The location is right next to the main bus / water taxi stop, hence a little crowded and noisy at all times - but if you don’t mind that the location is absolutely perfect. We did not have an issue with that. The tourists information centre right next to the hotel is the best in the area (run by the governing body by the looks) and that gives a point to the hotel’s location too.

As soon as we entered the hotel the staff greeted us well and checked us in smoothly and the staff helped us with the luggages to the room too.

As soon as we entered the room, of course the 1st thing my 4yr old wanted to do was use the toilet. And the flush wouldn’t work.

We went right back to the reception and informed and staff said she will organise someone to look at it. Then we asked for an alternative solution until it’s fixed and we were directed to a toilet on ground floor.

Then we went out for a walk and for a bite, returned to the hotel 2hrs later to find out that no one has attended the toilets yet. We said we need it immediately done and then the person who was going to fix it said if he couldn’t fix it, it will be done the following morning. We firmly said if it’s not fixed right now we needed another room. Luckily the guy got the half-flush working (which had to be re-fixed for our last night too.).

The shower was in the bath tub and my 4yr old asked if she could have a bath in the tub. But the drain stopper was too small for the drain opening and we decided no. Lucky it was too small in size otherwise we’ll be waiting for 3 days for the water to drain out if tub was filled. It was draining water so slow that me, my wife and my daughter had to leave around 5-7 min windows between showers - enough time for water to drain out. Room loses points big times.

Breakfast, yes it’s included in the package - but not breakfast buffet - have to order from a limited menu and wait for 15mins or so to get the food in front of you - one by one.

And water in the minibar - not...