Hotel Splendid, Venice Review

In a city renowned for its classical beauty, is there a niche for a contemporary hotel ?

Set within the main tourist area of Venice, the recently refurbished Hotel Splendid offers a cool, modern space to escape from the heat and noise of the busy thoroughfares. Boasting 165 rooms, the hotel retains the intimacy and personal service of a smaller boutique hotel, whilst dealing efficiently with the wealth of visitors that pass though each year.

Arriving exhausted from the Venetian heat, our family were treated to courteous service and thankfully, a porter to take our cases to our room. Or should I say, rooms. We were lucky enough to be provided with a suite that made our stay in Venice really memorable.

The rooms are decorated in a style in keeping with the classic surroundings. The soft furnishings in gold and terracotta hues and the walls adorned with 18th century views of the canals set the tone, and the entrance to each room is framed by mock Roman pillars. But by far the best aspect is the vista from the private balcony across the small backwater canal. The perfect place to sit with a glass of wine, looking down upon the gondolas floating past in the evening sunshine. The rooms were cool and the beds comfortable, and the heavy glass and shutters ensured we were not disturbed by night-time noise.

Breakfast did not disappoint; some tables provide a view over the canal, where one can sip coffee and observe the hustle and bustle of the morning trade taking place on the water. The service was friendly and efficient, again with an intimacy that is pleasantly refreshing in a hotel of this size. The choice on offer satisfied all of our tastes, with cold meats, cheeses, juices and cereals as well as the more traditional cooked breakfast options. The maitre d` took the trouble to come and speak to the children and offer them hot chocolate, which they were delighted with.

Another major selling point of the Hotel Splendid is its fantastic location. Its position between the main tourist attractions of St Mark`s Square and the Rialto Bridge means that both take 5 minutes to walk to. This is a welcome relief in Venice`s intense heat with small children .The hotel provides a cool, calm haven that allows one to both access the sights and sounds, yet retreat from them too. Its location should ensure that visitors come, and its friendly, efficient service that they choose to return. It is an aptly named hotel that does Venice proud.