Charming House IQs

Canal waters lap gently against the IQs Charming House’s entrance, marked by a lovely arched doorway with wooden doors and a private jetty. The stylish and modern -- albeit small -- lobby features brick walls, exposed wooden-beam ceilings, dark wood accents, soft lighting, and background music. The guesthouse appeals to couples and families who are willing to pay extra for privacy, contemporary furnishings, and in-room kitchenettes. Given that the hotel only has four suites and an apartment, there aren’t large common areas and facilities for guests. There is, however, a lovely Gothic-style courtyard, which lacks furniture but has a well in its center and a few green palms.

The IQs Charming House is located in the Dorsoduro district, a quieter, artsy, less touristy neighborhood that's home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (a one-minute walk away) and Gallerie dell'Accademia (a three-minute walk a way). The hotel’s staff can arrange a water taxi to pick guests up at the private jetty, situated at the lobby entrance. It’s about a 15-minute walk to Saint Mark's Square, Saint Mark's Basilica, and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Guests can also take a water taxi part of the way instead of walking over the Ponte dell'Accademia to shave a few minutes off the trip. Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal is a 20-minute walk away. 

The hotel offers four suites with stylish modern furnishings, flat-screen TVs, living rooms/dining areas, exposed wooden ceiling beams, modern artwork, animal print decor, and stunning canal views, but the dim lighting might not be to everyone's taste. Features include safes, CD/DVD players (on request), Nespresso machines, and tea kettles. Stainless steel kitchenettes offer mini-fridges, dishwashers, sinks, and ovens, and some have two-burner stoves. Bathrooms have sleek, contemporary fixtures, bathrobes, slippers, bidets, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. A free continental breakfast is delivered to suites every morning. There’s also a two-bedroom apartment run by the hotel in a separate building by the Piazza San Marco.

A small, cozy lounge offers two modern cushioned chairs, a bookshelf with reading materials, and a stereo system -- and it looks right out on the canal. A wooden doorway on one side of the hotel leads over a bridge to a brick-lined terrace, another good spot for watching boats float by. Concierge services including massage and water taxi bookings, as well as laundry services that can be arranged through the front desk. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and is the daily breakfast served to guests' rooms.