Le Boulevard Hotel

Originally built as a palace, Le Boulevard was restored and opened as a hotel in 2004. Despite being fairly young in Venetian terms, you might be surprised to find interiors tricked out in the same stuffy, classic style that plagues almost all mid-range hotels in this part of Italy. The lobby is charming but dated, with terra-cotta tile floors and lots of space to read and relax. Comfortable furniture in greens and pinks is arranged around the space and a plethora of artwork covers the walls. The bar is spacious, and there are two breakfast rooms, though no proper full-service restaurant and limited extras. The hotel mainly draws couples looking to stay near the beach or save on off-season rates compared to central Venice properties. Friends and families also pass through on occasion. 

Le Boulevard is located on the beach island of Lido, with many restaurants, bars, and shops within easy walking distance. It's only five minutes on foot to the beach. The Palazzo del Cinema -- used for Venice Film Festival viewings -- is approximately four minutes away by car or cab. Most visitors here will want to head into central Venice at some point, and the ferry terminal is a four-minute walk away. From there, expect a 20- to 25-minute ride into central Venice, including the area around Piazza San Marco. Getting to the airports will require a bit of extra time. Expect an 80-minute trip via water taxi to reach Marco Polo Airport and 90 minutes to reach Venice Treviso airport by combining boats and cars. Driving is allowed on the Lido, but the island is only connected to the mainland by ferry.

Le Boulevard has 54 traditionally decorated rooms that -- like most mid-range properties in Venice -- are quite old-fashioned. They're clean, and include details like vinyl flooring and plain color walls enhanced with artwork depicting local scenes. Boldly patterned bedspreads don't do much to upgrade the style, and furniture comes in dark hues. Standard features include minibars, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, and free Wi-Fi. There are no terraces or tea- and coffee-making facilities, but rooms are bright and airy and storage space is good. Bathrooms are fully tiled, though space is can be tight in some, with awkwardly placed sinks and toilets that make access problematic in some units. All bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, and heated towel racks. Counter space is limited, and the tiled decor in larger units will not be to everyone's tastes. Wall-mounted hairdryers and toiletries are provided. 

The hotel has a few decent features, with a spacious lobby with lots of nooks for reading and relaxing. The bar has padded booth-style seating, and a smattering of cane chairs and tables across the tile floor. There are two breakfast rooms, which are boldly decorated (to say the least), but buffets are served here each morning. Please note that this is not included in the nightly rates. No other meals are served on-site. Le Boulevard has a 24-hour front desk, two computer terminals in the lobby, and offers a fax and photocopy services. Luggage storage, concierge and room service, and shoeshines are also available, and the hotel can assist with tickets and tour bookings. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.