Arlecchino Hotel

The Arlecchino Hotel is a simple, straightforward Venetian hotel, perched on the edge of a canal criss-crossed by picturesque pedestrian bridges. There are no common areas where guests can gather, and the rooms are tiny. The Arlecchino isn't in the center of town, but is convenient to the central bus and train stations and the passenger ship port. The hotel feels like a waystation, a quick stop, rather than a home base for tourists or business travelers, who will likely find the quarters cramped. The small reception area has a tufted leather desk and a plethora of mirrored surfaces, with a cool vintage key cabinet behind the front desk. The unfussy Arlecchino has its own (perhaps unintentional) quirky character, but is more of a stop on a journey than a stopping place.

The Arlecchino Hotel sits out of central Venice, at the edge of a picturesque canal, just a few minutes' walk from Piazzale Roma Square, site of the city’s central bus station, as well as the local ferry and cruise ship port. The Venezia Santa Lucia train station is a 10-minute walk. The immediate area is filled with low-end souvenir shops and tourist bars, but the Arlecchino is within walking distance of Campo Santa Margherita Square, with its bars, restaurants, shops, and, in the mornings, a small traditional fish market. San Rocco Museum and the Basilica dei Frari are a 10-minute walk, as is the Grand Canal. While the hotel may not be right next door to the top attractions in Venice, the city is small and most attractions can be easily reached on foot for those who don't mind getting a little exercise -- St. Mark's Square is about a 30-minute walk. 

Rooms at the Arlecchino Hotel are clean but tiny with large gilded mirrors and busy wallpaper. The bright spaces have antique touches, period millwork, and Venetian color schemes using tulip reds, periwinkle, and striped fabrics. Bathrooms are cramped (but include bidets); in some, towels have to be moved aside to make room around the toilet. Some rooms have pretty canal views, but, in exchange, get noise, particularly in the evenings. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite service, minibars, in-room safes, and free toiletries; hairdryers are attached to the wall. Rooms offer little closet space. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

The Arlecchino Hotel offers a free buffet breakfast each morning, prettily set out in their bright breakfast room, furnished with gold trimmed white chairs, brass chandeliers and sconces, and linen-covered tables. Room service is available during limited hours. There is no on-site parking, but the front desk staff will assist guests in arranging a spot in a nearby garage. This is an extremely rare convenience in Venice, which is almost entirely pedestrian-only, and made possible by the hotel's location near the bus terminal. There are laundry facilities at the hotel. Wi-Fi throughout is free.