Hotel Montecarlo

The Hotel Montecarlo is a standard mid-range Venice hotel with cozy common areas, that feel a bit fresher and more modern than rooms. The hotel’s central location and affordable rooms attracts mostly couples, but also some families. The lobby features a few plush red velvet chairs and a large map of the Venetian island covers one wall. Two double-glass wooden framed doors lead out onto a Venice side street. There's also an elevator. The hotel's bar has the same plush red velvet chairs as found in the lobby along with palm frond patterned wallpaper and colorful Murano light fixtures that combine to create a homey atmosphere. The breakfast room is similarly furnished, with the same wallpaper as found in the bar, plus blue carpets, traditional wood furniture, Murano glass fixtures, and a large buffet table with two commercial-grade coffee machines. Tables are close together, which makes the area feel cramped.

The Hotel Montecarlo is located on Calle Specchieri, a busy street lined with restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The Antico Pignolo Restaurant, believed to date back to the year 1200, is right next door. It’s a quick two-minute walk to Saint Mark’s Square and its famous Basilica. The Doge's Palace is a four-minute walk from the hotel. The closest vaporetto (water bus) stop is the Vallaresso San Marco, six minutes away on foot. The Rialto Bridge is also a six-minute walk away and La Fenice Opera House takes seven minutes. Getting to the airport takes just over an hour by vaporetto.

The Montecarlo offers Single, Double, and Triple Rooms, all with traditional patterned wallpaper, Murano glass fixtures, and ornate white-and-gold faux-antique furniture that can feel a bit dated. Some rooms are very small. All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safes, bathrobes, slippers, minibars, and writing desks, and a few even have small balconies with street views. Kettles and irons are available on request. Bathrooms are standard and clean, and have bidets and either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. Note that room keys must be checked in and out at the front desk, although this practice is common in Venice. 

Amenities are limited at the Hotel Montecarlo, but include free Wi-Fi and a small desk with a computer for guest use. There's also a homey reading room and the lounge has a flat-screen TV for guests who want a break from their rooms. There's no restaurant, but there is a cozy bar and a free buffet breakfast of baked goods, cereals, and coffee.