In the heart of Venice across from St. Mark’s Square
Private water landing with gondolas docked outside in Orseolo Basin
Bar and à la carte snack bar
Free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items
Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels in rooms
Structure and room interiors in need of updates
Small rooms with dated furniture
Wi-Fi limited to one user
Limited on-site amenities; no full restaurant
The Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo is in an excellent location across from both St. Mark’s Square and the Hard Rock Café on the Orseolo Basin. The 107-room 14th century, mid-range hotel is a basic option, with slightly dated furnishings and small rooms. Still, it's one of the most affordable options in this touristy area, there are a few attractive historical touches, and some guests feel that the rooms are nice enough. Those willing to stay farther from St. Mark’s Square will find that they can get much nicer accommodations at the Carnival Palace Hotel for around the same price.
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Scene
Outdated hotel with gondola station in front
Gondolas are docked just outside the door in the hotel’s private water landing in Orseolo Basin, and several windows and terraces in common areas provide level views of the canal. An old-fashioned hotel key cabinet stands behind the front desk. The classic Venetian-style decor throughout the hotel feels outdated in areas rather than charmingly historical. In the lobby, large mirrors cover much of the walls and a tube-style TV sits on a small desk. There’s a big breakfast room full of wooden tables and chairs where a free hot and cold breakfast buffet is served. The bar is in an open room with tapestry rugs, club chairs, marble floors and more mirrors.
Location
Across from St. Mark’s Square on Orseolo Basin
The Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo has an amazing location across from St. Mark’s Square. The square is full of shops and restaurants and is one of the most popular destinations in Venice. There is a private water landing just outside the hotel and across the canal is the Hard Rock Café. Other popular sights are all within walking distance including the Grand Canal, the Goldoni Theater and la Fenice Theater.
Rooms
Several rooms with canal views, though furnishings are showing wear
Rooms with canal views are worth the extra cost, as guests love the view of gondolas docked just outside. Bathrooms are marble with tub/shower combinations and towel warmers. Some of the rooms have white walls and simple decor and some have colorful wallpaper and bedspreads. All rooms have minibars, safes, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and free Wi-Fi, but the hotel only provides a password for one device per room. Like the rest of the hotel, the classically decorated rooms -- which are generally on the small side -- show wear and could use an update.
Features
Private water landing and on-site bar
There is a private water landing just outside the Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo where guests can pay to take a gondola ride down the canal. The hotel has a breakfast room where a hot and cold buffet is served, a bar on-site and a snack bar, but no full restaurant. There is a meeting room and business center for a fee for business travelers, and valet and babysitting services are also available for a fee.
