Located in heart
of Venice, five minutes' walk from San Marco Square
Set in 17th
century townhouse with many period features
Free basic breakfast served daily
Classically
Venetian-style interior design
Private landing
stage from canal
High-level rooms
with views over Venice
Most rooms
overlook the canal, some with original frescos
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Interiors may
feel a little old fashioned to some
Some bathrooms in
need of update
Bit away from
nearest water taxi
Occasional odors from the canal (a common issue throughout Venice)
The Duodo
Palace Hotel is a 38-room, canal-side property set in the touristic center
of Venice. The location is great for exploring the city's main attractions,
and direct access to and from the waterways is a real plus. It's set in a historic 17th century palazzo with some original features in tact, such as the hearth in the Fireplace Room and frescoed ceilings in some guest rooms. Breakfast is included, though not very impressive. Interiors are
very typically classical Venetian, which may not appeal to all, and rooms can
feel a little dated. But if traditional is your thing, rates are certainly
competitive for an upper-middle-range hotel of this ilk in the heart of Venice.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Candy-cane mooring poles lead to world of Old Venice
Entrance to the Duodo
Palace Hotel is either through a discreet street side doorway and a set of
nicely aged wooden doors, or -- more glamorously -- on the canal side between
two typically Venetian candy-cane mooring poles marking its private landing
stage. Both entrances lead guests into the lobby area and to a world of traditional
Venice, where checked marble floors, flocked damask wallpaper, and rococo-style
furnishings are illuminated by pair of elegant Murano chandeliers. A handsome
polished dark-wood reception desk also harks back to another time, with its
centerpiece clock and tasseled key fobs, while evidence of the building's 17th
century heritage can be seen in its ancient exposed beams and exposed original
brickwork. The interiors are unwaveringly traditional Old Venice and the
ambience is hushed and formal, appealing largely to middle-aged and older
couples keen to really immerse themselves in classical Venice.
Location
Set in the heart of Venice, five minutes' walk from San Marco Square
The hotel has
an excellent central location in the San Marco District, five minutes' walk
from iconic square of the same name. Most of Venice's main attractions are
well with walking distance, including Rialto Bridge and Palazzo Ducale both
within about 10 minutes on foot, and the Teatro La Fenice is just around the corner.
In the surrounding area are some of the city's best restaurants and luxury
boutiques, though the nearest vaporetto stop, San Marco Vallaresso, is several bridges away from the
hotel -- not ideal with heavy luggage. The hotel, however, has landing stage
for a private water taxi with direct access to the lobby. Like almost all hotels in Venice, there's no parking here.
Rooms
Super-traditionally styled rooms, some with original ceiling frescos
The hotel has 38
rooms, all of which are traditionally Venetian in style with flocked patterned
wallpaper, tasseled drapery, and modernized classical furnishings. Deluxe
rooms have original frescoed ceilings while top-floor room offer panoramic
views of the city's rooftops and canals below. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Some bathrooms look a little dated, but all are finished in marble with shower/tub combos and wall-mounted hairdryers -- Suites
also include robes and slippers. No netting on windows means mosquitos
can be an issue. Also typical for Venice, lower-level
rooms may experience the occasional whiff of canal water.
Features
Free cold buffet breakfast and cozy lounge with original well
There is no
restaurant at the hotel, but a cold buffet breakfast is served that is included
in the rate (cooked-to-order is extra). A small, wood paneled bar serves drinks
into the evening, and there's a cozy lounge with the building's
original well. Free Wi-Fi is available
throughout, and there is also an Internet corner available for guests' use.
