Hotel Gorizia A La Valigia

The Gorizia a la Valigia is one among many of Venice's old-school budget and mid-range hotels that pack the city center. Interiors here are classic, though in this case it all feels a bit gaudy and dated. Even so, the lobby at least provides a place to view the historic valigia -- a suitcase that was adorned by a group of artists in 1947 and now sits enshrined in a glass case by the window. While the decor is old-fashioned and won't be to everyone's tastes, the hotel is right in the middle of the city. Given its compact nature, it's no surprise that couples are the most frequent visitors here, with families and groups of friends also taking advantage of the central location and rooms that sleep up to four. 

The Gorizia a la Valigia has a fantastic location that's only a three-minute walk from Piazza San Marco and five minutes on foot from the Bridge of Sighs. The surrounding streets and canals are packed with stores and restaurants -- as well as seas of tourists. The Grand Canal is just five minutes away on foot, and can famously be viewed from the foot of the Rialto Bridge, only a five-minute walk from the hotel. A trip to the Rialto Market will only take eight minutes on foot, and there are several vaporetto stops nearby. The largest and most impressive gondola stop in Venice, Bacino Orseolo -- a mecca for photographers -- is just a three-minute walk away from the hotel's front door. It's a 15-minute water taxi ride to the main train station, and a water taxi ride to Venice Marco Polo Airport will take around 70 minutes. 

Like many rooms in central Venice, the offerings here are typically limited and the overall style is classic, verging on tacky. Details include a huge amount of exuberantly patterned wallpaper plus curtains and bedspreads in bold colors, and carpet or vinyl flooring. Some rooms have more modern furniture and exposed wooden beams, but most are outfitted with antique furniture, and the riot of colors and patterns won't be to everyone's tastes. Some larger units feature small seating areas, and all have modern amenities like flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Seasonal air-conditioning is available, but it's only turned on at the discretion of the management. A few rooms have small terraces with views of the St. Mark's bell tower. Bathrooms are small and counter space is limited, but each has a shower/tub combo and bidet, plus a heated towel rail. Decor in some might be a little much for some visitors -- with boldly contrasting fully tiled units in some rooms -- but all are well-maintained. Wall-mounted hairdryers and free toiletries are provided. 

The hotel has few features, with its easy access to major sights being the main draw of a stay here. A free breakfast buffet is served each morning in the cozy breakfast room, and offers a range of foods, such as meats, cheeses, pastries, cereals, tea, coffee, and fresh juices. Service can get a bit crowded. There's also a small bar, and free tea and coffee are available throughout the day. Gorizia a la Valigia has a 24-hour front desk, a single computer terminal for guests to use, and fax and photocopy services. Room service is available, as is a concierge service and luggage storage, and the hotel can assist with tickets and tour bookings. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.