Hotel Al Sole

Hotel Al Sole had a noble beginning as a 15th-century palace belonging to the Marcello family and remains within the family to this day. Nods to its past include the striking castle-like exterior with lots of small arched windows and red brickwork. Large flags with the hotel’s own lion emblem, given to them by the King in the late 1400s, also adorn the hotel’s facade. Inside the lobby, walls are the same pink-red color of the brickwork outside, and large glass doors make the most of the canal-side location and rear courtyard. Historic details include original tiles, wooden beans, and imposing stone columns in the dark and atmospheric bar. Though the lobby and bar are warm and attractive, the breakfast area is plain and underwhelming. There isn’t much seating in the lobby, and as a result guests can usually be found at the hotel bar or one of the local restaurants nearby (the hotel lacks its own). Rates are competitive -- especially for the San Polo area -- but leisure travelers looking to spend time in San Marco can expect long walks or water bus rides.  

Hotel Al Sole sits in what’s considered one of San Polo’s more traditional and authentic areas. There are numerous family-run trattorias and bacari within a five-minute walk of the hotel, and the ever-popular Bacareto Da Lele, which has something of a legendary status in this neighborhood, is a two-minute walk away. Guests are just a five-minute walk from Piazzale Roma, which is the main bus terminal in Venice. The closest water bus stop is S. Toma’ DX, which is a seven-minute walk away from the hotel. This is the stop you’ll travel from if you’re trying to reach the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and the Doge’s Palace. It takes around eight minutes to reach the Rialto Bridge from this stop and 12 minutes to get to St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. For trips to The Bridge of Sighs and Ca’ Pesaro Museum of Modern Art, which both take about 20 minutes from the hotel by water bus or walking, it’s best to leave your luggage at the property. Marco Polo Airport is 25 minutes away by bus from Piazzale Roma.

The 51 rooms here are a bit of a let-down compared to the more charming common spaces, and the most impressive features are the gorgeous canal and courtyard views that are found in the Superior Doubles. Interiors consist of a mixture of tiled and carpeted floors, rust or murky green colored simple furniture, plus generic bedspreads, and rattan chairs which look more suited to the outdoors. The mostly red palette is reserved for the older rooms, while newer rooms have a more pleasing green-gray shade and fabric chairs. Beds are firm, and even the Deluxe Rooms are low on seating. The small spaces in the Classic Rooms and modest wardrobes could make these a tight squeeze for couples.  Amenities include small flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges a basic selection of soft drinks, air-conditioning, telephones, safes, and wardrobes. Wi-Fi is free, although there are some complaints of spotty connections. Small bathrooms are clean, with heated towel racks and standard showers, or tubs with overhead showers. Old-fashioned hairdryers are provided, although these aren’t uncommon in Venice. 

The hotel’s garden is certainly a draw for guests. It’s visible from the lobby and looks spectacular, even out of season. Guests have priority here and can enjoy breakfast outside in the warmer months, or have drinks in the evening, but don’t expect a lively atmosphere. This is a tranquil spot, rather than an alfresco party place, with pretty outdoor seating and lots of hanging trees. The bar area is equally attractive, although bizarrely seems to have outdoor furniture as well. Ample seating, low ceilings with wooden beams, colorful floor tiles, stone columns and exposed walls, make this a great place for drinks or a bar snack in the evening, if only the atmosphere was a little more vibrant. There are no meeting rooms, but guests have access to a computer in the lobby area and Wi-Fi is free. A continental breakfast buffet is available, though previous guests have expressed a wish for more options.