Hotel Belle Arti

Hotel Belle Arti blends seamlessly into this warm street of faded orange houses and small restaurants. Outside, there are attractive wrought-iron gates and hanging lanterns, behind which is a long modern veranda with slick black outdoor furniture. Beyond the veranda is a pretty garden with seating arranged around an ornate water feature. Inside, unfortunately, there’s little of the chic organic style found outdoors. Though the lobby has clusters of seating, low ceilings and basic furniture deter guests from spending much time here and as a result, there’s not much of an atmosphere. The breakfast room isn’t much more appealing, with the same generic red color scheme, low ceilings, and cheap seating.  

Hotel Belle Arti sits in what’s regarded as one of the hippest neighborhoods in Venice: Dorsoduro. There are numerous artists and students milling around, and the relaxed vibe appeals to those wanting to experience a more authentic Venice. That being said, it’s still only a short walk to some major landmarks. Guests are opposite the beautiful Accademia Belle Arte, which houses artworks by Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto. Similarly, close by, at just a four-minute walk away, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a favorite amongst tourists. It’s here that the American heiress's private collection of modern artwork is displayed. A seven-minute walk takes guests to Santa Maria della Salute, an ancient church which has inspired many artists like J.M.W. Turner. It’s here that Venetians give thanks to the Virgin Mary for stopping the plague which broke out in 1630 and killed over 150,000 Venetians. The quickest way to get to Saint Mark’s Square is a 12-minute journey via the water bus, which guests can pick up at the nearby Accademia DX stop. It takes just three minutes longer to walk from the hotel and you’ll take in some other churches on the way. Marco Polo Airport takes around 45 minutes to get to. Guests can either walk to Piazzale Roma bus terminal or get a water bus, then it’s a short airport bus ride. 

The 65 rooms are similarly styled in a classic Venetian way, with matching bedspreads, walls, and curtains. Interiors consist of rigid blue and gold or red and gold color palettes, with white vintage bedside tables and delicate pink detailing. The white headboards and matching desks come as a welcome relief from the busy fabrics and competing hues, though these are similarly fussy. Beds are simple, and all rooms have at least one armchair. The Triple Rooms have large, but dated, sofas. The desks are small and hardly fit for purpose, so business travelers will struggle here. Amenities include satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, telephones, and wardrobes. Simple, but clean, bathrooms exclusively have showers, as well as branded toiletries from sister hotel, Belle Epoque, and hairdryers. The general consensus among guests is that bathrooms need updating. Some rooms have picturesque views of the neighborhood.

The hotel’s features are limited to an average continental buffet served in the plain breakfast room, and an attractive garden with ample seating. The breakfast is a fairly standard selection of pastries, cereals, and fruits, though past guests have complained that the quality isn’t the best. The breakfast room itself is spacious and clean, though it lacks any real design flair and isn’t somewhere guests like to linger. Breakfast can be served in the rooms, but for an additional fee. Outside offers a tranquil garden and shaded veranda, which was teeming with guests during our visit. The reception can assist guests with booking tours and tickets, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.