Hotel Concordia

This family-run hotel makes a charming impression right off the bat, and it only gets better as you step inside. This 17th-century property blends in with the bustling area, as there are shops and boutiques on the ground floor, and the facade is lined with flowers blooming in window boxes. Once inside, the church bells of St. Mark's Basilica are still audible, setting the atmospheric tone for a stay here. While the reception area is merely functional and won't win any style points, things are far more elegant elsewhere in the hotel. In fact, many of the common areas and the rooms are done in a classic style that's convincingly upmarket, a nice contrast to the often dowdy and worn historic hotels in this part of the city. A lovely lounge area is outfitted with elegant plush seating, plus sharp details like cozy throw rugs, and an attractive color scheme that alternates sober dark colors with creams and whites. This refined style makes this a solid bet for the area, and the majority of guests here are couples and families. 

This hotel is situated in the heart of Venice, just a one-minute walk around the corner from St. Mark's Square, which is home to the iconic basilica of the same name as well as the city's famous bell tower. In fact, you can see the basilica from the windows of some rooms, and its bells are audible throughout the day. Otherwise, there's plenty to do nearby, as the area is packed with restaurants, bars, and shops. It's also packed with tourists, so be prepared for crowds. Expect a five-minute walk to sights like the Rialto Bridge. For destinations that are farther afield, the S. Zaccaria (Jolanda) water taxi stop is about a five-minute walk away. It will take about 15 minutes to reach the famous Peggy Guggenheim Collection by walking and vaporetto. Budget an hour or so to reach Venice Marco Polo Airport by water taxi. 

Rooms are all different, but they share a rich, elegant style, with antique Venetian furniture, subtly patterned wallpaper, plush fabrics, and Murano glass chandeliers. It's a convincingly local look rooted in history, and is far nicer than at many of the older hotels in the St. Mark's area. Sharp hand-painted details contrast the mostly neutral color schemes of chocolate and taupe. Just a bit of soft-hued art hangs on the walls in gilded frames. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free WI-Fi, minibars, and safes. Keep in mind that there are no electric kettles for coffee or tea. Some rooms have balconies with views of St. Mark's Square and the basilica, and two suites have private terraces. Lovely bathrooms are lined with marble and natural stone. They come with bidets, hairdryers, toiletries, and towel warmers. Some have showers only, and others have shower/tub combos. Suites feature corner tubs large enough for two persons. Robes and slippers are provided. Keep in mind that the central location comes with tradeoffs, and most street-facing rooms will pick up pedestrian noise from below.

Like most of its competition, there aren't too many features here, though what's on offer is well-liked -- including the restaurant, La Piazzetta. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on fresh, seasonal cuisine. The space is elegant, yet cozy, with plush velvet chairs, wooden tables, rich drapery, and burl wood paneled walls. The bar and lounge is open around-the-clock, and room service is available 24 hours a day. Keep in mind that breakfast isn't free, and has both hot and cold options. A meeting room can accommodate up to 20 people, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.