Hotel da Bruno

The Hotel da Bruno is a family-run hotel that has been in the same family for three generations. The owners take pride in welcoming guests from all over the world and going out of their way to create a home away from home. Like many of it's neighboring hotels, the style here is utterly traditional, with classic period details, though the overall effect is charming rather than fussy or outdated. Sliding glass doors lead guests into the cozy lobby area where a curved wooden reception desk greets them. There are leather armchairs, an ornate Murano glass mirror, and some tourist information leaflets on display. Due to its size and central Venice location, there's not much space for socializing here, and the vibe is decidedly laid-back -- it's best used as a base for recharging to explore Venice. The hotel attracts a range of visitors, though the majority are families, couples, and small groups of friends.

The hotel is located right in the heart of Venice's city's historical center, in the bustling Castello district, just over a canal from the San Marco neighborhood. It’s an ideal base for exploring Venice on foot, as the iconic Piazza San Marco is just a five-minute walk away. Another of Venice’s most famous sights, the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal, is also just a five-minute walk from the hotel, as is the Rialto Vaporetto stop. Other nearby attractions include the Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo, only a five-minute walk, and La Fenice theatre, a 10-minute walk. The immediate neighborhood is also filled with restaurants and shops, making it pleasant area in which to stroll. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach by walking and using water taxis, and Aeroporto Marco Polo Di Venezia is around 50 minutes away.

The 30 guest rooms at the Hotel da Bruno are furnished in typical Venetian style, with decorative detailing on the furniture plus glass and mirrors made on Murano Island. The decor is mainly elegant shades of cream, oyster, and blue-gray, and rooms have heavy Venetian drapes and wooden laminate flooring. Damask wallpaper and striped bedspreads do their bit to amplify the classic look as well. The nicest rooms -- like the Double Room and Second Triple Room that we visited -- have wood-beam ceilings that lend a touch of classic charm to the spaces. Furniture all has antique silhouettes and includes velvet-upholstered chairs in some rooms, but we did spot noticeable wear on some pieces.

Rooms are available in a variety of categories that sleep anywhere from one to four people. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, and a few rooms include a balcony or terrace. Many of the en-suite bathrooms are on the small side, and most have a shower cubicle, but no bath. Some of the rooms face the main Salizzada San Lio, which is a lively street, while others have interior views or face the picturesque Calle del Paradiso or Calle del Frutarol.

The hotel includes a daily buffet breakfast in the room rate, which is served in the informal dining room. Fare includes standard continental options like hard-boiled eggs, pastries, and a selection of cold meats. Wi-Fi is also free throughout the property, and a free daily newspaper is provided as well. Pets are welcome, and those traveling with young children are well catered for as cribs and high chairs can be provided. The hotel also provides a check-in drink on arrival, and staff are always on-hand to help guests with advice and bookings for restaurants, museums, concerts, gondola rides, the theatre, and excursions to the Laguna islands and Venetian villas. There's currently no elevator in the building, but the owners are planning to install one soon.