Hotel Dalla Mora

Originally a residential building, the 16th-century building was turned into a value hotel by brothers Francesco and Alessandro in 1980. Family-run since then, there's a homey air about the property, though that also means it's a little rough around the edges. Decor is limited, but includes scuffed wooden furnishings, tile floors, and marbled accent pieces and walls. The breakfast room completes the impression, with wooden beams and a hutched sideboard that feels like home. Artwork that's handpicked by the owners adorns the dining room and lobby walls. A romantic terrace overlooking the canal is the Hotel Dalla Mora's prettiest feature, with terra-cotta tiles and potted plants that creep charmingly around the terrace's edge. In general, the two-pearl hotel's atmosphere is no-frills, but its low prices and calming atmosphere attracts a plethora of tourists without breaking the bank.

The Santa Croce district includes Piazzale Roma and the main docking point for all cruises, and serves as an entrance to the city of Venice. The tourist sights are located on the neighborhood's eastern side, including the small shopping streets on which the two-pearl hotel is located. Hotel Dalla Mora is a seven-minute walk from Piazzale Roma and 10 minutes from Santa Lucia Station, making it popular for tourists who prefer to be near public transportation. The Tolentini is a three-minute walk away, but many of Venice's more popular destinations, like St. Mark's Square, will take about 20 minutes to reach by vaporetto and walking. Despite not being directly on the Grand Canal, the budget hotel is less than 10 minutes from it by foot. The airport is about 40 minutes away by bus, or 20 to 25 minutes by car. You'll have to walk to the bus, car, and train terminal first, of course.

Hotel Dalla Mora's small rooms come in double or twin configurations with the option of additional beds in some. All have an ascetic look, with spartan decor. Simple wooden furnishings can be bit scuffed, though some have parquet flooring and antique furniture that add a little charm. Bathrooms are a mixed bag: rooms with private en-suites are complete with bidets, hairdryers, and stall showers. Otherwise, there are units with shared bathrooms located across the street in a small annex (rates for these are even cheaper). In many of these, each floor shares a bathrooms (which are regularly cleaned and spotless), or guests can opt for rooms equipped with a private shower and sink plus a shared toilet down the hall. Ten of the 14 rooms have canal views, but only two have air-conditioning; none come with TVs. All rooms have portable fans and free access to Wi-Fi. 

As a budget hotel, the two-pearl Hotel Dalla Mora doesn't have many obvious amenities. The communal terrace is a popular spot for lounging with a glass of wine while overlooking the water. A traditional Italian breakfast is included in all reservations. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there's a computer for public use at reception. There are no TVs, even in the communal areas, which may disappoint some travelers.