Palazzetto Madonna

This lovely hotel in a charming medieval building caters mostly to international tourists who want to stay in central Venice, but prefer to be away from the crush of tourists. Located on a quiet canal just off the Grand Canal, the Palazzetto Madonna makes a distinct impression with its elegant lobby, where guests are greeted at an amber marble front desk. A tufted orange velvet sofa sits across from it, flanked by columns bedecked in shimmering gold tiles. The small lobby is indicative of the decadent decor that’s lavishly displayed throughout this quiet boutique property. Some guests find it a spectacular visual treat, while others feel it’s a bit over the top. Large murals depicting scenes from historic Venice fill entire walls in many areas, like in the intimate breakfast room. The lounge area looks more traditional, with terrazzo floors, lots of mirrors, and traditional art lining the walls.

The Palazzetto Madonna is located on the Frescada Canal in the San Polo district -- the oldest district in Venice. It’s a quiet, mostly residential area away from the crush of tourists yet still conveniently located near many attractions. Several restaurants are only a one-minute walk away, and the bars and restaurants at Santa Margherita Square can be reached in eight minutes on foot. The San Toma vaporetto (water taxi) stop on the Grand Canal and the Basilica dei Frari are three minutes away on foot. San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Santa Lucia train station, and Piazzale Roma bus terminal can be reached in a 10- to 13-minute walk. St. Mark’s Square and the Guggenheim Collection take about 15 minutes to reach on foot. Venice's Marco Polo Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, or around 40 minutes via public transportation.  

Guest rooms are individually decorated and can vary widely in size and furnishings. Generally, expect a mix of modern and traditional design elements that, while opulent, can feel mismatched. For example, one Economy Room we saw had large pieces of colorful modern art hanging on walls covered by beige-and-white patterned wallpaper. The antique-style, dark-wood, padded headboard, nightstands, and desk are positioned next to a thoroughly modern, 42-inch flat-screen TV that’s placed behind a mirror (a feature included in all rooms). Most rooms have dark hardwood floors, but some have marble tile. Some feature rich colors like deep crimson bedspreads and wallpaper, while others have more muted silver, gold, or beige tones. Other design features include wall sconces, chandeliers, and traditional artwork. 

Categories include Economy, Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Suites. Economy Rooms are rather small, with the king bed taking up most of the space. Deluxe Rooms and Suites are the most spacious, and include sitting areas with sofas. Bathrooms are decidedly upscale and vary in size by category. Common features include marble tile, white ceramic vanities, and rainfall showerheads in the walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. Toilets, bidets, and magnifying mirrors are included, as well as heated towel racks in most. Other standard amenities include minibars, electronic safes, room service, robes, and slippers. Free Wi-Fi and free bottled water are also supplied. Some rooms offer views of the canal or inner courtyard, while others overlook surrounding buildings. Past guests have reported that the rooms are generally quiet. 

The Palazzetto Madonna provides several extras in the spirit of the property's historic, boutique personality. The hotel offers a free hot breakfast buffet that’s served in a lovely and intimate breakfast room with marble floors and tables surrounded by large murals depicting historic Venetian scenes. The room also includes a beautiful amber marble table that serves as the bar. Guests can choose to take their breakfast or drinks out to the inner courtyard that features covered tables, lush landscaping, and a 16th-century well. 

Free daily newspapers are available in the lobby that is staffed 24/7 and includes a computer station with Internet access and a printer. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel, which has one meeting room that can host up to 20 people. Concierge, babysitting, and valet dry cleaning and laundry services are offered. Pets are welcome to stay without a surcharge. Guests of the hotel are offered a free boat ride to Murano Island that includes a glass factory tour. The hotel has an elevator to its second floor. Note that this hotel is nonsmoking.