Hotel Rio

The peach-painted hotel sits on a small square that's busy, though less swamped than San Marco, and being a block away from the famous piazza, travelers here are in the thick of the action. Exposed rough stone and wood beams are atmospheric inside, although the steep staircase entrance is a sign of more to come, and the hotel has no elevator. Though cramped, layouts here have a refined and contemporary edge, which is a departure from the many classically styled properties in the area. Common space is limited to a lovely lounge with wood floors, white dining sets, hanging circle lights, and shimmering gold-patterned and silver walls. Guests can help themselves to free tea and coffee here throughout the day. Choosing the hotel for its prime location, the mostly couples and sightseeing crowd here spend their days out exploring the city. 

The hotel's central location is superb. It's set a four-minute walk from San Marco Square, its Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and famous Ducale Palace, and it's also one block from buzzing Riva Degli Schiavoni's waterfront promenade. In a city where bridged canals can mean hauling luggage through maze-like streets, the Rio Venezia Hotel is easy to find. San Zaccaria "vaporetto" water taxi dock is a two-minute walk. Multi-line water taxis run to endless city sights from here, although with so much nearby, travelers here are spoiled for choice. Gothic-Renaissance San Zaccaria Church is two minutes away on foot, and it's one minute farther for the 1492-built Santa Maria Formosa. The Rialto Bridge is a nine-minute stroll. Bars and restaurants are plentiful here, and nearby cafes serve breakfast. Santa Lucia train station is a 21-minute "vaporetto" ride, while Venice Marco Polo Airport takes one hour by water taxi via the Aligaluna Blue Line.

Cozy rooms are outfitted in an elegant white and silver palette, featuring shiny floral wallpapers, wood or slate-gray floors, and basic white furniture. Wood beams in some add traditional character. They range from Economy Singles to Triples and Quads, and though some are quite small, all have room for desks with chairs. Note that beds can be twins pushed together, though that's common for the area. Limited storage space includes exposed shelving and small wardrobes. Be aware that 11 rooms are in the main building, while six are located in an annex and accessed externally via a courtyard. While rooms overlooking piazzas can be noisy, the quieter ones have less-scenic alley views. 

Deluxes offer more space, and these rooms can be fitted with cribs (at a fee). Cream-tiled bathrooms are tiny, but spotless. They come with cubicle showers, bidets, toiletries, towels, and hairdryers, and gilded mirrors. Amenities include phones, satellite flat-screen TVs, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, and bottled water, plus safes, AC, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms add mini-fridges.

The Rio's features are limited, although with Piazza San Marco so close, its location is the crowning feature. The sophisticated lounge has several two-person tables, as well as free tea and Nespresso-dispensed coffee throughout the day and night. Unfortunately, unlike many area hotels, this one does not serve breakfast. A fridge selling beverages by the front desk offers cold refreshments. Guests get a discount at four nearby restaurants. Reception is staffed 24/7 and stores luggage securely after check-out. Laundry services are available at a fee. Pets are welcome with no charge, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.