Interesting property split between historic and contemporary buildings
Located adjacent to bus, ferry, and train terminals
Nearby historic sights include Basilica dei Frari, a 10-minute walk
Next door to the Papadopoli Gardens and the Grand Canal
Spacious, bright guest rooms with air-conditioning and upgraded traditional design
Free continental buffet breakfast for some room types
Small bar with Grand Canal views
Meeting room and conference room for business guests
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
Private parking available on-site (but for a fee)
Far from the main tourist attractions like Piazza San Marco
No restaurant on-site
Rates aren't much lower than similar mid-range hotels closer to main sites
There are 55 guest rooms at this three-pearl property in Venice’s Santa Croce district. It’s a very convenient spot for public transportation, being within a short walk of ferry, bus, and train terminals, but it’s a 20-minute walk to the popular San Marco neighborhood. The property is an interesting one, consisting of a historic former convent and a contemporary annex. Rooms in both buildings are spacious and air-conditioned, with free Wi-Fi, and the decor classic Venetian design and contemporary details. The hotel also offers a free breakfast for some room types and private on-site parking for a fee. Those wanting to be nearer the sights should consider Hotel Da Bruno as an alternative, where rates are comparable, but rooms lack the same level of bright charm.
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Scene
A stylish hotel split across two distinctly different buildings
Santa Chiara Hotel is situated in a four-story, 500-year-old former
convent that faces the Grand Canal. This historic Venetian hotel has recently
constructed a modern annex building in white marble that
stands out amongst the traditional Venetian architecture. The modern elegance
of the new building is in complete contrast with the history and character of
the original one, and allows guests to choose in which they would prefer to stay, though the look in rooms is the same throughout. The hotel's lobby, in the old part of the building, is full of charm and interesting details.
There are pieces of antique furniture, checked travertine marble flooring, cozy
armchairs around coffee tables, and a low-beamed ceiling. The hotel attracts
an international clientele of both tourists and business travelers, giving the
property a vibrant and cosmopolitan feel. It also welcomes children and those
traveling with pets.
Location
A convenient, if unglamorous, location near transportation links and Papadopoli Gardens
The hotel is located in the Santa Croce district of Venice, in Piazzale Roma across the Grand Canal from the train station. The area is busy with commuters, students, and tourists, and isn't exactly the most glamorous Venice location. The Grand Canal is busy day and night with boats sailing past, though tranquil Papadopoli Gardens are just next door. A handful of Venice's historic sights are within walking distance, including Basilica dei Frari, which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, but the main sights of the city are not nearby. It’s a 20-minute walk or vaporetto ride to the Rialto Bridge, and around a half hour to St. Mark's Square. Most people who stay here do so for the convenient transportation links. The hotel is next to the ferry and bus terminals, and within a few minutes' walk of the Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station. It is also the only area of Venice’s historic center that can be reached by car, and private underground parking is available on-site -- a rarity in Venice. Venice Marco Polo Airport can be reached by bus in under a half hour.
Rooms
All offer a blend of sharp classic and contemporary decor plus modern amenities
The hotel’s 55 guest rooms are split across the two buildings, and
those in the original part of the hotel are only slightly different from those in the new
annex. Guests can choose which they prefer. In all rooms, the main body of the guest room is a sharp take on classic looks, with colorful printed fabrics and wallpaper, bold accent walls, vintage furniture, and accents including tufted headboards. The older rooms have charm and
character, with variable features like low ceilings and wooden beams, wooden flooring, Murano glass
chandeliers, and slightly dated bathrooms. Rooms in the new building offers chic,
contemporary bathrooms that have sleek gray tiling and rainfall showerheads. Views from the original building are of the Grand Canal, the
side canal of Rio Nuovo, the gardens, or the Piazzale. Those in the annex look
out onto a courtyard. All rooms include safes, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, desks, minibars,
and tea- and coffee-making facilities. They are well soundproofed but due to the
proximity to the transport terminals, some noise still filters through. Keep in mind that Single Rooms can be quite cramped.
Features
Free breakfast for certain bookings, free Wi-Fi, and private on-site parking
The hotel’s light and airy breakfast room has a marble floor and a mirrored ceiling. A daily continental breakfast is included in the rates for some rooms and has a good choice of fresh fruit, yogurts, cereals, cakes, croissants, meats, and cheeses. There is also a cozy bar which serves a range of drinks and has views over the Grand Canal. There’s a guest lounge with comfortable seating and canal views as well. Free newspapers are provided in the lobby and Wi-Fi is also free. On-site underground parking is available for a fee. The hotel has some good facilities for business guests, as there's a meeting room and conference room available for use.
