Hotel San Samuele (Venice, Italy)

Quirky, authentic and very Venetian, the San Samuel was a hit with guests who liked its boutique feel and casual, comfortable accommodations. They appreciated the shared kitchen with coffeemaking equpment, microwave, refrigerator and dishes and used the nearby mini market to pick up supplies.

The best thing about the San Samuele according to most guests is its location. Just minutes from the waterbus stop and a 10-minute walk to St. Marco square, the hotel is close to all major attractions but far enough from the crowded tourist spots that guests could enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay.

With plenty of helpful information about what to see and do in Venice and recommendations on music venues and places to eat and drink, the English speaking staff of the San Samuele earned top marks. Guests appreciated e-mails before arrival informing them of issues such as a possible transport strike and felt that the friendliness and courtesy of the staff contributed to a memorable stay in Venice.

Thin walls meant light sleepers were disturbed by conversation, creaking bed springs and other sounds from neighbouring rooms. On warm nights, with the windows open, sounds from the street below also filtered in along with buzzing mosquitos.

With only one bathroom for several rooms, there were some uncomfortable moments of waiting especially during peak morning hours. Guests commented that the price of rooms at the San Samuele should have included private bathrooms.

Several important features according to some guests. For those who hauled luggage up numerous flights of stairs, the lack of a lift was a big problems. Air conditioning would have been appreciated by others who sweated it out in warm and stuffy rooms. Weak or non-existant Wi-Fi signals were problems for some guests.