Hotel Aquarius Venice

This hotel, a beautifully renovated historic palace adorned with modern art and stunning Murano glass chandeliers, offers a unique and memorable stay in Venice. Its signature feature is its location in a vibrant yet tranquil local square, providing an authentic Venetian experience away from the main tourist crowds while remaining highly accessible. The hotel is ideal for couples seeking a romantic and elegant getaway, families who appreciate spacious accommodations and a lively local atmosphere, and sightseers looking for a convenient base to explore the city's attractions. Guests consistently praise the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, comfortable rooms, and the attentive service provided by the staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the breakfast area if you are sensitive to morning sounds, and be aware of the seasonal air conditioning policy.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's thoughtfully designed common areas, including an elegant courtyard that serves as a serene retreat, and a sophisticated lounge bar where guests can enjoy drinks in a refined setting. The hotel features a small but well-equipped fitness center with weights, a rowing machine, and indoor cycling options, though some guests found it limited. Convenience is enhanced by the presence of an elevator and a complimentary mini-bar in the rooms, stocked with water and soft drinks. The hotel's unique art collection and decorative aquariums in the lobby contribute to a museum-like ambiance, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal. Additionally, a power bank rental service is available, proving useful for guests exploring the city.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its spotless cleanliness and the overall comfort of its accommodations. Most rooms are described as spacious and modernly renovated, featuring comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep. The bathrooms are generally well-appointed and clean, with many offering great showers, though some guests noted that the shower cubicles could be small or prone to minor leaks, and a few experienced issues with water pressure. While the hotel maintains a quiet atmosphere, some internal noise from housekeeping or adjoining rooms was occasionally reported. A key point for guests is the air conditioning, which operates seasonally; outside of summer, rooms can become warm, though staff are often accommodating in finding solutions. Rooms are equipped with kettles for tea, and blackout curtains ensure privacy and darkness.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel is consistently highlighted as a standout feature, with guests describing it as excellent, delicious, and exceptional. Served in a beautiful and elegant dining room overlooking the square, the buffet offers a wide variety of options, including both continental and hot selections like scrambled eggs and bacon. Guests particularly appreciate the fresh ingredients, the quality of the pastries and sweets, and the inclusion of items like sparkling wine. While the coffee quality received mixed reviews from a few guests, the overall food quality is highly rated. The hotel also features a bar that serves luxurious cocktails, providing a pleasant evening option for guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, nestled in a quiet and authentic local square that offers a genuine Venetian experience away from the bustling tourist crowds. Despite its tranquil setting, it provides easy access to major attractions; Rialto Bridge is typically a 10-minute walk, and St. Mark's Square is about 15-20 minutes away on foot. The hotel is conveniently close to Santa Lucia train station, approximately a 10-minute walk, and near several water bus stops, making arrival and departure straightforward. The surrounding area is well-equipped with amenities, including numerous restaurants, shops, a pharmacy, a bakery, and a supermarket directly opposite, enhancing the convenience for guests.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional helpfulness, friendliness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend their willingness to assist with directions, provide local dining recommendations, and arrange transportation, including water taxis. The check-in process is described as smooth and efficient, and the housekeeping team is generally praised for maintaining spotless rooms daily. In instances of unexpected issues, such as medical incidents or room temperature concerns, the staff demonstrated remarkable care and responsiveness. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of perceived unhelpfulness regarding specific room requests or minor service lapses, particularly concerning apartment servicing or bar staffing at certain times.

Additional Information
Guests booking the hotel's apartments should note that these are typically located separately from the main hotel building and may have different service protocols, such as less frequent cleaning unless specifically requested or paid for. A significant operational detail is the hotel's air conditioning policy, which is seasonal, meaning the system is turned off during cooler months in accordance with local regulations, potentially leading to warmer rooms for some guests. The hotel offers complimentary private tours to Murano to visit a glass factory, though some guests experienced high-pressure sales tactics during these excursions. A unique local experience for guests is the tango dancing that occasionally takes place in the square directly in front of the hotel, providing lively evening entertainment. Additionally, the hotel does not provide an iron in the rooms due to safety concerns.