Charming House Hotel DD724 Venice

The entrance to the hotel is through a decorative metal gate down a small alley off the main pedestrian street.

When I was handed the keys, I knew this was no ordinary modern hotel

Whenever I visit a new city, a major decision is where to stay, since a good choice can enhance a vacation/trip and a bad choice can do the opposite. The first time I visited Venice in the 1970s Sally and I stayed at a very modest pension. The last time I was there in 1994, I stayed on a cruise ship since I was with my father before setting off for the Black Sea. 

For this trip, I let Gary Hack pick the hotel since he had been to Venice many times and knew the city well. However, he decided to pick a hotel, where he had never before stayed, but in Dorsoduro, an neighbourhood he knew well and really liked. He picked a property with a most unusual name, Charming House. It was one of several properties in Venice managed by the same company and I have to say that it was indeed Charming.

https://www.thecharminghouse.com/

I should note this property comprised two different buildings. The main building included a variety of rooms and suites and the breakfast room and a small lounge area. The second building, a few hundred metres down the street had just a few rooms and suites, located around a small lounge area. 

While this was not really a suite, I couldn't complain about the size and furnishing of the room

This large area behind the bed led was fitted out with a great coffee machine, bar area, fridge and dressing room, leading to an elegant contemporary bathroom.

Since we needed three rooms the manager thought we would prefer the second building. While it worked for us, I would say if you have the choice, it is better to be in the main building. I would also note that while the rooms are beautifully detailed in a modern style with elegant bathrooms and fittings, the accommodation descriptions on some websites can be a bit misleading. 

For example, I booked a Junior Suite on Booking.com. However, while it was a generous room with a separate dressing and bathroom area, it was not really a suite. The size was correct, but based on the booking.com description, I expected something else. But as you can see from the photos, I shouldn't have had any complaints!

However, the 'suite' matter aside, this was a great place to stay. It was close to the Academia stop, and next to the Peggy Guggenheim museum and shop. Many shops and restaurants were nearby. Moreover, all the staff were very accommodating and helpful. 

Breakfast was quite extensive with a wide array of choices, served on beautiful china by attentive staff, in an elegant room. It was a delightful experience.

In additon to this hotel, I understand the company offers another hotel and apartments. If you are planning to go to Venice, this is a choice well worth considering. But book directly from the hotel, rather than Booking.com since then you'll know exactly what you are getting.