The highlight of this particular trip was Venice. Italy has always been a place to visit for me, and in fact, I made my refundable bookings for Venice in Jun 2016, even before my visit to Rome in October 2016.
I had always been interested in the Gritti Palace which has been frequently featured on many 'The Best' lists and is probably the best hotel in Venice.
I first knew about the hotel 2 years ago when it was featured on the Starwood Hot Escapes site and yet the discounted rates were still almost 1000 Euros per night!
So, I searched for a good rate and decided on 28th Feb 2017. It was still more than 400 Euros per night at a refundable rate but that was the lowest I've seen it at. Subsequently, the rates increased and even the prepaid rates were more than that.
I made a booking at the Westin as well, but due to changes to my flight itinerary, I cancelled it some time later.
Closer to the trip I realized that Feb 28 was the last day of the Carnevale di Venezia which definitely was a factor in the increase of the hotel rates.
Easily missed Sign
Exterior
Entrance
Looking for the hotel was not very easy as the buildings in Venice looked pretty ancient and the hotel did not look particularly outstanding.
On the other side of the door is expectedly a transformation from the plain exterior to an opulent interior.
Key Deposit
Lobby and Check-in
Side of Lobby
Check in was done seated and done by Ms Frederica who informed me that I have been upgraded to a nice suite!
However, it wasn't ready yet and I was asked to spend some time in the waiting area.
Waiting Area
While waiting, I explored the ground floor a little as well, looking at the décor as well as the outdoors.
Random Object
Stairs
Entrance to Restaurant Club del Doge
Ancient Chair
The hotel has its own jetty for guests arriving by water taxi which costs 110 Euros per way.
This is actually just double the price for a group of 4 as the water bus still costs 15 Euros per way per person but is so much slower and only arrives at designated stops.
Private Jetty
To the left of the jetty is the great view of the Santa Maria and indeed magnificent.
The Santa Maria
There is a lift in the hotel and the keys are still in use rather than magnetic cards.
The corridor was contrastingly plain to the other parts of the hotel.
Corridors
Room Key with a Nice Tassel
The suite I received is named the Serenissima Suite and has a toilet in the living space.
Living Room
Toilet in the Living Room
Minibar
On the table were the welcome gifts and fresh flowers.
Inside the box were some chocolates and the box is currently sitting on my dining table.
Welcome gifts galore!
Fresh Flowers
The spa menu was on the table beside and the prices expectedly steep.
Spa menu
Insane Prices
Taking out my tripod and new camera I took a photo of the living room and voila!
After a good rest in the suite, I went out to attend the last day of the Carnevale and to enjoy the costumes on display!
But, please leave your key at the hotel key deposit.
Many of the locals were very nicely dressed in the traditional costumes and masks and I think some of the tourists looked more than they were celebrating Halloween.
As the celebrations ended, I returned to the hotel for a good dinner at the Club del Doge.
The staff really do remember which room the guests are in as I was given the correct key without asking upon reaching the counter.
The setting of the restaurant was warm and calm and the service was attentive.
A great end to an exciting concluding day of the Carnevale.
Restaurant Reception
Restaurant Interior
Menu
Bread and Olive butter
Starter
Seafood Pasta
No idea
Fish
Seafood Fry
Complimentary Venetian Dessert
And I was back in the morning for breakfast!
Prices are also quite steep so it was great my rate was inclusive of breakfast!
Morning View
Fruit Spread
Yummy Pastries
Cold Cuts
Morning Drink anyone?
Water for me
Pies and Tarts
Snacks
Nice Display!
33 Euros for a simple Continental Breakfast? I'll take the buffet
53 Euros per person? Glad my rate includes breakfast!
A la carte menu
What I ordered
Even lemons come with a ribbon
After a great breakfast, I took another walk around Venice and explore the famous sights including the Rialto bridge. Before leaving the hotel, I took a look at the 'Hallway of Fame' for the celebrities who have stayed here. Of course, Ms "ScarJo" is there.
Scarlett Jo
As well as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
And many others, past and present.
Greta Garbo
Elizabeth Taylor
Margot Hemingway
A wonderful stay at a hotel that I have been looking at for several years. A good upgrade to a suite which was going for 2.3k Euros per night.
