03 Jul Carnivale at Albergo Minerva e Nettuno
Venice, Venezia or even Venetia, in my native language. Call it how you want, but start planning for next year’s Carnival if you want to see a city filled with joy, masks, and costumes and of course people…lots of people.
Since I really wanted to be there on the last weekend of the Carnival, I looked on Booking and Agoda for accommodation, but this time I was out of luck.
Then, in pure luck I stumbled upon budgetplaces.com and I struck gold. I was able to secure a double room at this place, and I’m glad I did it. Before starting my review I would like to point out the fact that this place is one star so it’s natural I would compare it to two stars hotels not the usual hotels or chains of hotels.
Access
The Hotel is situated at Lista di Spagna, Sestiere Cannaregio, 230, 30121 and while this may not mean a lot to you, if I mention is only 300-400 meters away from Venetian train station, then you’d pay attention.
If you arrive in Venice by plane, the airport buss will drop you off in a small square in Venice. From this place you’ll will cross a bridge and enter the city. At this point you are just 600 meter away from the hotel so it’s pretty close either way.
Proximity
The Hotel is 1,7 km away from Fondamente Nove, the place where you can take the vaporettos to Murano, Burano, Torcello, etc.
If you enjoy walking, like I do, there are 3 roads from the hotel which will take you to Rialto Bridge in under 1,8 kilometers and you can reach Basilica di San Marco in 2.4 kilometers from the Hotel.
Description
Like all buildings in Venice, do not expect steel and glass. It’s an old building, with classic Venetian architecture, located at the street but if you are not paying attention you can easily pass it (like I did the first couple of times).
Services
Breakfast is served daily on a little space along and under the stairs at the ground level of the hotel. You can enjoy a buffet with some sandwich ingredients (ham, sliced cheese), cereals, jam, chocolate spread, juice and coffee.
I only stayed there for 2 nights but I can confirm the turn down service was present. I also received new towels every day, even if the stay was short.
Although small in size and staff, the hotel was really clean. Same goes for the room I was accommodated in.
Staff
Staff is very ok. They welcomed me with a smile from the very beginning and offered to give me maps, programs of the Carnival, provided me the Wi-Fi details and pointed to an online resource site for the events during that time of the year.
I was very happy about how I was treated so the staff gets a big plus from me.
Budget
If you decide on a last minute to have a budget trip and also see the Venetian Carnival, this is the place to book. At around 69 EUR/person, this is one of the cheapest accommodations right in the center of the action.
The breakfast is already included in the room price.
Verdict
Even though it’s only a one star Hotel I found it very OK. The staff was great, the rooms and bath was clean, the breakfast decent so I was satisfied with my choice. If you are ever looking for accommodation in Venice do not dismiss this place just because of its one star.