Hotel Gardena

 A relaxed and friendly little property whose best feature is a relatively quiet canal-side location just off the Grand Canal, very convenient for the railway station and Piazzale Roma car parks and bus station, if some distance from the main tourist sights.

Inside has a homely feel with Venetian decor and some interesting original features, although some may find it little twee. Canaletto certainly won’t be turning in his grave over the murals allegedly inspired by him.

Exterior

A plain, slightly faded terracotta 4-storey 16th-century terraced building with green shutters, Juliet balconies on the upper-floor and a single stone balcony above the entrance.

Property type: Hotel

Storeys: 4

Built Year: 1500s

Interior

The light and airy reception has an original wood-beamed ceiling, a large mural and a tiny bar with garishly-coloured seating to one side.

To the other side is a bright if slightly dated-looking TV lounge with sugary pink dralon seating. The attractive if small pastel-shaded breakfast room has comic murals and opens on to the garden.

Rooms: 19

Grounds

A small tiled and reasonably shaded terrace at the rear has flowers, trees, lamps and a few metal tables and chairs, and is used for breakfast in the summer.

Location

Area Type: Beside a small canal 30 yds from the Grand Canal and its bustling waterfront, where there is a good selection of shops and restaurants; a small restaurant is next door. Piazzale Roma bus station and vaporetto 200 yds, railway station 350 yds across the Calatrava Bridge.

Facilities