Have you ever been to one of those historic hotels that feel stiff and stuffy? One that has an unwelcoming aura that makes me feel incredibly conscious of your surroundings? Grand Hotel Dei Godi isn’t one of those hotels. Instead, it magically combines the elegance of a centuries-old noble Venetian structure with the warmth that only comes with a courteous staff.
I know the staff wasn’t just friendly with me. I listened in on a few calls that came into the reception. They provided lots of details: whether it was directions to the hotel, reservations for a particular restaurant, or even where the person on the line could buy a new phone charger.
Plus did I mention that the grounds of the hotel are stunning? It has one of the few secular gardens in Venice.
The gardens lead to the presidential suite. The room is furnished with items which embody fine Italian craftsmanship and the city of Venice. It also features spectacular views of the Laguna.
Plus the food was really, really, really good. Grand Hotel Dei Dogi has an ample cold/room temperature breakfast buffet with the option of adding several perfectly prepared hot items.
We also had lunch one of the days in the hotel, fresh beetroot pasta filled with cheese, dressed in a truffle butter sauce and sprinkled with poppy seeds and topped with a parmesan cheese crisp for crunch, a revisitation of a classic dish from the Cortina area. It was divine. That was followed by vitello tonnato (a traditional Piedmontese dish of thinly sliced veal with a creamy tuna sauce. It sounds strange, but the dish works). This one was tastier and prettier than most, decorated with edible flowers.
And then the dessert! The tiramisu was what happens to a simple dish when it perfectly prepared.
That said there are a few things you should note. The hotel is not located in the usual hustle and bustle areas of Venice. That’s great if you want to see another side of the city and get a little peace and quiet. However, that means you’re not in the heart of the tourist action, which some people may not prefer. The hotel does, however, provide scheduled free shuttles to and from Piazza San Marco.
The standard “classic” rooms are quite small, like many standard rooms in old/historic buildings in Europe. If you want more space, I suggest upgrading to a superior or a deluxe comfort room, which of course comes at a premium. (If you insist on having a large room without blowing your budget you’ll probably have to go for a newly built hotel, maybe in the Mestre area – but that’s a whole different kettle of fish.)
If you are planning a trip to Venice, I definitely recommend Grand Hotel Dei Godi.
In the meantime, have any of you stayed here already? What did you think? Or simply, what’s your favorite hotel in Venice?
Do let me know in the comments below.
