Dei Dogi, A Boscolo Luxury Hotel

THE AIR CONDITIONING BARELY WORKS

BEAUTIFUL HOTEL. BUT THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS TERRIBLE.

Not a 5 star hotel as described

This hotel was okay. I don’t think it should be listed as a five star. It didn’t provide the ameneties and comfort of a five star. We stayed at a five star in Rome during the same visit and there was no comparison. If we ever came back to Venice we wouldn’t stay here again.

5* prices, 2 star hotel room

The hotel is a grand building but the room I stayed in was a huge disapointment. I was advised by the reception on checking in that the hotel was a 5 star hotel and the lobby and entrance would have suggested that to be the case, however, when I reached the room I was understandably disappointed to discover that the room was so tired that there was paint peeling off of the wall beside the bed and there was a light fitting hanging out of the ceiling in the bathroom. It was apparent that little maintenance had been carried out for some time. Later that evening I called housekeeping to ask for an iron and an ironing board only to be told that they didn’t have one and therefore I would have to go out for the evening in a creased shirt.

Poor service was biggest impression made

Unfortunately this hotel did not meet expectations of a 4 star hotel. While the hotel itself was visually appealing, the staff was robotic and unhelpful. We were not replenished with towels and toiletries unless we asked. The small touches in service and hospitality of a fine hotel were absent. They had an onsite restaurant which was vacant during our 4 night stay - bad sign if they can’t even attract their own guests. We would not repeat nor recommend a stay.

Traveler's tip on nightlife

Initially, we considered this hotel appealing because it was off-the-beaten path and we anticipated a more quiet evening setting. However, Venice is not a late night city so selecting a hotel a little closer to the attractions is a good choice given it will save you lots of walking and you don’t have to sacrifice quiet nights.

Dei Dogi - Venice

The morning Concierge was probably the best and most helpful I’ve ever experienced, over many years of travel, including 78 trips across the Atlantic. The morning front desk staff was also excellent. The grounds and garden and lobby were truly spectacular, a huge, walled, "spot of heaven" that exceeded anything I’ve ever seen. Might be worth the stay, in itself. Unfortunately, even the superior room I finally managed to get (and had booked)was OK, but mediocre. The evening staff, concierge and bell staff did not measure up and were rude. When I returned the evening of my arrival to find my room ready, (We had arrived early morning) I was in the wrong room, a very unpleasant lower quality unit, and my bags were not there. It took forever, with a rude bellman who was obviously irritated at having to show me alternatives, but we finally were put into an acceptable room. The restaurant was overpriced and not good, though the waiter tried hard and was very accomodating. The location was remote, and would be risky to walk to at night, with no nearby restaurants, or anything open, but was close to the water bus stop and express airport "shot" (water bus). During the day, there are many open shops and restaurants within several blocks.

Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks

The "shot" to the airport, which handles baggage effectively, is 12 Euros/ passenger vs 80-90 for a water taxi. Shopping in the northern area, near this hotel, is much cheaper. Through many trips to Italy, I had never visited Venice. It is well worth it, and I will return. Beautiful! Though a must visit, the St. Mark’s square area is teeming with tourists, and routinely best avoided, except for the experience.

Good choice.

Great hotel. Not in the middle of the crowded tourist areas, but close enough to them by a 20-minute walk, or by the convenient and efficient free boat shuttle service. Staff should be more attentive. Air conditioning had some problems, but the front door staff said they would do nothing because "you (me) will leave early in the morning tomorrow". Expensive breakfast, although good.