Off the Mark... litterally
by TripAdvisor Member Holidz
We've just returned from our three night stay Sept 2004, and to our great disappointment, fround that the old, elegant, atmosphere of "Monaco & Grand Canal" that we'd loved 5 years ago, had morphed into a highly stylized and contemporary "new look"... well done, but "off the mark" for anyone l wanting to experience the alure of Old Venice. (Much like the Clift Hotel in San Francisco.) It was beautifully designed, but I longed for the old Venecian feel. The worst part however, was being escorted into to our room via a hallway that still had "wet paint" signs, unpainted moulding, and a room still not completely decored. The final blow, was that the plumbing was stopped up. We did not discover this problem until we returned at 1:00AM, our first night, and had to spend the next hour, while the belle hop tried to clear the toliet with a plunger, finally moving at 2:00AM to a room down the hall. Not exactly the romantic 15th anniversary that we had in mind! The next morning, we were offered that second room, smaller, and less furnished, more wet paint in the hallway, painters working at 8:00AM....same price, no offer to compensate for the first night maintainace problems....we had to argure about it all, and after that , the management offered us a better room....actually quiet lovely, balcony, view, etc.. Had they done that right when the plumbing issuse came up (pardon the pun), I would have been writng a much more positive review. The positive was that the restraunt facing the Grand Canal was wonderful...as good as we remembered, but the negative was that even as guests, we couldn't get a reservation for dinner. The bar/lounge area had seating available, but the new contemprorary low seating, prevented you from seeing the view..what waste! I'd say the Monacao and Grand Cannal Hotel has the location & opportunity for a 10 star experience, but they were just "off the mark" all around.
Fantastic accommodation in Venice
by TripAdvisor Member Eric_Johansen
I spent two nights in this hotel in August 2004, and was very pleased with what I found. It has a location of extreme convenience, is very well appointed, and has very helpful staff.
The terrace restaraunt/bar has a fantastic view onto the Grand Canal, and the meals are most elegant. I cannot praise this hotel enough, and believe that most people of high expectations would find it to be most acceptable.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel to other travellers, and would be happy to stay there on my next visit to Venice.
Great location but the staff leaves a lot to be disired
by A TripAdvisor Member
Great location and the room was comfortable enough. Someone will come to turn your bed down for you in the evening and you can have your complimentary contiental breakfast brought to your room. In fact you can even enjoy it in a bathrobe provided by the hotel, well only one of you can since they only provide you with one. Although we arrived at 14:15 our room wasn't ready until 15:45. They insist on holding your passport unitl they have entered your information into their computer. I instisted upon having in back sooner than 19:00 which was the time they said it would be available. The concierge even told me"you don't need it in Vencie". I was however most disapointed by the staffs behavior as we attempted to check out. One hour before check out there is only one receptionist. With a line of five people in front of us my cousin went out to purchase vaporetto tickets. The concierge who was to involved in his activites to assits the one receptionist then quicly became concerned about a departing guest. As he was speaking Italian I was unaware that he was racing after my cousin to inquire what room she was in. He claimed there was a problem with the in room safe (which we never were used). He then returned to retrive my room key, mind you I am unaware of what has happened and still standing in line. Never once did he address me, the person who had paid for the room, the person standing in line to check out with the room key in my hand. His behavior was turly the most dishearting expierence of my three month trip. Not only was it simply unnecessary but incredibly unprofessional. I have always read reviews like these and thought how unfortunate but it is only now have I been compelled to write.
Not What It Used to Be...But
by TripAdvisor Member judybh
We just returned from spending 6 nights in Venice. This was our fourth trip and the third time we stayed at the Monaco and Grand Canal, but the first since their expansion and renovation. What used to be a very refined and very old style European hotel is now a somewhat bipolar place. The lobby area, which was previoulsy almost non existent, is now a rather subdued, well executed architectual blend of old and new and the hotel really is more of a boutique hotel catering to a younger, more with it Euro trash crowd and business meetings and conferences. The room we had was far superior to what the average room was before. The bed was comfortable, there was a small plasma TV, and ample closet space with built in drawers. There were numerous Murano glass lighting fixtures, but the room was very understated in feel. Although we were on the second floor overlooking the street leading to the Vaparetto, the room was quite quiet. The bathroom was beautiful modern marble, very well lit, although the drain in the sink was slow. It had a large tub/shower combination.
On the first morning after we arrived we were greeted by name by one of the conceiges but for the rest of our stay we felt that the service had really deteriorated. He did not follow through on restaurant reservations that we had asked him to make. We asked to borrow boots and they said they didn't have them, and they did...etc. etc.
Re the Restaurant. We originally had a reservation for a Sat night. On Friday it was pouring out and we asked if we could change. The maitre de refused. They did have a business meeting going on at the time but he was rude and not accommodating. We did eat there for dinner on Sat. night and found it to be as good as it used to be. It is pricey although not the most expensive in Venice and it is frequented by many Venetians. Having breakfast, (which can be in the room and is included in the room price), in the small dining rooms overlooking the Canal is lovely and the wait service is fine. They also serve outdoors for lunch.
All in all, this is still a good choice for being in San Marco on the Grand Canal, within steps of the Vaperetto.... if you know what to possibly expect ....and... they did not charge for the telephone when we used an 800 number to reach MCI....that was a relief!
Grand says it all
by A TripAdvisor Member
Just returned from 3 whole days in Venice and stayed at the Monaco & Grand Hotel. We found this hotel to be great in every way, it was spotless, staff friendly and the food was exceptional (although expensive). It was easy to find from the airport especially when the waterbus virtually stops outside the hotel at St Marks Square. We really loved the hotel and would certainly return if we visited Venice again.
Romantic Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member okotis
The Grand and Monaco Hotel was the nicest hotel we stayed at during our visit to Italy. It is situated at the opening of the Grand canal and is located in front of a Vaparetto stop. The room was small but elegant with Murano Chandeliers. We were given a bottle of champagne upon arrival. The hotel provided a free water taxi ride to a Murano glass factory where a demonstration was given and a sales tour followed that was not really high pressured selling. Most of the desk people were helpful, but there were several who were not, as we found this to be commonplace in Italy. We ate at the Madonna restaurant near the Rialto bridge and found this to be our favorite restaurant in Italy. The food was good, the portions hearty, and the price was reasonable. We went back a 2nd time because we enjoyed the first meal so much. Also, if you go to the casino remember to bring a dinner jacket and your passport or you will not be allowed entrance.
Forum Posts
Travelling to Venice
by Lynseyneil
We are flying to Marco Polo Airport next month, what is the best way of travelling from the airport to St. Mark's Square. Our hotel is the Monaco & Grand Canal Hotel, which is nearby.
Thank you
Re: Travelling to Venice
by freya_heaven
There are regular buses which take you from the Airport to Venice or you could get a taxi. Then once at Venice you can get a vaporetto to St Marks, which again are very regular or a more expensive option would be to get a water taxi.
Have a wonderful time
Nicola
(~_~)
Re: Re: Travelling to Venice
by Lynseyneil
Thank you
Re: Travelling to Venice
by tomhoward
have a look at the transport section on my venice page... just got back and there is only ONE sensible way to travel thats quick, cheap & easy
Re: Re: Travelling to Venice
by Lynseyneil
Thanks very much, I'll have to see which station will be best.
Re: Re: Travelling to Venice
by Lynseyneil
Thanks very much, I'll have to see which station will be best.
Re: Re: Travelling to Venice
by Lynseyneil
Thanks very much, I'll have to see which station will be best.
