Some of us work in 9-5 offices and some of us are allowed out for the odd meeting. I get to go to Paris one week, Cologne the next and last week was Venice. Now, I know what you are thinking – what a lucky chap I am…and you would be right. Except that is for the water taxi driver who decided he would stop midway across the Venetian lagoon to suggest I give him more money (book our private transfer to avoid this unpleasant experience!) and except for the “aqua alta” (high tide to you and me), which crept in unannounced on Thursday morning, leaving me ankle deep in my best hotel-visiting suit and shoes!

There is something so magical about Venice at any time of year and in any weather. The sun did poke its nose out by midday and revealed Venice in all it’s glory. Fortunately for me the added warmth meant I could tuck into a couple of scoops of ice cream from my favourite gelateria (and believe me I have tried most of them in Venice to know which are the best!)

I was discussing with our hoteliers what the opportunities were for our Railbookers customers in 2010. They all said to me they have space still for Venice Carnival (Carnivale) from 6-16 February 2010 and even have some rooms still available at the weekends. They told me they are nearly full on Fridays and Saturdays BUT there are really good rates for midweek stays. You get the best of both worlds staying midweek – the great Carnival atmosphere  but without the show-stopping crowds. Best to book before Christmas…and don’t forget it’s Valentines as well!!

Railbookers’ newest hotel is the Canal Grande Hotel, as its name suggests, right on the main canal. It’s a stone’s throw from the station but on the other (best) side of the Grand Canal, so you get the feeling of staying in the real Venice. It’s the sister hotel to our old favourite the Antiche Figure and Alessandro with his team would be very pleased to welcome you. Classic Venetian style rooms but with all mod cons – a great option and some great prices for winter.

I had a sneak preview of another new hotel, which will be open by the beginning of December 2009 – they were frantically putting the finishing touches in when I visited…Palazzo Giovanelli. A beautifully restored medieval palace right on the Grand Canal at San Stae. Unusually for Venice the rooms are contemporary in style but are set against the historical original building. Well worth a look.

 

This winter the best value for money on our website is definitely in Venice. There are great deals on the 4* hotels and with the Venice Via the Alps holiday you get a scenic journey as well.

Posted in: Italy, Venice | Author: Richard