As a woman traveling alone, this was an experience where l felt strange and spooky. First, l was sent a note requesting me to cancel my stay about a week before the trip; this request was then withdrawn and l was told l will be welcome. On arrival l was met by a woman who could not speak neither English nor Italian. The hotel was listed everywhere as ‘fully booked’ but in fact l think l was the only guest, at least on my floor. The entrance door was perennially closed and instead l was pointed to using the service entrance— in front of which at night there was a gathering of local chums drinking beer. Thus coming back at night was a most off putting experience.
The room was clean and whilst the surroundings were modest, it was all ok. Location-wise it suited me as l had business in the city; it is well serviced by public transport and has easy access to Venice.
On booking l had seen many good reviews, praising the helpful owners. Whilst at the hotel, l checked again and realised all these reviews were from more than two years ago. I cannot say there was anything helpful as the reception was not manned. If l really needed help, there was no one to provide it.
Much is needed for this ghostly environment to become functioning as a real place of hospitality.