Tripology Travel Experts Blog: Venice

Venice and Her Londra Palace

You don’t ‘see’ Venice; you step into a living portrait of Renaissance majesty. It is unlike any other place I have ever visited. The first time I saw Venice and the Grand Canal open up before me as I sailed under the Ponte Rialto, I caught my breath, and my eyes teared. An aging queen resplendent in glory.

Our recent trip to Italy was fun, relaxing, rejuvenating. The culture is alive, the Italians warm and friendly, and the food divine. We go to Italy at least 2-3 times per year in order to maintain our expertise in this destination and provide our clients with the most up-to-date information possible.

We flew into Venezia after a pampered and restful flight on United’s business class jumbo jet. Our luggage had priority tags on them so we retrieved our luggage promptly, cleared Passport Control quickly, and found our guide for the private water taxi waiting for us with our names on a sign as soon as we exited baggage claim. Affable Massimiliano escorted us to our hotel, easily sharing tidbits of history, weather, and local customs. Private water taxi is worth every extra euro that it costs over the public water bus (vaporetto), especially when you might have some jet lag and are struggling with luggage. Save the vaporetto for your sightseeing jaunts when all you are toting is a purse or camera.

Our home in Venezia this time was the delightful Londra Palace, fronting the Grand Canal and literally a few steps from San Marco Piazza, which I found to be a wonderful central location. This boutique hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, only has 54 rooms and suites which overlook either the lagoon or the red-tiled roofs and steeples of the city. Adorned in traditional Venetian silks and brocades, many rooms also have terrazzi (terraces), balconcini (small balconies), and one junior suite has a large double Jacuzzi spa with sky light (nothing like an invigorating hydromassage—my personal favorite—to ease tired muscles and feet after a long day of walking about Venice).

While not the most opulent or famous of hotels in a city glittered with 5* ultra luxury hotels, I find their staff unbeatable for friendliness and helpfulness. Cheery Aldo, head concierge, has been dispensing advice and help for 44 yrs with Londra Palace.

A lovely breakfast of fruits, Italian breads and cookies, fresh mozzarella and assorted cheeses, meats, cereals, juices and Prosecco, is served inside or outside on the terrace on the promenade fronting the Grand Canal. You’re not rushed, so enjoy another cappuccino while you watch Venice awaken.

 

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