Hotel Belle Epoque

Hotel Belle Epoque is eye-catching from the outset, and while it doesn’t quite live up to its namesake -- belle epoque means "beautiful era," after all -- it certainly pays homage to Venice’s past. The overall style could politely be described as traditional, but in the end the look is a bit on the gaudy side. In the lobby, things are designed to impress, with a glass ceiling and large potted plants suggesting a conservatory. However, the gold candelabras, thickly gilded mirrors, and palatial carved chairs all counter any sense of light and space -- a feat that's repeated almost throughout the entire hotel. Anyone looking for restrained Venetian style or homey trattoria vibes won’t find them here. Couples are the most frequent visitors and the hotel makes a convenient base for travelers looking to be near the train station.

Located on Lista di Spagna, a popular street that's a short two-minute walk from the train station, Hotel Belle Epoque is popular with leisure travelers looking to be in the thick of things. The Cannaregio district is one of six historic areas that's make up central Venice, and it’s a popular base for tourists because of the easy access to vaporetti, the bus terminal, and gondola stations. It’s an eight-minute walk to the ever-busy Strada Nuova, where there are shopping opportunities aplenty as well as the historic Venice Casino and Wagner Museum. You can also visit the Palazzo Ca’ d’Oro, or golden house, which is an eight-minute walk from Strada Nuova and considered one of the most beautiful palazzos on the Grand Canal. You’ll have to travel farther afield to get to the most popular landmarks. It’s a pleasant 20-minute walk to the Rialto Bridge and an extra 10 minutes on top of that until you reach St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. These popular spots can also be reached by vaproetto from the Ferrovia stop, taking just over 20 minutes and passing the numerous bridges and small churches along the water. Marco Polo Airport is 30 minutes away by bus from Piazzale Roma. 

The 39 rooms at Hotel Belle Epoque certainly attempt to echo the aesthetic of Venetian palaces -- with matching floors, ceilings, and bedspreads, all in a bold red and gold color scheme. However, the carpeted walls, heavy drapes, striped wallpaper, and gilded headboards can look dated rather than regal. Some previous guests do like the busy style, but it's all looking a bit worn and some features are a disappointment. Larger units include sofas, while the smaller rooms have just desks and chairs for seating. All rooms feature delicate side tables, though note that desks sometimes double as TV stands. Amenities include old tube TVs, free Wi-Fi, and telephones, plus painted wardrobes (though these notably lack safes or mini-fridges). En-suite bathrooms feature a cleaner, more neutral color palette than the rooms, but could use modernizing. Each includes a small shower stall and previous guests complain that the layout isn’t ideal. There are also old-fashioned hairdryers that, according to guests, are prone to breaking. Toiletries are a bit stingy too. 

There aren’t many features here, but the ones the hotel does have are on par with other value and mid-range properties in the area. Breakfast is a continental spread that includes a fairly solid variety of options. It’s served in the atmospheric breakfast room, which has lots of gold accents, grandiose columns, huge chandeliers, and mirrored walls, making breakfast a surprisingly glamorous affair. However, the meal can get quite busy. The hotel doesn’t have a designated lounge area, but there are some chairs dotted around the lobby as well as luggage storage space behind reception. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.