"The hotel I stayed in Venice in 2023 was small and amenities in the room are harder for me to use. This time around, I started with low expectations and Hotel Rialto exceeded in every way. I feel comfortable recommending this hotel.
What I liked:
1. It has an elevator. Not all Venice hotels have elevators.
2. Great location, right next to Rialto Bridge, a centrally located location for you to explore all six districts in Venice by foot or by boat. You have water taxi, ACTV (Vaporetto, Venice's waterbus), water bus, Alilaguna, connecting Venice's Marco Polo Airport to Venice all have stops here. Not to mention countless restaurants and shops nearby. You can go from fine dining to self-service quick bites. There is also a supermarket called Despar nearby.
3. I communicated things I need for them to prepare before my arrival that are nonstandard, and they got them already by the time I got there, nothing less. They delivered in every aspect. Many things I did not think it's possible because it's Venice, everything is by boat and manpower, but somehow, amazingly, they made it possible.
I was expecting to have to go through the same ordeal as last time in 2023, but I did not have to raise any issues after checking in and the housekeeping/porter walked the room with me. Minor issues they got them resolved quickly. After that, it was pretty much a hassle-free experience.
4. Breakfast buffet has variety. When in Venice, I strongly recommend you get the breakfast, that way you have a eaten, and can start your activities right after. Finding breakfast or pastries on your own may not be as easy as you are in the mainland.
5. The entire team were courteous and professional from kitchen to front desk; except the person who I spoke with in the evening of Jan 31, 2026 about water parade, he appeared more impatient, but after that I never saw him again.
6. They have lots of places to hang clothes and the clothing do dry overnight, their heating system was excellent.
7. Excellent water pressure and shower temperature.
8. It's a large hotel, perhaps one of bigger ones, likely own up the entire block, but they managed well and keep the traffic flow manageable. And the signs are clear and easy to follow, so it does not feel like a maze.
Other things to know:
1. Like most hotels in North America and Europe where buildings are made out of woods, not concrete, the soundproof between walls are weak and poor. This one is no exception, but guests mostly thoughtful and considerate to keep the volumes down most of time.
2. You can't get more convenient than this hotel if you want to stay in Venice.
3. Things are pricy in Venice, for a very valid reason, because of manpower/labor that goes into moving things from food/ingredients, trash removal, and many more. Please be a good guest and take good care of all facilities in Venice. Be thankful that the Italians are still willing to open and share this precious city with the rest of the world to enjoy and see.
4. To see Venice, you must have a visit strategy. Based on what you want to see, then you look for lodging that works for you. But if you don't have a strategy or don't have any in particular, then, a hotel in Rialto Bridge area, such as Hotel Rialto is an excellent choice, it puts you in the center of everything, all within equal distance more or less."
