I realized a week before my recent tour of Europe that our itinerary concluded with three nights in Venice, and I had hotel plans for just one of those. Yikes!
While the aforementioned hotel around the corner from St. Mark's square promised palatial accommodations, a palatial price (relatively speaking) accompanied the reservation. I sought a less exorbitant guest bill, and this guest house overlooking the Grand Canal delivered spectacularly.
For $146, I scored two nights at an unbeatable location. Casa Favaretto's charm was unending, and the lovely experience began with a gorgeous and heart-warming smile from owner (I presume) Francesca. She helped me schlep heavy luggage up a flight of stairs to our sizable room.
Understand the ballgame before booking here in the humid summer months. There is no elevator to the second floor or air conditioning. While that might be a deal breaker for you, I hope it won't.
A mammoth plug-in fan next to the bed reduced the brunt of the broil. I just skipped sliding under the covers and was quite comfortable. I hauled my suitcase across 7 or so bridges in the walk from St. Mark's Square. What's one more staircase?
The guest house was far from full, leaving the community bathroom rarely occupied. The shower featured some of the best water pressure during my time in Europe and plenty of space to hang or set clothes away from the commode and shower stall, a novelty among the places I stayed, especially the cruise ship.
A community refrigerator allowed me to cool any water or soda bottles I had accrued. For the reasonable cost of 1-2 Euros, it also offered shelves filled with cold still and sparkling water and sodas.
Did I mention the location? Good luck finding a better deal anywhere in Venice but especially on the Grand Canal. The view from my bedroom's front window was enchanting and breathtaking.
While Favaretto's delightful simplicity may not include elaborate bells and whistles or round-the-clock desk service, astute travelers shouldn't need them. Consider this the perfect home base for walking and exploring Venice's crooked and less packed back streets.
The one-bridge jaunt to catch an Alilaguna to Marco Polo (at 4 a.m. no less) was facile and a stress-free and bargain way to reach the airport on the mainland.
In short, my stay at Casa Favaretto was wonderful, and I'll be back, especially when temperatures dip. read more