"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Once you’ve located the door to this six-room boutique hotel near the Frari basilica (no easy feat), you’ll be amazed what lies beyond. Oltre il Giardino looks more like a country villa than a city hostelry, and the windows and doors opening onto the lovely patch of exuberant greenery provide a great contrast with oh-so-urban Venice outside. What's the backstory? Oltre il Giardino is independently owned and managed by Lorenzo Muner. The villa that houses the hotel was the home of Alma Mahler, widow of the composer Gustav Mahler, in the 1920s. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? There are six options in the main house: doubles, junior suites, and suites. Colors in these stylish, pared-back rooms are neutral, with the occasional splash of something startling. Large windows—especially those overlooking the garden—make the rooms unusually light. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? There's good, free wi-fi. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Sitting in the high-walled garden on a warm morning with some good coffee and fresh pastries is a particular Oltre il Giardino pleasure. Breakfast is good but simple: There’s nothing cooked. And the service? The welcome begins even before your arrival with good pre-visit communications, and continues smoothly once you arrive. Lorenzo and his friendly staff dole out faultless restaurant recommendations, and they’re always keen to help with bookings. What type of travelers will you find here? Oltre il Giardino’s Mahler connection, plus its garden, appeals to a more mature, artsy crowd—but the place is family-friendly, too. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Lounge in the garden between sightseeing stints, and you'll soon realize why Oltre il Giardino is so handy. This isn’t a hotel-heavy area, but there are restaurants and bars aplenty, and both the train station and the main sights are also within reach. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? For the garden, the peace, and the friendly staff, Oltre il Giardino is a great choice." - Anne Hanley
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