San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice
"How did it strike you on arrival?You arrive to San Clemente the way you wish to—but don't always—arrive everywhere in Venice: by boat. The hotel is on its own island, and the site of the old buildings (a former hospital-turned-hotel) as you approach feels glamorous. Bonus: The private island feels immediately calm compared to the crush of central Venice where you catch the boat. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Sophisticated Americans, British and French. Well-dressed, generally well-traveled. Picture ladies in loose Missoni and gentlemen in jackets mingling with moms and dads in jeans and a crisp button-down. How was check in, getting to your room, and all that? In a word, seamless: As soon as the boat arrives, a member of the concierge team greets you and leads you to reception. It's easy, but if there was no one there to meet you, it may be a little confusing to find the check-in desk; the island is pretty large. No physics degree required to operate the lights in the room. Thankfully. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The starting category is the Superior. It's small—you won't have much room beyond the bed and desk. But it's clean, has a classic look, and a decent bathroom with tub. I'd say spring for one with lagoon views, which is so lovely to wake up to. Room service and food: Worth it?There are six restaurants and bars altogether, from poolside lunch spots to terraces serving afternoon spritzes (an absolute must, regardless of price tag). Food is decent Italian—you won't eat badly at all. But the prices are highish, even for Venice. The breakfast buffet, however, is excellent. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The grounds are impressive. There is a spa, gardens for strolling, a gorgeous bar that opens onto a terrace. This is a true resort: You could spend five days here and never leave. Bottom line: Worth it, and why?Worth it. The grounds themselves make this place appealing. Venice is so beautiful but so so crowded, it's nice to start and end your day somewhere you can breathe. For families it's perfect because the kids can actually run around. And views of Venice from the island never get old. A downside? Being dependent on the hotel boat to bring you back and forth to the city gets a little old after the first day, despite how reliable it is." - Erin Florio
