Oltre Il Giardino, San Polo, Venice - Explore & Book
"If you’ve ever wondered what it's like to stay in a country villa in the middle of Venice, then this is your place. Oltre Il Giardino (‘beyond the garden’) is a bucolic villa owned and run by Lorenzo and his Franco-Venetian family. They converted house, which once belonged to Gustav Mahler's widow, into an intimate city retreat. Its bedrooms are spacious and serene, its drawing rooms are filled with Edwardian art and family heirlooms, and there’s an easy grace about the place that makes you feel immediately at home. Alongside one of the city’s countless canals, you’ll find a diminutive dark green door to will lead you through an urban oasis of bamboo, lavender and (inexplicably) gnomes to your Venetian home-from-home. It really is evocative of the secret garden, with ivy covered red brick walls, a small window to the canal outside and little nooks for al fresco summer breakfasts. Expect sheer style and a warm welcome - a stylish sanctuary in Venice. Highs Comfortable and down-to-earth, but with luxurious touches: Bulgari toiletries, soft robes, antique tables, silk drapes, delightful artefacts and paintingsA beautiful, private walled garden for delicious breakfasts and relaxing afternoonsWe welcomed the quiet location - you're tucked away from the main thoroughfares and people can't walk past the hotel A good option for families, with a safe walled garden, Suites with space for children and Lorenzo can recommend English speaking babysittersGood value for Venice, especially the Double Rooms Lows It isn't as close to the main tourist attractions as other hotels (this could be a plus though), but St Mark's Square is a 10-minute vaporetta ride, and you can walk to the Rialto in 15 minutesRooms are beautiful but understated, and not all ensuites have bathtubsNo restaurant, though breakfast is great and there are some good eateries close by" - Emma Taylor
