"Why book? Very smart, very clubby, and with a stunning Grand Canal frontage, L'Orologio mixes contemporary chic with attention to the needs of travelers with families, all within shouting distance of the Rialto bridge.
Set the scene Peering across the Grand Canal towards the glorious Gothic Ca' d'Oro palace, L'Orologio is a sophisticated little bolthole, with contemporary wood-and-leather design and splashes of brilliant color.
The backstory The small Italian WTB (WhyTheBest) group has hotels in Venice, Florence, and Rome, all smartly contemporary and most with a clock/watch theme running through the decor. Orologio, meaning pride, nods to the owner's particular passion.
The rooms Muscular, modern decor dominates in the 42 rooms and suites of this Grand Canal hotel. The palette (reds, yellows, russets) is autumnal, and offset by black panelling. Bathrooms come with lashings of marble. Canal-facing rooms offer the ultimate treat: the two-level Premium suite provides a bird's eye view of the canal from its living space beneath a pitched roof.
Food and drink Breakfast is a good spread that includes organic options and caters to intolerances. Through the day the long, low O Bar—with its massive marble fireplace and canal-facing windows—serves light snacks and meals, which can also be delivered to the fourth-floor roof terrace for a spectacular view over the city.
The neighborhood/area Around the Hotel L'Orologio is a furiously busy bit of the San Polo district, with traders pushing their wares to the marvelous central market beneath the Rialto bridge. L'Orologio is just out of the scrum, allowing guests to dip in and out of the melée at will. It could hardly be more central though, and the nearby Rialto Mercato vaporetto stop means it's a short boat hop to just about anywhere. This is prime restaurant and bar territory too: you'll be spoilt for choice.
The service Professional, competent, unobtrusive: there's not much personal about this service but you'll want for nothing, and bookings will be arranged competently.
For families Special family rooms with two bedrooms and a shared bathroom are a comfortable option. Children under three can stay free with their parents. L'Orologio also has two large self-catering apartments in an adjoining building.
Accessibility L'Orologio has several disabled-accessible rooms.
Anything left to mention? A range of special offers from L'Orologio includes the Lido Beach Experience, with a private water taxi from the hotel across to the Adriatic-facing Lido, a couple of deckchairs beneath an umbrella in this most classic of seaside resorts and use of a picturesque beach hut to complete the whole Belle-Époque ambience." - Anne Hanley
