Hotel Al Vagon

The super-central Hotel Al Vagon offers one-star rooms on the border of Cannaregio and San Marco, within walking distance of most city sights.

Quick read

Pros: Fabulous location. Clean and quiet. Some rooms with views.

Cons: Rooms are small and basic. Steep stairs (no elevator). Hard beds.

Rooms

Although the aging palazzo in which it resides dates to the 15th century, the Hotel Al Vagon’s 21 guest rooms offer modern comforts. Décor takes the tone of old-fashioned elegance, with carved antique-style furnishings, brocade curtains and richly patterned bedding.

”Classic” rooms are on the smaller side, but some overlook the canal (and are slightly more expensive). “Superior” rooms turn up the 18th-century Venetian style a couple notches, with more gilding, more space and Murano lamps. Most features, from the closet to the bidet, are bigger and nicer, and some superiors have romantic canal views, and . The upgrade, however, will cost you another €20-30.

All Al Vagon rooms, classic or superior, are equipped with air conditioning, a safe and phone. Most also feature satellite TV (although some classic rooms do not).

Bathrooms

The bathrooms, all private, vary in size. All have a shower, hair dryer and basic toiletries.

Hotel

The Hotel Al Vagon is simple, but it ticks all the cheapo boxes. It’s affordable, clean, and oh-so-central.

There are a few notable things missing: The Al Vagon does not offer Internet, and there is no elevator (and steep stairs). Breakfast is not available either, but many cafés in the area make it easy to grab a bite. And pet lovers should note that furry friends sleep free.