Hotel Galleria

For a one-star hotel, the Hotel Galleria sure has a picture-perfect location. It’s situated right next to the Accademia Bridge and offers nine rooms, all boasting views of either the Galleria dell'Accademia (Venice's most important art museum), the Rialto Bridge or the Grand Canal.

Quick read

Pros: Incredible location. Stellar views. Friendly service.

Cons: No elevator. No air conditioning.

Rooms

The Galleria is a sweet old place with antique furnishings, creaky hardwood floors and no television in sight. We found the "regular" doubles a bit too tight for our tastes (one was positively comical—you had to squeeze yourself around the bed to view the canal), but if you can pay just a bit more, you can score a "Big Double." We say: Seriously consider it.

Amenities are few and far between here. Rooms had a fan and little else (note that there is no air conditioning). But oh, those views.

Bathrooms

Some rooms have private bathrooms, while the cheapest share facilities. Either way, bathrooms are a bit dated but very clean. A hair dryer is available in each room.

Hotel

It’s no surprise that service comes naturally at the Hotel Galleria. The building has been in the hospitality business since the 19th century, when its rooms were part of the Universo Hotel. The rooms may maintain an old-fashioned simplicity, but they are some of the cheapest to be found on the Canal—and who can deny the pleasure of gazing out the windows that poet Robert Browning once enjoyed?

Breakfast, included in the room rate, is served in your room. Wi-Fi is free in the public areas. Note that the hotel does not have an elevator.