Murray On Travel

A lot of people consider Venice one of their luxury travel destinations. This Italian city has a lot to offer aside from its romantic and timeless gondola rides on the canals, and for those who want to make their trip more memorable, staying in Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal is highly recommended.

Overlooking a stretch of water with a view of magnificent structures, Hotel Carlton is uniquely situated. Its strategic location ensures that a visitor’s visual feast does not stop when the day ends. A look out the window at night will give a view of the Grand Canal lighted up with thousands of reflections from the palaces and other buildings lined up along its banks.

Managed for over 30 years by a highly experienced Venetian family, Hotel Carlton has a beautiful interior with Venetian stuccoes and Murano-made glass wall lamps. Some of the rooms have a view of the internal courtyard typical to Italy, and guests can use this patio for breakfast or as a lounge to relax in.

The hotel had also renovated its 150 rooms in 2001 to incorporate an eighteenth-century Venetian design with all the advantages of modern facilities, including internet connection. There is a fully-equipped function room as well for meetings and conferences that can accommodate up to 60 people. Hotel Website

Hotel Carlton also organizes guests’ excursions, from tours to the islands in the lagoon, to gondola rides within the city. Other services they offer include entry to the casino free of charge, baggage surveillance, restaurant, theater and concert tickets booking, and for those who have kids, even babysitting services.

Among the many things that Hotel Carlton offers its guests are its special packages. One that is ongoing until December 2011 is the Food and Wine Packages which invite guests to take pleasure in Italy’s unique wining and dining experience. There are traditional dishes being offered, as well as a variety of wines to choose from.

The Culture Packages, on the other hand, ensure that visitors will have a stress-free vacation in Venice by arranging package tours within the city. With numerous options available—from arts appreciation, to history and culture, one can decide which aspect of Venice to see first. From a walking tour of the Piazza San Marco to exploration of the Doge’s Palace, the Correr Museum, and the Moors’ Clock Tower, Hotel Carlton does all the arrangement for the guest’s convenience.

There is something for visitors traveling as a family as well. The Family Packages, which run until December 2012, ensure that both adults and children will find Venice enjoyable. From exploring labyrinths to visiting the natural history museum, guests will have a choice on which treat to give their children.

Hotel Carlton also offers the Valentine’s Day Special for guests who want to have the most romantic night of their lives in Venice.

What makes the packages unique is the expertise of the people arranging it. With 30 years’ experience in managing the hotel, and being locals themselves, the owners of Hotel Carlton make sure that their guests will only have the best that their city can offer.

How to Get to Hotel Carlton

The hotel is conveniently located and easily accessible from any arrival point in Venice. It has a private water taxi landing which all guests can use. Guests who prefer to take the bus, the train, or a private car can also reach the hotel within a few minutes’ walk.  Photos from Hotel Carlton website.

A well-deserved vacation in Italy may indeed be a dream come true for most people, but staying in Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal in Venice is already an experience in itself.  Photos provided by the property.