Hotel B4 Bellini in Venice must have been one of the best ways to use my Expedia free coupon, which I received earlier in 2015. The $200 coupon for a hotel virtually everywhere in the world was a hard decision to make. I finally used it on our trip to Italy, with my mum, and since Venice is very expensive with luxury hotels costing lots of points and also further from the city it seemed like the best option.
I was looking for a hotel close to the city, the train station and the bus so we can get to the airport. After looking at every single hotel I decided on hotel Bellini, which is right next to the train station. Approximately 5 minutes walk through the bridge to the coach station for the airport and 30 minutes walk to St Marks. You can check out my Muslim friendly Venice article here for some ideas and halal food options if you are short on time, as we were.
Just outside the train station
I booked the hotel for one night for $190 which is approximately £120, the TripAdvisor reviews are also good, you can check them here. Personally, I wasn’t expecting much as Venice is expensive and very ‘touristy’ so I assumed the rooms will be small and dark. I did decide to book an executive room for the fact that they have a balcony. Shame it rained the days we were there!
I knew it was an easy find, so I had printed a map and when we arrived at the train station I started walking towards that direction. For some odd reason, I didn’t look up to see the sign of the hotel and was almost going to continue walking. I was literally standing there trying to find it when it was in front of me!
Check-in was great, the hotel is in an old building and definitely had flair. The staff were very helpful and did provide a map and directions to St Mark’s. Even though the hotel is on a busy street once you enter you can’t hear the noise. The property is not a luxurious property I would give it a 4-star maximum and that is because it is an older property and not really my style; however I believe it is a charming hotel.
The room
It was extremely spacious and it exceeded most of my expectations. I believe these were recently renovated rooms and share a balcony. You basically enter your room from a balcony and then you have a separate balcony door too. There was an extra bed so I assume they use this room as a family room as well. It had everything you will need and for Venice standards it was pleasant:)
Big smile on mamas face, makes me happier 🙂
We did have a small view of Venice and it was just nice space.
I assume in the summer when it’s not raining and the flowers are blooming it will be lovely.
The bathroom was also very big and newly refurbished. The only issue I had with it is that when you take a shower it leaks onto the floor which can be quite dangerous and slippery.
Location
For me, the location of this hotel is it’s the biggest asset. Next to the Vaporetto that takes you to St Marks, train station, coach station, to the airport and halal food all only 2 minutes down the street. It is a great choice. Even my mum was happy.
The view from the balcony
I did see some of the other rooms when they were cleaning them and I believe they can be on the tiny side. However, if I am going only for 24 hrs again I would happily book it, especially if the price is right.
Check out my guide to Venice for halal food and activities here.