Hotel Review: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice

Step down the stairs of Venice Santa Lucia train station, cross the Grand Canal and walk only another 200 meters to find the entrance of the hotel. Located in the Santa Croce sestiere of Venice, it's a 15-minute walk to the Rialto Bridge, a 25-minute walk to St Mark's Square and only a seven-minute walk to the Frari Church and the Ghetto. Campo dei Frari, which holds the largest church in Venice, the Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Tinteretto's masterpiece, is only a seven-minute walk; not to be missed.

By plane: direct flights to Venice from London take 2 hours. Make your way to the hotel by rail, road, boat or water taxi. Book flights to Venice.

The entrance is decorated in an understated, classic Venetian style, charming in its simplicity with stucco walls painted in pastel colours and mirrored panels. Comfy chairs with low tables invite you to take time to try one or more of Enrico's (the world-class bartender) cocktails or an afternoon coffee.

For a small hotel, there are loads of staff to help you with anything you might require. They love to assist and are house-proud, happy to show the hotel off to anyone who might have a query. Ask anything and they will do their utmost to help, including ideas of what to explore in the area.

• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Bar
• Free Wi-Fi

The hotel has a mix of 17th-century Venetian style and contemporary modern rooms. Expect all the mod cons: high-speed Wi-Fi, safe and satellite TV. One thing to be aware of: the hair dryers are attached to the wall, so you may want to bring your own.

Room types: Classic Single, Classic Double, Classic Triple, Superior Double, Patio-Garden Double, Superior Double Grand Canal View, Family Room, Junior Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with own-brand CHC toiletries, TV, free Wi-Fi

La Cupola restaurant offers both local and popular Italian specialities. The Carlton Café on the ground floor serves dolci, gelato and coffee. The stunning Top Of The Carlton Sky Lounge is the place to be when the sun goes down.

La Cupola: sophisticated, classic Venetian cuisine, seafood. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Mains from €18.

Carlton Café: dolci, gelato, coffee and world-class cocktails.

Top Of The Carlton Sky Lounge: Venetian and Mediterranean cuisine, cocktails. Open May-September.