In Venice, we booked a room at Domus Ciliota because we were told it would be clean and it was recommended by a former classmate. We were also warned that the furnishings would be simple. And they were. My husband compared our room to a dorm room, which seemed an adequate description.
For this blog entry, I thought I'd write it as advice for anyone staying at Domus Ciliota. This would be a great place to stay as 20-somethings backpacking Europe. It isn't so great for a married couple in their 30s looking for a romantic weekend in Venice.
When you arrive in Venice (Venezia San Lucia), stop by the Vapretto (water bus) ticket booth inside the train station and purchase a pass for the number of hours you plan to be in Venice. The Vapretto will be your main transport throughout Venice. The train station opens up to a busy square and the main water thoroughfare. Along the river there will be several square box waiting areas to catch a Vapretto. Each are numbered. Take either boat line 1 or 2. These should be located to your right as you exit the train station. Line 1 is closer to Domus Ciliota, but 2 isn't that much farther away. Unlike a bus stop, the water bus stops at the same pick-up location for both directions. Look at the map on the wall. It will show you the order of stops, left to right. Watch which direction the water bus comes from, that will indicate the direction it is going. Obviously, if it is coming from the right, it is headed towards the locations listed further on the left on the order of stops. If it is coming from the left, it is headed towards the locations listed further on the right on order of stops. If confused, ask one of the police officers nearby for help. When you load the Vapretto, carry your luggage into the seating area, be sure to give any elderly locals the treasured chairs for them to occupy. When the Vapretto is approaching your stop be ready to go into the standing area near the entrance/exit of the boat. Note: some drivers are better than others, but either way a Vapretto is a great way to get a large number of people around Venice.
Once we arrived at our stop, it took us a while to find the place we were looking for. We were given directions, but you have to be willing to double-check each move/turn you make as you navigate your way to this hotel. Don't go to the next step in the directions until you are confident of the step you just took. When you get close, don't be afraid to ask for directions from a hostess at a restaurant, but watch out for the suspicious guy lurking behind the next alley - remember, you look like tourists (this can be to your advantage or disadvantage.) When you get there you'll see a burgundy sign hanging above the door.
When you enter a host will be there to greet you. It helps, like always in Italy, to let your host know your expected time of arrival. Also, keep in mind, in Italy there are two flights of steps for every floor. So an Italian second floor is a U.S. American fourth floor. There is an elevator that is available during working hours. Also, there will not be any safe in your room, so the front desk offers to lock up your belongings there if you are so inclined. The front desk is also willing to store your belongings after check-out and before your departure. It appears all guests luggage is stored in one large room together.
As mentioned earlier the room is quite simple. Bed, dorm room desk, dorm room dresser, and surprisingly a long full-body mirror. There is a crucifix on the wall. The bathroom is very simple as well. There is a shower with a shower door that may not keep the water inside. There is a toilet. There is a sink. There were several things plugged into one outlet, but I can't remember what all was plugged in to it.
A delightful, but simple buffet breakfast is offered downstairs in a dining room that looks like what you would find in a retirement home. The breakfast is included in the price of your stay - no extra charge.
Cost: 126 euro/night + city tax. Can pay with credit card.
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