Anyway, we arrived at our hotel at midday but couldn't check in until 2.00 pm so we headed off to get a quick squiz of Venice and to see how close we could get before we had to park. (We are staying on the 'mainland' as the hotel prices in Venice itself were more than we were willing to pay). From our hotel it is about 10-15 min drive and surprisingly we could drive right up to the pedestrian bridge. We found a park pretty much straight away and because Sean is disabled, we get half price parking. Bonus! There is a bus right outside our hotel that leaves every 8 minutes but for us, the car is cheaper and more comfortable option. We wandered over the bridge into Venice and first impressions was wow, look at all the people.
Once we came to terms with the number of tourists, we started our exploration by walking the outskirts and then meandering inwards. The main thoroughfare was crowded but as we walked further in, the tourists thinned right out. Now it's fairly obvious that Venice oozes with history but what you don't see in the travel brochures is the sad state of the buildings and the graffiti (and the junk souvenir stores at every corner. Sean was looking at some hats at one of the souvenir stores when the lady owner came out to adjust some stock, she started coughing and then hoicked and spat right near me. Talk about killing the romance of the place.) The graffiti is everywhere and at eye level so you can't miss it.. Also, I understand that the buildings are extremely old but there doesn't seem to be much restoration going on which is such a shame. You will see by my photos of today what I mean. The beautiful brickwork is falling apart, the building motifs are crumbling and then idiots graffiti them. In saying all that, we only saw 2 hrs worth of Venice so we are spending the full day tomorrow and I am hoping to find the amazing part further in.
We did notice that those who are staying in Venice have to drag their luggage from the bus parking area, over the footbridge and to their hotel. There are some porters at the footbridge to assist but not many. Depending on your location, you could have a long haul ahead.
Eventually we headed back to our hotel, that is a whole new story. Looks very modern and smart in the foyer and restaurant but once we got to our room we found stark white walls and the very basic essentials but I have to say it was clean and comfortable. I don't mind but Sean was disappointed. They are currently renovating the hotel so the ceiling outside our room is non existent, there is just a bunch of cables with the occasional roof tile in place. Not a great first impression when you are walking towards your room. Also Sean is tearing his hair out because the free wi fi logs you out every hour. It's going to be a long 4 days if he doesn't get his techno geek fix happening.
Here's hoping tomorrow we find the picturesque romantic Venice.
Ciao.
Lorraine & Sean
Sean here, Ambasciatori Hotel is the worst fucking hotel I have ever stayed at and I have stayed at some really shitty places. It makes Fawlty Towers look impressive. I'm not prone to swearing online, but this place is just crappy. I can excuse most things but internet that logs you out every hour so you have to login is just fucked up and unnecessary. This was my pick of hotel and I have regretted every damn moment of the decision.
PhotosSean here, Ambasciatori Hotel is the worst fucking hotel I have ever stayed at and I have stayed at some really shitty places. It makes Fawlty Towers look impressive. I'm not prone to swearing online, but this place is just crappy. I can excuse most things but internet that logs you out every hour so you have to login is just fucked up and unnecessary. This was my pick of hotel and I have regretted every damn moment of the decision.
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