LPC6

Decided to go with the StR over the advice of others (thanks for the input and sorry at the same time!). Couldn't resist being one of the first to check this out.

Sitting in the hotel right now after day 1. I must say, the shuttle service is great. Some on here were guessing it takes 20 minutes, but it actually takes around 11-12 minutes pier to pier. It is very prompt, and 20 minute intervals are fine.

My first time here, but I personally like the contrast between the hustle and bustle of Venice during peak season and the tranquility of this property.

More to follow after day 2 and 3...

SanDiego1K

LPC6, your report is much appreciated. If you have time, I'd appreciate answers to these questions.

1. What is your opinion of the food quality at the hotel?
2. Do they offer a direct boat to any of the other Starwood properties, particularly the Gritti?

LPC6

I've only had a quick snack so far. I think lunch is still in the works at this property as they only offer buffet lunch (but have been willing to accommodate smaller request). Tomorrow, we are having dinner at the restaurant, which sits by the water, so will let you know how that is.

The boat service is only to the Danieli.

Also to note, service runs from 9am to midnight. I think between 11am and 10pm, the service runs every 20 mins. "Off-peak" times it is every 40.

LPC6

Anything else anyone wants to know, I'll keep an eye out for!

LPC6

Had a great stay here. There could have been more food choices, but that's really the only complaint. Location is fine and actually a refreshing break from the city.

BTW, if you're not trying to go to every single museum and the other islands (Murano-Burano, Lido), 3 days felt like enough...

lookcle1

LPC6! thank for the valuable information.

I am trying to decide if I should stay there in October, I will be arriving on Thursday at noon and leaving Saturday at noon (in a cruise ship), and based on your review it shouldn't be that bad to take the shuttle back and forth. We are not planning to check out the museums, just the basic stuff.

Questions:

1) How did you get from the airport to the hotel? What are the options? How much it cost? We are only 2 people.

2)The day of my departure, I have to go to the cruise ship, do they have taxis available?

3)Do you remember how much the breakfast buffet cost?

4) Any upgrades for SPG members?

Thanks :-)

AZ Travels the World

FYI, pre-opening discussion about this property, its location, initial rates, and other topics can be found in this now-closed thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...l#post23266742

/Moderator

LPC6

1) My fiancee and I took the Alilaguna Linea Blu, it was the cheapest option. We didn't realise that it was painfully slow. It takes about 75 minutes to get from the airport to San Zaccaria, which is the stop right next to the shuttle (literally 3 minutes walk to the shuttle stop). I think it cost something around €14 each. It was certainly significantly cheaper than the water taxi, which I think would have been about €80+?

2) The hotel can definitely organise a taxi for you, it'll come pick you up at the hotel pier and take you where you want

3) I believe the breakfast buffet was €30/person at least that's what it showed on the bill, but got it as my platinum benefit.

4) I was told I got upgraded, but not sure what the other rooms looked like. I was happy with the room we received.

DavidO

St. Regis San Clemente Palace has just announced its Starwood Luxury Privileges amenities:

• Upgrade if available upon check-in
• Daily buffet breakfast for two
• One 85€ F&B credit per room per stay
• early check-in, late check-out, subj. to availability

There's also a 4th night free promotion for all reservations made before Oct. 28th for stays until Oct. 31, 2014. The fourth night free will be credited at check-out.

FormerAmtrakTraveler

Just stayed here 3 nights, with cash and points. Suite nights cleared.

Overall it was a positive experience. This "private island" is not really that far. You can see it from St Mark's Square. It is kind of neat to go back to a private island and away from the fray. The free boat shuttle runs every 30 minutes in both directions, and it takes about 10-15 minutes to get across to St Mark's Square.

But, it does add some hassle. On our first day the boat ran every 45 minutes (instead of 30) because apparently their 2nd boat had a problem. They resolved it by the second day but we didn't know the regular schedule was different so we ended up wasting a lot of time waiting for the boat to get out.

I think we got a good deal with cash and points and the upgrade, so happy with what we got. If Gritti or Danieli were priced similarly / had similar C+P availability then those are probably better more convenient options, esp. for a short stay.

FozBoy

why on earth is this hotel closing for renovations come november when it just opened last june?

Forstbetrieb

Renovations?

Or winter closing?

Afaics next year also closed in november.

lcpteck

Updated wiki, looks like a winter closure.

Morland

It's a winter closure but the website does state:

The St. Regis Venice San Clemente Palace is closed for the season and is undergoing renovations. The resort will reopen on April 1, 2015.

lcpteck

Thanks for the heads up, wiki updated.