Hmmm, stayed at the Centurion Palace two months ago and could not have been more satisfied.

The location is just perfect, right on the Grand Canal and on the opposite side of The Gritti Palace.
There is a Traghetto pier (Gondola ferry, EUR2/person) right beside the hotel which you can use to cross the Grand Canal which drops you off right beside The Gritti Palace.

The Centurion Palace is a modern luxury hotel (not traditional/old which I do not like) however I would call it more low to mid end luxury (not Aman type of luxury).

Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely no complaints. Actually my only complaint is that their breakfast buffet (which is included in the room rate) is a little on the low end side. However you can always order something a la carte (which costs extra however).

I found their response through email quick and they always gave me various options to choose from (not only hotel services which automatically cost twice as much).
English was absolutely no problem at all and every request (I had) was quickly fulfilled without any hesitation.

The room (small suite) we had was of a decent size (and clean) with "cathedral" like ceilings and also had two small balconies overlooking the Grand Canal. The bathroom had a bathtub/shower combo with both a handheld shower as well as a rainshower.

Below are some picture (sorry for the large pictures) which I took from one of the two balconies.

Left side (the second balcony is on the left):


Right side (St Mark's Bell Tower on the right):


The Gritti Palace across the hotel:


Panorama (St Mark's Bell Tower on the right):