Returned home last night. First time I had visited The Centurion Palace and very impressed with the service, ambiance and location. I am a frequent visitor to VCE and I would strongly consider staying at the Centurion on our next visit. My husband and I love the location. A few years ago we rented a nearby apartment for two weeks so are familiar with the area. Although, it is directly across the Grand Canal from the Gritti, the two hotels could not be more different. The Gritti is in a location which is much busier. Within a minute of stepping out of the hotel you can be among a mob of people. OTOH, the Gritti offers a more classic ambiance. The Centurion is exactly the opposite. It is definitely not classic in style, but modern.Also, the location is much quieter and not nearly as frenetic. I know that this will not be to everyone's liking. We stopped in for lunch at the Terrace Bar after viewing the art in the Dogana, the former Customs house. We enjoyed an excellent light lunch with a spectacular view, rivaled only by that of the Gritti directly across. We asked to be shown a room and the people in reception were very gracious. We were shown a deluxe canal side room and the room oozed comfort. One of the problems with the very classic hotels is the absence of comfortable seating. Not the case here. I also learned that Mr. E. Vio is the Concirge. His father, Mr. F. Vio is a well-respected hotelier in Venice and my understanding that the leaf did not fall from the tree and that his son is doing an outstanding job. Definitely a hotel worthy of consideration when looking for a five star experience in Venice.