I am indebted to you for taking the time to share your experiences of both The Gritti Palace and the Danieli. Many thanks for that. You have challenged my thinking on the matter. In any case, I am not averse to the Danieli at all, just keen to clarify exactly what the Reservations Manager is proposing to meet a reasonable expectation informed by Marriott's policy on being "walked".

Your experiences of roof noise at The Gritti may be relevant, given the possibility of nightly roof parties held by Cartier, the major sponsor of last year's film festival.

Whereas it is a goal to seek good redemption value, this can also be achieved by staying at lower category properties - for example, I have the new EDITION Madrid in my sights and previously stayed at The Residence Inn in Wailea, Maui, on points (good value for points and a pragmatic option meeting our needs). That way, my points will stretch to 2x5 nights.

If I was paying cash without limit, I would return to the Belmond Cipriani. If I wanted value and a canal side room, I would return to Al Ponte Antico, where the Perlucchi family always provide a warm welcome in their 9-room miniature Palazzo at Rialto.

Travel safe. Many thanks indeed.