The Gritti Palace, Venice: Outstanding Service, Food, Concierge, and Suite Upgrade
Oct 17, 2016, 9:24 pm
#31
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Oct 17, 2016, 10:41 pm
#32
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Hotel transfers, whether by car, boat, or even air; are often more that simple transportation from point A to point B. There is the added level of service that often entails special consideration for early check in/late check out and more.
Given that this is a beautiful custom made boat from Riva, which incidentally I believe is a product of Feretti, I think EUR 200~ is quite a bargain.
I don't find it offensive that different options are available at different price points. One can get to FS George V by public transportation or taxi. Or, one can request a transfer in the Phantom or other vehicle types. All understandably at commensurate price points - it's a choice.
Given that this is a beautiful custom made boat from Riva, which incidentally I believe is a product of Feretti, I think EUR 200~ is quite a bargain.
I don't find it offensive that different options are available at different price points. One can get to FS George V by public transportation or taxi. Or, one can request a transfer in the Phantom or other vehicle types. All understandably at commensurate price points - it's a choice.
By far the cheapest transfer.
?
Oct 17, 2016, 11:03 pm
#34
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I think each transport option gives a different perspective on Venice.
In June this year we used the vaporetti throughout our stay - far more pleasant than fighting through the tourist throngs in San Marco; but as we were travelling with our children we had no qualms whatsoever about booking a superb water taxi for airport transfers and a day tour of the lagoon. When we arrived, we were met at the door of the plane and escorted through the diplomatic lane at immigration, so as a non-EU passport holder, I wasn't going to complain about the price!
Thanks to my children, who were on their first visit to Venice and insisted, I have now even discovered the touristy charm of the gondolas!
In June this year we used the vaporetti throughout our stay - far more pleasant than fighting through the tourist throngs in San Marco; but as we were travelling with our children we had no qualms whatsoever about booking a superb water taxi for airport transfers and a day tour of the lagoon. When we arrived, we were met at the door of the plane and escorted through the diplomatic lane at immigration, so as a non-EU passport holder, I wasn't going to complain about the price!
Thanks to my children, who were on their first visit to Venice and insisted, I have now even discovered the touristy charm of the gondolas!
Oct 17, 2016, 11:09 pm
#35
Join Date: Jan 2009
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I completely understand your point. However, my point is that the water taxis are pristine and we are talking about a very short ride. My usual water taxi driver (yes, I have my own guy) can cut across the lagoon in 20 minutes. Moreover, his friend meets us at the baggage claim and transports us to the boat dock. So, one doesn't have to stay at Gritti or Aman to receive great service. I'll be in Venice in a few weeks and I'm not staying at the Gritti. If I were, I would not use their "private" taxi.
Where are you staying in Venice?
Oct 17, 2016, 11:17 pm
#36
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It's good that there are options to suit everyone. As you are a regular visitor to Venice, and even have a regular water taxi driver, of course there would be little added value in a private transfer for you. For others, there are also equally valid reasons for choosing hotel transfers or excursions.
Where are you staying in Venice?
Where are you staying in Venice?
We love this hotel and the location. We stay in a Prestige Suite. Hotel has a water landing as well as a street entrance. I prefer it to the Gritti.
Sep 8, 2017, 1:12 pm
#37
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Last edited by bhrubin; Oct 29, 2017 at 10:22 am
Oct 29, 2017, 2:07 am
#38
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Here (at the Danieli ) now and rereading this thread
One point about the hotel arranged transfers- they don’t just include a water taxi- they include the driver meeting you at the gate, retrieving your luggage for you, driving you and your luggage across to the boat area in a luxury car and then transferring it onto the water taxi.
My husband is 67 now and those services are more than worth it to us. We arrived at the Danieli rested and ready for our adventure.
Like Bhrubin- our hotel cost is zero dollars , and our RT FC flight on BA was also “free” (2-4-1 Companion Award). With the biggest expenses of our trip covered by miles and points we feel justified splurging on the things that make our travel so effortless and enjoyable- like water taxis.
One point about the hotel arranged transfers- they don’t just include a water taxi- they include the driver meeting you at the gate, retrieving your luggage for you, driving you and your luggage across to the boat area in a luxury car and then transferring it onto the water taxi.
My husband is 67 now and those services are more than worth it to us. We arrived at the Danieli rested and ready for our adventure.
Like Bhrubin- our hotel cost is zero dollars , and our RT FC flight on BA was also “free” (2-4-1 Companion Award). With the biggest expenses of our trip covered by miles and points we feel justified splurging on the things that make our travel so effortless and enjoyable- like water taxis.
Oct 29, 2017, 7:24 am
#39
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may have changed some, for example this is new >
"Outbound flights - private minibus to your awaiting aircraft"
Dec 28, 2017, 5:15 pm
#42
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We also absolutely loved sitting on the Riva Bar outdoor terrace for drinks every njght, something the Aman just can’t match. The also far preferred the Gritti location. The fact that the Gritti is a bit cheaper is icing on the cake. You won’t regret it.
Jan 6, 2018, 10:18 pm
#43
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 297
We are Amanjunkies (just stayed in Jan at Amanbagh during our India trip)...and we would return in a second to the Gritti over the Aman Venice. The Aman here is very pretty, but we felt the Gritti was as good if not better with its service standard and especially with its outstanding food and beverage.
We also absolutely loved sitting on the Riva Bar outdoor terrace for drinks every njght, something the Aman just can’t match. The also far preferred the Gritti location. The fact that the Gritti is a bit cheaper is icing on the cake. You won’t regret it.
Jul 6, 2021, 7:44 pm
#44
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
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http://www.hotelaicavalieri.com
We love this hotel and the location. We stay in a Prestige Suite. Hotel has a water landing as well as a street entrance. I prefer it to the Gritti.
We love this hotel and the location. We stay in a Prestige Suite. Hotel has a water landing as well as a street entrance. I prefer it to the Gritti.
Jul 8, 2021, 12:26 pm
#45
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I have stayed at the Gritti several times, in various accommodations, including part of the Hemingway Suite (we got the bedroom, not the living room on 2 occasions). This was the corner suite on first floor. In the beginning, the service was very warm. As time went by and the management changed from Ciga to Sheraton to ? I noticed a discernible difference. There was a little more of a corporate feel; much less personalized. In more recent years, we have stopped by for a drink on the bar terrace. It is great theatre watching the guests arrive. Many are wearing or carrying the most expensive luxury items (Hermes,Loro Piano, Goyard). I have overheard some guests complaining about being put in the annex to the original building (no view). My most recent stay was shortly after 9/11., I traveled alone. I just wanted to escape the pain and the TV and be in the surreal world of Venice. I made the reservation directly as a single, and was put in a room which must have been a former servants room. It was so tiny, I could barely move. It was gloomy and IIRC there was very little light. In the morning I went to breakfast, which was beautifully presented. I called another hotel, Monaco and Grande Canal and asked if they could accomodate me. I asked Concierge to request taxi for the 7 minute ride and was shocked at the price which was outrageously high,
By contrast, The Cavalieri does not have the glitz and glamour and celebrity guests or magnificent breakfast, I does not even have a restaurant, It does have very warm service and the Prestige Suite is as fine as a suite at the Gritti. I agree that the Royal Suite at Ai Cavalieri is a bit too large but the Prestige Suite is just the right size and I love that the bedroom has several windows, all of which overlook a canal and I love watching people go about their daily lives crossing the bridge. My husband and I stayed there 3 years In a row and it was like coming home. I also prefer the quiet area of Santa Maria Formosa. Several outstanding restaurants nearby, including a 2 minute walk to Alle Testiere. We would often eat our main meal in one of the neighborhood restaurants and in the evening return to the hotel bar for a cocktail and sandwich.
Hope this answers your question.
By contrast, The Cavalieri does not have the glitz and glamour and celebrity guests or magnificent breakfast, I does not even have a restaurant, It does have very warm service and the Prestige Suite is as fine as a suite at the Gritti. I agree that the Royal Suite at Ai Cavalieri is a bit too large but the Prestige Suite is just the right size and I love that the bedroom has several windows, all of which overlook a canal and I love watching people go about their daily lives crossing the bridge. My husband and I stayed there 3 years In a row and it was like coming home. I also prefer the quiet area of Santa Maria Formosa. Several outstanding restaurants nearby, including a 2 minute walk to Alle Testiere. We would often eat our main meal in one of the neighborhood restaurants and in the evening return to the hotel bar for a cocktail and sandwich.
Hope this answers your question.