Madama Venice

Madama Venice, also known as Madama Garden Retreat, is a Michelin Key Selected property that consistently earns exceptional praise from guests, positioning itself as a tranquil and luxurious oasis in the bustling city.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Madama Venice is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional," "perfect," and "magnifico." The hotel boasts almost perfect guest ratings, indicating a high level of satisfaction. Many consider it their favorite hotel in Venice, emphasizing its unique charm and peaceful atmosphere.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of Madama Venice:

• The Garden: The enchanting private garden, overlooking a Venetian canal, is frequently cited as a major highlight. It provides a lush, quiet retreat from the city's crowds, ideal for breakfast or an aperitif.
• Exceptional Service: The staff, particularly the owner Mara and director Lorenzo, are praised for their attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine care. They go above and beyond to fulfill requests, organize activities, and offer local recommendations.
• Unique Design & Ambiance: The hotel's interior design is inspired by Italo Calvino's "Invisible Cities," blending Venetian elegance with contemporary touches. Each of the nine suites has a distinct character, often reflecting floral themes, creating a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere.
• Peaceful Location: Despite being centrally located in the Cannaregio district, the hotel offers a serene and secluded environment, away from the main tourist throngs.

Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Madama Venice are described as comfortable, clean, and meticulously detailed. While some describe them as "not exactly charming" in the traditional sense, they are furnished with taste and class, combining old Venetian splendor with modern glamour. Design elements include luxurious satin and silk furnishings, hand-crafted wallpapers, and antique objects, often with intimate low lighting. Suites are inspired by the hotel's gardens, with varied color palettes, and some offer grand arched windows overlooking the canal, while others face the tranquil garden. Amenities typically include king-size beds, Diptyque toiletries, bathrobes, minibars, and Wi-Fi.

Dining Experience

The breakfast at Madama Venice is consistently highlighted as "delicious," "stunning," and a "real feast for the taste buds." Served à la carte, often in the beautiful garden overlooking the canal when the weather permits, it includes fresh seasonal fruit, warm pastries (such as pistachio croissants), homemade cake, fresh bread, jams, yogurt, avocado toast with egg, salmon, and fresh juices. The quality of the food and impeccable service during breakfast are frequently mentioned as memorable aspects of the stay. The hotel does not have its own restaurant for lunch or dinner, but staff are excellent at recommending local eateries.

Service & Staff

The service at Madama Venice is consistently rated as exceptional. Guests praise the staff for being professional, courteous, attentive, and incredibly helpful. The owner, Mara, and director, Lorenzo, are particularly noted for their personalized approach, making guests feel special and going out of their way to assist with restaurant bookings, hidden gem recommendations, and even travel planning for onward journeys. The hospitality fosters a feeling of being a cherished guest rather than just a customer.

Location & Accessibility

Madama Venice is situated in the Cannaregio district, an authentic and relatively peaceful neighborhood on the north side of town, away from the most intense tourist crowds. It offers a quiet, picturesque area with easy access to fabulous wine bars and restaurants. While feeling removed, it's still conveniently located, with the Rialto Bridge a 12-minute walk away and St. Mark's Square an 18-minute walk. The hotel is accessible by both street and boat, with a private jetty on the Canal Rio di Noale, allowing for easy water taxi arrivals and departures directly from the train station or airport. The Grand Canal is just a few minutes' walk away.

Value & Pricing

While an "experience like this comes at a price," guests generally feel that Madama Venice offers excellent value for money. The quality of the place, its peacefulness, and the exceptional hospitality are often cited as being "above and beyond" expectations, making it a worthwhile indulgence. Typical prices are noted to be at least €422 per night, with breakfast often optional but highly recommended.

Common Complaints

Given the overwhelmingly positive reviews, recurring complaints are few. However, some minor points mentioned include:

• Price: The luxurious experience comes with a higher price tag.
• Limited Amenities: The hotel does not have a pool or spa. Its amenities are described as "basic" but intentionally so, focusing on the intimate residence feel rather than a sprawling palazzo.
• Adults Only/Age Restriction: Madama Venice is an adults-only hotel with an age limit of 15 years old, which might be a limitation for families traveling with younger children.
• Front Desk Not Manned at Night: One review noted that the front desk isn't manned at night.
• Potential for Dark Rooms: Some rooms, while having a wonderfully moody ambiance, can feel dark on cloudy winter days.

Sources

1. lovevenice.net
2. michelin.com
3. booking.com
4. i-escape.com
5. booking.com
6. europeisourplayground.com
7. madamavenice.it
8. letsgomylove.com
9. mrandmrssmith.com