An update on the Locanda Gaffaro (LG)
Recently one of our avid travellers stayed at the LG after reading of its high recommendation within these pages. Unfortunately their experience was highly disappointing and way below standard. My personal experience consisted of a fantastic attitude, super room service and comfortable accommodation. Their experience, however, consisted of hot stifling nights, unacceptable attitude and mould on bread.
I have offered to write to LG on these travellers'' behalf, requesting for ample explanation for the bad service received. Currently I remain in anticipation of the permission I sought from these travellers to quote their journal entry in my letter to LG. I firmly believe that their bad experience is an isolated unfortunate case.
In the meantime, I wish to advise would-be travellers to Italy on certain matters related to Italians. First and foremost, Italians are very house-proud people who take absolute pride in everything they do, making sure that guests and visitors are treated warmly and with respect. The last thing you should do, as a guest, would be to treat them with suspect and to see things in a biased, negative light.
Knowledge of the Italian language is a plus, but absolutely not necessary. A spluttering of words - ciao (hi), buongiorno (good morning), come stai? (how are you?), e'' una bella giornata (it''s a nice day), a presto (see you soon), etc - would go a long way in making your Italian stay much more memorable.
Remember also that Venice is a very expensive place especially if you choose to go during summer, or during one of the many festivals, primarily Il Carnevale in mid-february. So, do not assume that $75 will go a long way to getting you a 5 star hotel. 5 Stars go up from $250 during peak season. Hence, the high rating I gave to LG - for being absolutely a money-stretcher. Most people to Venice will be disappointed to find small rooms even though they might have paid over two hundred dollars per night. But please do not be one of them - understand that Venice is a very old city with many buildings newly renovated from the small buildings that are hundreds of years old. It''s simply impossible to build super-huge spanking new hotels like those you might find overlooking New York''s Central Park.
Last thing to add: most doubles at $75 during peak season will not have en-suite facilities. LG remainds one of the rare few that still boasts of this very important luxury. The hotel is also newly renovated and very clean.