Locanda Sant'Anna

A bit of a hike to get to from either Arsenale or Biennale vaporetto stops but also situated in a great part of Venice—a few steps past a little bridge you’ll find a bunch of decent restaurants and cafes and the side entrance to the Giardini public gardens that host the Biennale. It’s got its own private shady courtyard and overlooks a canal. Its very retro—like staying in Venice in the seventies. It’s pretty spare, with older, well-cared-for furnishings and stone/marble inlaid floors like a public school auditorium. Its very clean—my room had a basic bed, a sink, and a very beautiful small armoire. I choose a room with shared bathroom facilities. Bathrooms were also scrupulously clean (though water pressure could be improved—but for the price, I can deal with a slightly weaker flow). Breakfast was super abundant! (Tip: wait for fresh toast and croissants before you open the packaged croissants they give you first. My guess is the packages are for the late risers). There seemed to be air conditioning in the room but I didn’t use it. A tip for the proprietor: the plants need more sun and less water—and maybe a little plant food.