Carlton on the Grand Canal

Angie Smith2/5 · 2026-05

The ONLY reason I’m giving this hotel 2 stars instead of 1 is the location. It’s directly across from the Venice train station, so after dragging luggage through Venice, being able to walk over the bridge and arrive within minutes was extremely convenient. They also offered luggage storage and the WiFi worked fine. That said, this hotel was incredibly disappointing for the price — we paid about $855 for 2 nights and it absolutely did not reflect that value. The AC barely worked. We arrived in the evening and immediately noticed the room felt warm. We closed the shutters and adjusted the controls, hoping it would cool down while we were out the next day. We left early the next morning and didn’t return until around 8:30 PM after walking all day through Venice. The room was STILL hot and uncomfortable. When we mentioned it to the front desk, there wasn’t even an apology — we were simply asked if we had reported it earlier. At that point we were exhausted, showered, and checking out the next morning anyway. The room itself feels less “classic Venetian charm” and more old, worn out, and overdue for renovation. The furniture was unstable and dated — the side tables literally rocked when touched, the desk and chair looked heavily worn, and the mini fridge didn’t even keep drinks cold. Water was condensing inside and puddling in the fridge. The bed was extremely hard and uncomfortable. The bathroom was tiny and poorly designed. You can’t use the sink or mirror unless the door is shut, which makes the space feel even more cramped. There was also little to no ventilation and a noticeable moldy smell. We thought it was weird that we have to turn in our room key every time we leave the hotel and retrieve it when returning (standing in line on each time). Why dont they have a copy? Super inconvenient. Overall, this hotel survives on location alone. If you’re paying budget prices, maybe it’s acceptable. But for what we paid, this stay was a huge disappointment.

Ektha Chauhan3/5 · 2026-06

Comments on service: The reception staff were professional and courteous. Unfortunately, the breakfast staff were quite the opposite, speaking to guests in a harsh, condescending manner and dictating instructions rather than providing service. Guests are there to relax and enjoy their visit, not be treated like schoolchildren. A little courtesy and hospitality would go a long way! The Management team at Hotel Carlton should address this, as it significantly impacts the overall guest experience

Patricia Theis1/5 · 2026-06

My sister and I were so excited to check in to this beautiful grand hotel. We were brought to our room and when we opened the door realized it was occupied!! People's personal belongings everywhere!! They apologized and "upgraded " us to a suite. The phones didn't work nor did the AC. The bathroom was small, cramped and so incredibly slick. My sister slipped and fell in the tub and the assistance from the front desk was lame at best. They changed our room again and the shower door fell off!!! They shrugged it off like no big deal. I have a formal complaint filed with TripAdvisor and the Hotel corporation I would NEVER STAY HERE AGAIN.

Gena Runnion1/5 · 2026-05

Location is fantastic to carry bags over the bridge to the train station. We almost left as soon as we walked in the room. Beds were uncomfortable and bedding was so old. Sheer curtains did not block out light for sleep. Lastly, we have bed bug bites. NOT a four star hotel.

Lorenzo Fernandes1/5 · 2026-02

We paid €90 per person for what was advertised as a Carnival buffet evening at Carlton on the Grand Canal, and it was an absolute disappointment from start to finish. Being in Venice for Carnival, we reasonably expected a proper Italian dinner experience: aperitif, antipasti, primi, secondi, and dessert. Instead, the food stopped at pasta. That’s it. No second course, and our table didn’t even receive dessert. Yes, it was technically a buffet, but desserts were placed somewhere without any announcement or guidance from the staff. No one informed us, and by the time we realized, it was gone. Interestingly, when it came to charging for alcohol, the staff were immediately present with the card machine seconds after ordering. Priorities seem very clear. The event description strongly suggested some form of entertainment or performance. In reality, there was nothing — just a poorly curated, boomer-style “romantic” playlist. No show, no atmosphere, no Carnival spirit whatsoever. Romantic evening? Not really. We were forced onto shared tables of 8, something that was never mentioned in the advertising. We were lucky to have pleasant table neighbors, but this was pure chance, not planning. As for the décor: cheap, tacky decorations, looking like they came straight from a discount store. Completely out of place for a supposed 4-star hotel charging these prices. When we told the waiter that we had not received dessert and asked—very reasonably—for a small digestive as compensation, we were bluntly told that nothing could be done. This hotel may carry a prestigious name, but that’s all it has. For the price paid, expectations were far higher. Terrible event management, zero value for money, and a textbook tourist trap. Avoid at all costs.

New Moon5/5 · 2026-08

立地がとても良い。部屋も清潔感◎！ ヨーロッパのホテルの中ではアメニティも充実している方で、シャワー室も綺麗で水圧なども良かったです。 フロントは親切。部屋まで荷物運んでくれるのもありがたい。