Hotel Palladio

Here’s my review, starting with the full (and now hilariously frustrating) details of my trip. My first day in Italy didn’t exactly go as planned. My Delta flight from the U.S. to Paris was severely delayed, leaving me almost no time to catch my connection to Venice Marco Polo. And of course, upon arriving at Charles de Gaulle, I had to go through security again, which ate up what little time I had left. After checking in my luggage—which felt like some divine test of patience—I sprinted across the airport in a full-on mad dash to my terminal, which (because why not?) was located at the farthest possible end. Somehow, I made it to the gate—one of the last passengers to board—panting like a dog and sweating like I just ran a marathon. Embarrassing? Yes. But the relief of making my flight? Oh, hell yeah! Just when I thought I had outwitted the cranky goddess of misfortune, we landed in Venice… and my luggage didn’t. After waiting, waiting, and waiting some more at baggage claim, it became painfully clear that my suitcase was still chilling back in Paris. Fantastic. After filling out the necessary paperwork (and mentally preparing myself for a luggage-less first day), I was beyond grateful that my limo driver patiently waited through this entire ordeal to take me to my hotel. Welcome to Hotel Palladio At first, it seemed a bit odd to find a hotel in what felt like the middle of nowhere, but there it was—sitting on the outskirts of the small town of Malcontenta. Simple, but nice. The lovely woman at the front desk checked me in, gave me details about the bus routes (a quick 15-minute ride to Venice), and even sold bus passes at the counter, which was a small but much-appreciated convenience after my chaotic day. That small gesture honestly felt like a sweet little reward after the travel madness. I headed up to my room on the fourth floor, and to my relief, it was clean, cozy, and perfect for a solo traveler. There was a small table, nightstands, a spacious closet, a TV, a fridge, and a skylight—perks of being on the top floor! The bathroom was surprisingly spacious (especially compared to most Paris hotel bathrooms), and the hotel even had an elevator—a lifesaver if you’re hauling heavy luggage (assuming yours actually makes it to Italy). The Stay Every time I returned from a day of wandering, my room was spotless, and the hotel itself was well-maintained—clean, quiet, and comfortable. The only real downside? Location. It’s a bit far from where the action is, so if you’re looking for a place right in the heart of Venice, this isn’t it. However, if you prefer a more laid-back vibe and have a car, it could work well for you. Malcontenta itself is a small, quiet town with a couple of restaurants and a bar up the road where you can enjoy delicious sandwiches, beer, and, of course, vino. If you’re like me and enjoy traveling at your own pace rather than sticking to a strict itinerary, this hotel will do just fine. The staff was friendly, and staying here gave me a little taste of local life. Extra Tips There’s a vending machine and a coffee machine in the lobby (bring euro coins—no credit cards accepted). A breakfast buffet is available every morning for a small fee. It’s nothing fancy, but enough to keep you going until your next foodie adventure in Venice. Would I book here again? Most likely, yes. But for first-time travelers to Venice, I’d recommend staying on the island itself for a more immersive experience. Happy wandering! Date of stay: Autumn 2022 3D/2N