Al Campaniel ('The Belltower') guesthouse in Venice was exceedingly nice for the price!The place was kitted out with classy furnishings and tiled floors, with everything clean and tastefully decorated to the point it felt at first we were intruding in someone's luxurious home. We were a few steps away from vaporetto route number 1 on the Grand Canal, yet the room was quiet.
This isn't a hotel though and there are no facilities, not even a breakfast room. Peace and quiet were the main attractions, plus the satisfaction of finding affordable accommodation in such a central location.
The room had air conditioning and a ceiling fan to provide ventilation. The window faced a neighbouring wall, so no views and not much light. The nearby church bells provided some background noise, not an excessive din. Our standard room had a shower and toilet straight across the hall for our private use, though you can pay extra for an en-suite.
The English speaking hosts, Gloria and Marco, served a simple Continental breakfast included in the price. We were served pastries on a tray brought to the door and had a kettle in our room to make tea and coffee.
It was a good idea to avoid staying on the Grand Canal itself. The loud water boats run all night and can be disruptive, trundling up and down the waterway and crashing into the docks as they do.
The San Polo neighbourhood of Venice has a lived-in buzz with bars, pizzerias, cafes and gelati carts to satisfy any cravings. In the evening the nearby squares fill with promenaders as children play football.
Take a tip and you too can enjoy a champagne lifestyle on a Babycham budget!
INFO Alight at the San Toma water bus stop and it's only a few yards down, to the left. Their website has good directions. You can make a booking request and see more photos on their website. I remember paying about 60 euros for the room, which was fantastic value for such a lovely room.
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