We had booked the Residenza Canargio (no 29 in the popularity list at the time of writing) but on arrival we were told that the hotel had a "technical problem" and we were being moved to another hotel which was 5*. I was disappointed because first impressions of our chosen hotel were very positive.

At the Dei Dogi we were given a lovely room on the top floor. It was spacious, no particular view, but the building was very traditional and the big open ceiling space was great. The air-con was very noisy which was a bit of a shame and didn't make the room that cool either!!! Breakfast was fine, big selection of pastries, fruit or English cooked (which I didn't touch).

In terms of the types of guests staying, there were a lot of older British folk and the rest were either other European families or larger US tour groups.

The room could have been cleaned a little better for my liking (I would have been disappointed if I'd booked a 5*) and the bar was prohibitively expensive, but the location is great if you don't mind walking a bit to the sights. Venice in August is over powering so the quiet of Canaregio is attractive. The boat stop is really close and there was apparently a hotel boat that went directly to St Mark's but we never knew when it left and the staff made no effort to tell us about it.

I've read some of the reviews and on reflection the staff were a bit indifferent, but I don't know why. Had no reason to be. Shame, could be excellent, the building is so wonderful.

We have just returned from our wedding in venice on the 9th Sept, and felt i must write of our FANTASTIC experience of this hotel, We had reservations on holding our reception here after the many negative reviews, and had we listened to them, we would have missed out on an amazing time.
The hotel is absolutely beautiful, you only have to look at the photos! and from the moment we went to look at the place we were treated by all the members of the staff in an impeccable manner.
The food at our cocktail party alone could have fed you for a week!
(and we had 20 guests) and they just kept bringing out more and more! The setting in the garden is just idyllic and a rare find in venice, very peaceful and lovely to stroll around.
Our main meal was set out on a beautiful table under the gazebo at the rear of the lobby, overlooking the gardens, again it can only be described as FANTASTIC. the service we received during the meal was first class, all meals arriving at the same time, and any requests that we made were dealt with immediately, (people may be thinking that because it was our wedding we would be on such a high that we wouldnt notice any bad service) however we have been to first class restaurants all over the world, and know good food and believe me this was good food! We have 20 other guests who have not stopped talking about how (yes im going to use the word again ) FANTASTIC the whole experience was. I could go on and on.
Just go and experience it for yourself, its a beautiful place, away from the crowds of St Marks, and for those who say its a long way to walk to, your in the wrong city, Venice is for those who want to discover hidden gems.

The hotel occupies a long strip of land with water at both ends: the massive north lagoon at the garden end, and a narrow canal at the main entrance. The vaporetto stop 'Orto' (Madonna del Orto) is very nearby, on the lagoon, perhaps 5-10 minutes walk with your luggage - on wheels, I hope!. There is no hotel shuttle service, either from the airport, or to San Marco, despite what you may read in other reviews. The staff were pleasant enough, but not exactly helpful. I needed an adaptor, but was met with shrugged shoulders, 'no can do'. The breakfast area is very pleasing, in a permanent tented gazebo construction in the garden. The breakfasts were adequate, but not really of 5 star quality. The breakfast waitresses were pleasant. The architecture is interesting, with some magnificent first floor salons, in the grand Venetian style. The garden is an absolute delight, with a sizeable ancient ice-house amongst the lush foliage. (The echoes in there were amazing.) Very comfortable sunbeds; idyllic really. So peaceful and relaxing. The Canareggio area is not in the main tourist drag. It is quiet and authentic - Venetians live there; that means no Gondolas or tat stalls, (although these are not far away if that's what you want) The main difficulty we had was that the Air Conditioning does not work; as we were shown our room, it was obvious that it was over heated, and I told the porter that it was too hot (August temperatures must be in the 90s F) I also rang down to reception within the hour to complain that the AC was not working, but it was never fixed. It made plenty of noise, but did not cool the room at all. It was desperately uncomfortable, and we didn't dare open the windows (it was too hot outside anyway) but the mosquitoes would have got in - and they are savage. We requested an electric fan, which arrived quickly, and made it slightly more bearable. The room was small, but adequate. Nice bathroom and toiletries, good bathrobes, excellent towels, changed every day. as were the sheets. If the management do something about the Air Con, this would be a fantastic place to stay. As it is, I could not advise anyone to go there during the hot weather. Sad really, cos this could be a truly wonderful hotel.

I’ve read some negative reviews and nothing in them chimes with my experiences. I’ve always had excellent service - but I noticed this time it was exceptionally good and they issued questionnaires at the end, so I suspect Boscolo has taken to heart the negative reviews and they’re now bending over backwards.
Whether you’ll like it depends on what you want. This is a 17th century palace with an intimate feel, and a long, walled garden of century-old trees, winding gravel paths, roses tumbling over pergolas and a covered jetty to watch sunset over the lagoon. You will not get this anywhere else in Venice. The staff are efficient, attentive and kind without being stuffy. Anyone would enjoy the architecture, which is airy and sumptuous. But if gardens don't really touch your heart, maybe this isn't for you.
The hotel is not close to St Mark’s square but neither is it located in some dingy backwater. You’re less than 10 minutes walk from the Rialto Bridge. Or jump on the free hotel launch, which leaves regularly for St Mark’s from the jetty. Or you’re a short walk away from a vaporetto on the Grand Canal. If you’re buying a vaporetto pass anyway, this is no extra expense and a joy. Or you can walk to St Mark’s in about 20-25 mins – and it’s a beautiful walk because this is Venice! The area itself is quiet and like a fishing village. It's also perfect for visiting Murano and the other islands – and the Murano trip is free. However, if you want to be right next to St Mark’s all day, everyday and can’t wait for the free hotel launch, and the vaporetto is too slow or too pricey and you hate to walk (you hate to walk and you’re going to VENICE?) then you’d be better off choosing somewhere in the thick of St Mark’s.
(NB: Arriving is very simple from the airport. Take the boat, Alilaguna, Orange line to Orto, and you’re 4 mins walk from the hotel. But it’s fiddly, so download a map off the internet first. Or write down the address and ask someone.)
Service and room. I’ve always had a pretty, modest sized room, its bathroom appointed with enough lotions and potions to satisfy Cleopatra. But if you book for the autumn or spring and they’re full and there’s little choice of rooms, then if it would kill you to have a modest-sized room instead of a huge one (Why? What do people do in it, throw a party?) maybe you'll have a problem. However, high season in Venice will give you that problem in most places. If they’re NOT full, the staff will show you every room available and will listen to your needs. But you’ll get on best if you’re courteous, too. This is Italy.
Eating. For most packages breakfast is included, and it’s the standard huge sweep of buffet. Dinner in the restaurant is not cheap – but the food is SUPERB (do NOT believe the reviews that say it isn't!) but anyway there’s loads of little restaurants a couple of minutes walk away.
Summary. The staff are attentive, courteous, friendly and efficient. But if you require American-style 5-star service with duty managers wall to wall and a front-desk clerk to holler ‘AND HOW ARE YOU TODAY?’, go somewhere else. I recommend Manhattan. This hotel is paradise. And if beauty isn’t your thing, why would you choose Venice?