Madama Garden Retreat

We were lucky enough to stay five nights here and could not have been happier. Mara, Lorenzo and everyone else went out of their way to make sure that we had the best possible experience. The accommodation offered every possible amenity and having the mini kitchen was very convenient. The bed was perfect from our point of view with wonderful linens. While they serve a lovely breakfast and there is a Nespresso unit in the room, there is no on site restaurant. However, it's Venice and steps outside the front door is an amazing selection of great restaurants, wine bars, gelaterias, bakeries and cafes offering everything you could want. We loved the location - away from the crowds but a relatively short walk from all the sites and vaparetti stops. I understand why they call it Garden Retreat. The staff - and I hesitate to call them that as they became like friends - have fantastic advice and suggestions on things to do, places to eat and how to get there. They also were very helpful with reservations or could tell you if they were even needed. We were sorry to leave and truly look forward to returning in the not too distant future. PS Our visit just happened to coincide with the feast of San Martin (it's a treat to see all the groups of school children parading through the streets 'playing' their instruments) There is a tradition involving baking special San Martin cookies to celebrate the day and the Madama staff left one for us in our room with a printed explanation - photo attached. It was delicious

We are just back from a delightful stay at The Madama in Venice. There are just just nine-rooms and it felt more like staying at a posh friend's house than a hotel. It was well away from the crowds that seem to be everywhere else in the city... I can see why it's named 'garden retreat'. Our room overlooked two canals, and whenever we were there, we just sat watching the world go by, just beneath us. Lorenzo, the manager was always available to suggest local restaurants and arrange the transport...it's been 30 years since we were last in Venice, we'll not wait that long until we are back at The Madama again.