Hotel Principe Palace

The accommodation boasts spacious, well-appointed rooms with balconies and prime location near the beach and public transport. Guests praise the exceptional cleanliness, staff service, and diverse breakfast buffet.

We decided to return to Principe Palace as we had a discount with TUI and we were glad we did. This year we had a room at the back of the hotel (323), which was quieter than the ones overlooking the main square and a little more modern - these have UK/Ireland plugs, direct USB ports etc. The rooms are not huge, it must be said, but we managed ok and enjoyed the balcony. I found the bed particularly comfortable. One massive benefit this year is the return of Giovanni as maitre d’. He is not just a committed professional but also just a thoroughly decent man who clearly cares about the guests. We saw him going out of his way to help others on several occasions, and he also got us a better table. I sincerely hope the hotel can keep him, as he really does make the dining a much better experience. All the staff were very good, of course, and a special word to the cleaning staff - they were exceptional. We found the food in the bars a little too expensive, to be honest, but it is easy to get some fresh bread locally and make a sandwich for lunch. The hotel offers two nights of its own signing entertainment. That is good, though we noted it was the same singer and a similar repertoire - not an issue for us, but it meant it was worth exploring other places too. There is also often entertainment in the square itself (as noted last year, keep this in mind re room choice as you may prefer this and you may not!) There was one significant disappointment. I haven’t marked the hotel down for it as the truth is we hadn’t initially intended to try the buffet at all, as we had gone to the islands that day (Wednesday). However, we came back earlier than planned, and so we thought we would try it. To be blunt, we wished we hadn’t; it was essentially a carvery and that meant it seemed some distance from the typically Venetian cuisine we may expect. Worse still, there really were no serious vegetarian options beyond soup, and that is criminal in 2025. Characteristically Giovanni tried to help and offered to get the chef to make something else, and no doubt that was sincere, but frankly the selection should have been broader and vegetarian-friendlier without needing to ask for special treatment. We left and ate at a superb nearby restaurant, but the point of half-board is we shouldn’t have to do that. I hope the hotel will take this constructive criticism as intended, because we had had a superb stay until this point, and such a poor experience jarred with everything else on offer during our stay. That aside, standards at the hotel are being maintained to a very high standard. I would repeat that the location is exceptional too.

I’ve stayed in many 5 star hotels across the globe and never have we experienced such a level of attention from staff. All excellent from reception, cleaning and serving. The food is the best ever with some amazing choices - to be chosen the day prior. A special mention for the maitrede who commands his staff by leading from the front and is genuinely one of the happiest people on the planet, guiding his staff like a fine conductor directs the best orchestra. Yes the room are a little tired - need better hairdryers and usb for charging but your not on holiday to bother with these- the experience and venue is enough. Always something happening in lido de Jeselo, I would never stay in Venice itself as this offers the beach holiday with Venice a boat ride away. Just 10/10 we will be back.