The Grand Canal hotel is a most wonderful hotel. We visited it in Oct 09 when it had just opened. Everything about the hotel is immaculate and stylish. The location is perfect - away from the tourists yet close enough to wonder to see the spectacular attractions of Venice. The manager Mr Alessandro was most helpful and Giovanna deserves a... more

We were in Venice for only one day of our 9-day tour of Italy, but we rode up and down the Grand Canal 3 totally different ways. Upon first arriving to Piazzale Roma on the bus from the mainland, we sought out a way to get all the way to Piazza San Marco - on the far opposite side if... more

Never mind the gondolas - the best value sight seeing in town is the Vaporetto (water bus) trip up or down the Grand Canal. You pass under the Rialto Bridge, people watch the canal side cafes, and peek into the incredibly posh flats behind the decaying facades. more

My husband surprised me with a trip to Venice, Italy for my 40th birthday. The Carlton Grand Canal was good choice. It was quaint but lived up to all of my expectations. The staff at The Grand Carlton was very professional and polite. The complimentary breakfast was good, and the location was very convenient. The hotel was located directly across... more

We took the water bus up the Grand Canal to St Marks Square and it was a great way to view this unique city. I was fortunate to get a standing space outside near the bow of the boat and take some nice pictures for our only full day in Venice. I agree with another reviewer that the water bus... more

Cheaper than paying for a gondola ride (about 30 euros a person for an hr ride). The tour is a max of 10 ppl and includes a tour guide (the tour is supposed to be in English); however, the tour guide speaks incredibly fast so half of the time I couldn't hear/understand what she was saying. Also, the boat arrived... more

The grand canal is the Venetian motorway. The buildings on either side are just amazing as each one is different and smothered in history. There's one thing, you can't come to Venice and miss it!!! Just to sit and watch all the various boats going up and down: no up way or down way it's surprising there aren't any collisions.... more

The Grand Canal was amazing I loved it even though you might think it’s just a canal… its not its the surrounding and the scenery and all the gondolas that add to is greatness. Specially when you go over the bridges and stand and watch its just really beautiful n so romantic :D… luckily it was a really sunny day... more

The only way to experience Canal Grande at your own speed is by kayak. It is not at all difficult, as long as you follow the local rules of engagement and take some care. There are no kayak rental places in Venice, but there are places that will take you on a paddling tour with a guide, or you can... more