Families stepping into the BEST WESTERN Hotel Olimpia will immediately feel a European ambience that offers a sense of place. A welcoming front desk person is seemingly always at the ready for assistance. A small sitting area and an intimate bar set off in its own room from the lobby provide areas to relax. The large breakfast room boasts wall-to-wall windows looking out at a typical Venetian canal that fronts the property.

Though recently renovated, Hotel Olimpia retains its Old World feel including guestrooms with wood ceiling beams, indulgent bedding, wood shutters, and marble bathrooms. The entire family will enjoy the lovely garden in the back of the hotel, which is an ideal spot to for kids to throw or kick a ball around and for parents to spread out on lounge chairs.

Hotel Olimpia’s location is very close to Piazzale Roma, the only place reachable by bus and cars in Venice, as well as the Santa Lucia Train Station. Porters at the train station can help families with their luggage when they walk to the hotel from the station.

Popular for a pre-cruise stay, the hotel is also only a short drive to Venice’s cruise ship port and the hotel can easily set up a car transfer for guests. Popular tourist areas can be accessed via the water shuttle bus (a lot of fun for kids) at Piazzale Roma.

All recently renovated guestrooms feature either classic or early 18th century Venetian-style décor paired with modern amenities including hairdryer, air conditioning, cable or satellite television, data ports, free Wi-Fi, mini-bar, safe, and a coffee/tea maker on request.

Family Room /Classic Quadruple With 1 Queen, 2 Single Beds
The hotel has six of these types of rooms, which offer more space for families. Each differs somewhat in shape and space. The one we stayed in was located at the top of the hotel. Entering the room and going left leads to a cozy room with two single beds and a table and access to a large marble bathroom with shower. Turn right upon entrance into the guestroom and up a few steps to a room with a queen-size bed, two closets, and a flat-screen TV. Kids will love having their own enclave during their stay.

Standard Room with 2 Single Beds or 1 Queen Bed
Another option for families is to take two separate guest rooms, though connecting rooms are not available. Each adult can stay with one kid in each room. These guestrooms are available with either two single beds or one queen-size bed.

The hotel doesn't offer any specific amenities or programming for kids.

Extensive Breakfast Buffet
Families whose hotel package does not include the breakfast buffet can purchase it for an additional well-worth-it minimal fee that varies by time of year. Kids will love the option of pizza for breakfast, not to mention the delicious cakes and pastries. When mom, dad, and the kids are looking for healthier options, they'll find eggs, fruits, cereals, assorted juices, and more.

Bar Menu / Room Service
Guests can order pizza, sandwiches or pastas from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., either in the charming bar room or through room service.

All About the Extras
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 2 p.m., with check-out at 11 a.m.

Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is provided to all guests, and the hotel has a computer for guest use.

The Art of Smart Timing
Hotel Olimpia's high season is April to October. Low season runs from November to March, with Venice's Carnival, Easter and New Year's Eve periods excluded.

Getting There
Venice's Marco Polo International Airport is 20 minutes away by private taxi or public airport bus, which runs every 30 minutes and is within walking distance of the property. The Santa Lucia Train Station is about a 10-minute walk over two bridges.

Getting Around
Venice is somewhat of a maze if you take off on foot. The area around the hotel offers restaurants, gelato, and shopping, but to get to the main tourist areas of St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, a little over a mile away, it is recommended that you take the local water shuttle boat stop at Piazzale Roma. The number 2 line brings travelers to the Rialto Bridge in 20 minutes and to St. Mark's Square in 40 minutes. Private water taxis or gondolas can also get you there and/or back faster, but at a much higher cost.

For Mom and Dad
Many of Hotel Olimpia's packages include a welcome drink for guests in the bar or a table outside facing the canal. Parents can also have dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, where they can dine outside weather permitting and enjoy the view of the canal.