Hilton Molino Stucky -- Venice 2010

Owing to the fact that I have literally spent the last 3 days at work with nothing to do, I decided it’s time to get cracking on my trip reports from my Italy trip.

The second part of our Italian adventure was spent in Venice, and after spending a lot of time online trying to find the right hotel, I decided to book via Hotwire because I knew we would end up with the Hilton Molino Stucky based on my research. We ended up paying about $150/night for it by using Hotwire.

The first thing about the hotel is that it’s on a separate island from Venice proper in the Guidecca. We read Elton John actually has an estate in the island. We took a vaperetto from St. Lucia to Zattere and picked up the complimentary hotel shuttle from there. It was like clockwork, seriously. The hardest part was simply navigating a crowded vaperetto with our luggage. The hotel shuttle drops you off right in front of the hotel, and we were able to check in immediately. We were given a room in one of the back towers (this hotel is a maze – it was a former mill) overlooking a small courtyard. The room was quite large by Venetian standards and beautifully appointed. After Florence, we relished the luxury of the bathtub, the large marble bathroom, and comfortable bed. The staff was friendly, although not entirely efficient – they run on Italian time.

One thing that concerned me when I read the reviews was the hassle of the hotel shuttle, but truthfully, it was very easy. We could go to Zattere or directly to San Marco on a set schedule. There was also a vaperetto stop within minutes of the hotel when the hotel shuttle wasn’t running. We spent many nights roaming around Venice, and we were still able to get back via hotel shuttle. Additionally, I got up before the hotel shuttle was running one morning to photograph the city, and I was able to catch a vaperetto to San Marco without a problem. There is a period of time during the evening when they take a break, but you can schedule around that. You can get a full schedule from the front desk.

The location of the hotel is fantastic. Venice is very crowded during the day, so it’s nice to have reprieve from the crowds when you return to your room. The hotel was very peaceful and we never heard our neighbors, even though the hotel was sold out while we were there. Breakfast is pricy, so I suggest visiting the market and bringing things back to your room. There is a Billa market within a 5 minute walk of the Zattere stop with reasonably priced groceries. There’s also a wonderful rooftop bar with beautiful views of the city. We never tried the restaurants, but Gianni’s at the Zattere stop was pretty tasty with a varied menu. We had more than a few meals there after a long day of sight-seeing.

Overall, I would recommend this hotel over anything near San Marco, the Rialto or on the Grand Canal. The traffic is just too frantic, and I would tire of fighting the crowds. Plus, you have to contend with the aqua alta throughout the day. The Molino Stucky is a calm oasis and a beautiful place to rest after experiencing the beauty of Venice. The beds are comfortable, the air conditioner works well, the windows open, and the service is very friendly. What more do you want?

And, they have a spa on site so you can pamper your feet after a long day of exploring!

Florence, Italy -- planning!

Okay, I know. It's been awhile since I checked in. The truth is, the furthest I've been these days in Lubbock. Well, okay, there was a Southern California stint. With no remarkable restaurants. So there.

But next Friday, my mom and I are off to Italy. Florence and Venice. I'm still working on everything, but we do have reservations at one restaurant. And a cooking class.

We'll be dining at the Golden View on Sunday. This is an especially exciting experience, as it's where the girls took me to celebrate my 22nd birthday. I hope it's just as tasty as I remember. They have live music and amazing views of the Ponte Vecchio, so I'm ecstatic to be going back.

Also, we'll be taking a cooking class at In Tavola one evening.

Almyra Hotel -- Paphos, Cyprus

I stayed at the Almyra while attending a wedding of a friend that took place on the property in late November. As tourist season had recently ended, we often felt as if we had the resort to ourselves. Be sure and try the Cypriot walnut specialty offered during check-in – it’s unusual, but very tasty. We had booked a terrace sea view room, and I’m glad we did. We were on the third floor, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. Large picture windows looked out on the sea, and we could open the sliding doors and let the sea breeze in. Rooms were nicely appointed, though I truthfully didn’t notice the TV. We were so busy, it didn’t seem necessary. The bathroom had WONDERFUL products that smelled heavenly. Be sure and take them home with you! Our rate included breakfast, and the options were endless. Everything was fresh and tasty – I couldn’t believe the assortment. Eggs, sausages, fresh yogurts, fruits, nuts – absolutely anything you could desire. I’ve never seen a ‘free’ breakfast like that anywhere in the States. We often didn’t need lunch, because breakfast was so filling. The hotel also handled the catering for the wedding dinner, and everything was WONDERFUL. There was a chocolate torte that was out of this world! We also had a rooftop wine reception, and the appetizers served were very tasty. Everything Alymra does, they do well.

The pool area was so relaxing and peaceful. There are semi-private cabanas and plenty of comfortable areas to lounge in. I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t anywhere to sit down by the sea, but the pool overlooks the sea, and the setting is just beautiful.

There were two computers in the lobby available for internet use at no charge. A very nice amenity.

The girls who work in the Toni and Guy salon were so bubbly, friendly, and helpful. They did a great job styling the wedding party.

Everyone we encountered at the hotel was friendly, eager to please, and proud of their country. They were always helpful to provide recommendations, information on the area, and assist with any requests. The service was truly unparalleled, and the wedding weekend went so smoothly, and everything was absolutely lovely.

The hotel is well-located – a short walk from the Paphos Harbor and within walking distance of several restaurants and shops. We liked Café Vienna and the sushi restaurant across from Alymra. For coffee addicted Americans, there is a Starbucks nearby. The old city center is a short bus ride away, and the hotel staff is happy to assist with those directions. We enjoyed the market, but it packs up early Saturday afternoons.

Overall, we had a wonderful stay, made even better by the welcoming staff and their attention to detail. No complaints here.