Venice's Hidden Gem: Al Segnavento's Blossoms & Delights
Venice’s Hidden Gem: Al Segnavento's Blossoms & Delights – A Review (with a Dash of Chaos)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because I just got back from a trip to Venice, and let me tell you, my expectations? Totally shattered. In the best way possible. I'm talking about Al Segnavento's Blossoms & Delights, this place that truly lives up to its name. It's a hidden gem, alright. And I'm here to give you the lowdown, the good, the… well, maybe not the bad (because honestly, it was pretty darn good), but definitely the messy bits, because let's be real, life – and travel – ain't perfect.
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First off, the basics. Accessibility: This is HUGE for me. I need ease of access, and Al Segnavento mostly delivered. They absolutely cater to Facilities for disabled guests. The elevator (yes, an elevator, because Venice, with all its charm, can forget this crucial element sometimes!), was a godsend. Some areas, like the cobblestone streets around the hotel, are a bit tricky, but the staff were incredibly helpful - it gets a gold star from me for this! The Check-in/out [express] made life even easier.
Rooms & Comfort (The Sweet Spot):
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. My room? Glorious. It was like stepping into a Venetian dream. I had a Non-smoking room, which is a must. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver in the Venetian summer heat. And the bed? Oh. My. God. Seriously, the Extra long bed was crucial after days of walking. The Linens were crisp and clean. Wake-up service worked perfectly (essential after all that Prosecco!). The Free Wi-Fi (yes, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was fast and reliable (Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN), which is a small miracle in some hotels, so a big thumbs up. Oh, and the Window that opens? A simple thing, but to breathe in that Venice air… pure bliss.
I absolutely loved the Bathrobes and Slippers. Made me feel like a queen (a slightly stressed queen, but a queen nonetheless!). The Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker were also a nice touch. And the Bathroom phone? Never used it, but hey, it's there for emergencies!
A Minor Room Disaster (Because Life is Real):
Now, here's the messy bit. The first day? My room wasn't quite ready. I get it. Things happen. But the receptionist? Bless her heart, she was SO apologetic, offered me a complimentary glass of Prosecco at the Poolside bar while I waited. Score! I’m also thinking of the Bottle of water that was in the room too, and that’s a nice touch of convenience!
Amenities and Things to Do (The Indulgent Bits):
Let’s dive into the good stuff, shall we? The spa! Swoon. The Spa/sauna and Steamroom were my happy places. I indulged in a Body scrub and a Massage. Pure heaven. Okay, I'm being real. The person giving the massage? They were magic. I fell asleep. Twice. Don't judge. I felt utterly refreshed. The Swimming pool (outdoor, naturally) with its Pool with view was stunning. You could just float there, watching the world go by. I spent the whole afternoon there, and I haven’t felt so relaxed in years. There’s also a Fitness center if you’re into that torture… I mean, exercise (I’m not, but it’s there!).
Cleanliness and Safety (Because We Need to Talk About This!):
In this post-pandemic world, safety is paramount. Al Segnavento nailed it. They implemented Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, used Anti-viral cleaning products and had Daily disinfection in common areas. Plenty of Hand sanitizer stations and the staff were all great. I even saw them doing Professional-grade sanitizing services and using Sterilizing equipment. They made sure their kitchen and tableware were Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I felt totally safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Fuel for Adventure):
The Breakfast [buffet] was a triumph. I went with the Asian breakfast and Western breakfast and the food was delicious!. The Buffet in restaurant had a great selection and was a real feast. They also had options like Breakfast takeaway service and Coffee shop. I'm not a huge fan of chain restaurants but the restaurants within the hotel were superb!
The Bar was perfect for an evening aperitivo before dinner. The Happy hour? A must. I had a few too many Spritzes, but hey, when in Venice, right? They had a Poolside bar, which was fab. The Restaurants included Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant Western cuisine in restaurant. Oh, and there was a Snack bar too. I may have… sampled everything. Several times.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
The hotel offered so many wonderful things to make your holiday easier. The Concierge was fantastic, helping with everything from restaurant reservations to arranging a gondola ride (a must-do!). They also had Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and a Gift/souvenir shop. Honestly, they thought of everything. Car park [on-site] was so helpful too (if you manage to get a car around Venice in the first place!).
For the Kids (Though I Didn't Have Any…):
They have Babysitting service, which I didn’t need. But it’s there! The hotel is Family/child friendly, with Kids facilities, and Kids meal. I bet the kids would love it.
The Quirky Bits (The Memories):
Okay, here's where it gets weird. One night, I was wandering around and I accidentally stumbled into the Shrine. Seriously. A small, unassuming shrine. I didn't quite know what to do so I just sat there for a bit, taking it all in. Venice is full of surprises like that. I also loved the Terrace for looking out at the canal. The Exterior corridor was beautiful.
Things to do: When you get back from the hotel, you're in for the trip of a lifetime! All you have to do is go to some locations like St. Mark's Basilica, Rialto Bridge, the Doge's Palace, and the many charming canals!
The Imperfections (Because I Need to Be Honest):
I have to mention one thing. The internet, while free, wasn't always the most reliable. The Internet was okay, but the Wi-Fi in public areas was sometimes spotty. However, this gives you a good chance to put the phone away and live in the moment of Venice. The Room sanitization opt-out available is a great addition too.
Final Verdict: Al Segnavento – Book It!
Look, if you're looking for a luxurious, accessible, and utterly charming hotel in Venice, Al Segnavento is it. It's a haven of tranquility, with enough quirks and imperfections to keep things interesting. It’s a perfect Proposal spot, the Couple's room is great and has Room decorations. Seriously, book it. You won't regret it.
Don't Miss Out! Special Offer for My Readers!
Use code "VENICEGEM" when booking directly through the hotel website and receive a complimentary bottle of Prosecco upon arrival and a late check-out, subject to availability. This offer is exclusive to my readers and is only valid for bookings made within the next two weeks. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of Al Segnavento!
Unwind in Italian Paradise: Vip's Motel's Luxury Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a Venice adventure at Al Segnavento - Fiori&Frutti. Forget the smooth, perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is the real, chaotic, glorious mess of a trip, brought to you by yours truly.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Gondola Gamble (Oh God, The Humidity!)
- Morning (ish): Landed at Venice Marco Polo airport. Smooth, HA! Let's just say my suitcase decided to audition for a free-wheeling solo act on the baggage carousel. Found it eventually, slightly bruised but undeterred, much like yours truly. Took the vaporetto (water bus) to San Zaccaria, a trip that made me feel like I was in a floating game of bumper cars, but with far more photogenic scenery.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Al Segnavento - Fiori&Frutti. The bougainvillea explosion on the building gave me heart eyes! Checked in, and the room… well, it wasn't exactly what I expected (think tiny, but charmingly so). But hey, at least it had air conditioning, which, after the vaporetto, felt like a gift from the heavens.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Gondola Debacle. I'd dreamt of this! Romantic! Picturesque! Instead, it was a slightly stressful negotiation with a gondolier who looked like he'd seen it all (probably because he had). The gondola was romantic, if you squinted hard enough and ignored the other gondolas jostling for position like a bunch of pigeons. The singing was… well, let's just say my gondolier had a voice best described as "salty." But the views? Absolutely breathtaking. I'm going to remember this forever.
- Evening: Dinner near the Rialto Bridge. Found what I thought was a charming little trattoria. The food was… fine. The service? Let's just say I felt like I was invisible. And the bill? Well, let's just say my wallet is still recovering. But I'm not going to let one mediocre meal ruin my mood. Venice, you stubborn vixen, I'm still in love!
Day 2: Lost in the Labyrinth and the Quest for Gelato (My Waistline Will Never Recover)
- Morning: Got lost. Properly, gloriously, wonderfully lost. Wandered the backstreets, the labyrinthine alleys, the tiny bridges. Saw laundry hanging across the canals, the scent of fresh bread from unseen bakeries, and enough pigeons to build a whole new city. This is what I came here for! I even saw a little kid playing with a soccer ball in a small square, it was so innocent and beautiful.
- Mid-Morning: Became obsessed with finding gelato. Oh, the gelato! I'm not kidding, I was a woman on a mission. The first place I found was a disappointment (icy, flavorless), but the second… oh, the second. It was a religious experience. I could write an entire sonnet about the pistachio gelato. Smooth, creamy, the intense flavor just melting on the tongue… I actually cried a little. Definitely doubled down on this experience. The pistachio was legendary.
- Afternoon: Attempted to visit St. Mark's Basilica. Massive lines, insane crowds, felt claustrophobic so I noped out. I opted for a quiet bridge overlooking the water to eat my gelato.
- Late Afternoon: Decided to try the food stalls in the market, and ended up accidentally ordering a giant plate of fried seafood. Good, not great. Overpriced.
- Evening: Found a tiny, hidden osteria recommended by a chatty local. Amazing pasta. And the wine? Forget about it. I spent the rest of the evening people-watching on the bridge, feeling utterly, blissfully, and slightly tipsily content.
Day 3: Murano, Burano, and the Bitter Truth About Souvenirs (and the Humidity Strikes Again!)
- Morning: Vaporetto to Murano. Watched the glass-blowing demonstration. Impressive, but also… a bit touristy. Okay, very touristy. But the glass is beautiful, so I bought a tiny glass fish. Then I had some coffee to escape from the feeling of being a tourist.
- Mid-morning: Burano! The colorful houses… the lace… oh, the lace!. I bought some lace. It's probably overpriced. But it looks so pretty, and I don't care. I will proudly overpay for pretty things.
- Afternoon: Realized I hadn’t eaten all day! Found a little restaurant on Burano, and had the best seafood pasta of my life.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Shopping for souvenirs. The chaos. The crowds. The sheer number of gondola keychains. I ended up buying a Venetian mask that probably cost more than my rent. A little more.
- Evening: Back at Al Segnavento. Packing. (Ugh). Contemplating the meaning of life while staring out the window at the canal. Venice, you magnificent, maddening, unforgettable city.
Day 4: Farewell, Venice (and the Relentless, Glorious Chaos)
- Morning: Reluctant checkout. One last cappuccino, staring at the canal, wishing I could stay forever.
- Afternoon: Vaporetto to the airport. One last glimpse of the city I'd fallen in love with. I promised myself I would be back.
- Evening: Landed at the airport, utterly exhausted but filled with the warm glow of Venetian memories (and the knowledge that my bank account would need serious recovery time).
- Night: Still thinking about that gelato. Still smelling the bougainvillea. Still dreaming of the gondolas and the chaos. Venice, you were the perfect mess. I'll be back.
This itinerary is a rough guide, of course. Things happened. Plans changed. I got lost. I ate too much. I spent too much. That's the beauty of it, really, isn't it? Venice isn't just a destination, it's an experience, a feeling, a delicious, messy, and utterly unforgettable adventure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go order some gelato.
Unwind in Paradise: Smeraldo Suites & Spa, San Benedetto del Tronto
Okay, spill the beans! What *is* Al Segnavento's Blossoms & Delights anyway? Sounds… pretentious.
Alright, alright, hold your gondolas! Yes, the name *does* sound like something out of a romance novel, I get it. But it's actually a tiny, easily missed little gem, a *secret* spot if you will, tucked away in (surprise!) a quiet corner of Venice. Forget the Piazza San Marco chaos, this is pure, unadulterated *Venetian* charm. Imagine this: a little courtyard, draped in wisteria (hence the "Blossoms"), with tables overflowing with delicious, freshly-made food and the best coffee you’ve ever had, *and* charming little trinkets for sale. It’s basically the anti-tourist trap. It’s like… a breath of fresh air after being squished in by the crowds. I stumbled upon it completely by accident, lost and delirious with gelato. Best. Accident. Ever.
How do I *find* this 'secret' spot? Because honestly, Venice is a labyrinth.
Ugh, the *search*. Okay, try this: you're probably going to get lost. Accept it. Embrace the beautiful, confusing, slightly smelly reality. The best way *I* found it was via a series of frantic U-turns and some serious map-reading (or rather, map-misreading). Okay, I can't give you *exact* directions. That ruins the fun, right? It’s part of the adventure. I can tell you it’s near the Rialto, but far enough to escape the hordes. Just keep your eyes peeled for a small, unassuming doorway. No flashing neon signs, no screaming seagulls. It's about subtle, charming clues. Look for a hint of color, maybe a cascade of flowers, perhaps a faint aroma of freshly baked bread. And then… pray you’ve found the right spot. Honestly, the first time? I ended up in someone's laundry room. Don’t be me. But, hey, at least I learned their laundry detergent was delicious.
The "Delights" part – what kind of delights are we talking about here? Food? Art? Magic tricks?
Oh, the delights! It's mostly food, yes. Glorious, mouthwatering, soul-satisfying food. Think homemade pasta, the freshest seafood you can imagine (literally probably caught that morning – I *swear* I saw the fisherman!), crusty bread that makes you weep with joy (I almost did), and cakes that will make you want to throw your diet out the window (I did). They also sell little handmade trinkets, unique pieces of art, but trust me, the food is the star of the show. There's also a very well-stocked wine cellar. And by that I mean a cellar stocked with wine that makes you forget the fact that you had to spend half the trip navigating the Venetian waterways. My advice? Order everything. Seriously. Just do it. You're in Venice! Live a little. (And then maybe take a nap... post-cannoli coma is real.)
Is it expensive? Because I'm not exactly made of gold, unfortunately.
Okay, let's be real: Venice isn't cheap. Nothing's cheap in Venice, except maybe the pigeons you can't get away from. But Al Segnavento is surprisingly...reasonable. Yes, you'll spend more than you would at a dodgy pizzeria off the main drag, but you're paying for quality, for authenticity, for the *experience*. And honestly, the prices are fair for the quality of the food, the atmosphere, the fact that you're escaping the screaming tour groups. It’s not a "budget" trip. Definitely factor in a coffee and some pastries while you’re there. That being said, if you are planning to come here on a fixed budget, keep in mind that some of the wines can get pricey, but I think it’s worth it. Do your research on prices, and don't be afraid to ask. When things get too expensive for you, the only issue I can see is that you'll have to leave. And *nobody* wants to leave Venice.
Tell me something that will actually *prepare* me to go there! What's the vibe like?
The vibe? It's *chill*. Seriously chill. It's the kind of place where you can actually *hear* yourself think, which is a minor miracle in Venice. Relaxed, intimate, friendly. Think sun-dappled tables nestled amongst the flowers, the gentle murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses. It's a place where you can sit and soak it all in - the beauty of the city, the delicious food, the feeling of just...being. The staff are lovely, and honestly, they become friends after a while. Especially if you are a repeat customer, they’ll remember your face, and they’ll probably tease you a little bit if you order more than one cannoli. It's the kind of place that feels like a true escape from the tourist madness, a place to connect with the real soul of Venice. And if you see a grumpy old man sitting in the shade, he’s probably me. Just kidding… maybe. But seriously, be prepared to slow down. Forget your to-do list. Embrace the moment.
I heard they had really good coffee. Is this true? What should I try?
Oh, the coffee! Listen, I’m a coffee snob. I judge a place by its espresso. And Al Segnavento? They *nail* it. It's rich, strong, and perfectly balanced. The aroma alone is worth the trip. The first time I went there, I had three espressos in a row. I thought, "I am a new woman." And then I had my best friend's mother ordering me to drink a glass of water so I didn’t die of a heart attack in the courtyard. I recommend you try the cappuccino – it’s foamy perfection, with a dusting of cocoa that’s just *chef’s kiss*. And the espresso, obviously. You can't go wrong. Ask if they have a specialty drink. They often do, and they know how to do it right. They also have a charming selection of flavored coffees too. Don't be afraid to venture! But prepare for the caffeine jitters. It's a hazard of the job, my friends.
Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect, even in Venice.
Okay, okay, realism time. Nothing's perfect. Well, maybe the espresso. But the downsides… Well, it *is* small. So, finding a table can be a challenge, particularly during peak season. If you want to sit and languish (and you *should*), go early, or be prepared to wait. It’s not the place for a quick bite; it is the place for a leisurely enjoyment. Also, they don't have public restrooms. (A real problem for people who drink as much coffee as I do!) There's sometimes a little bit of background noise from the nearby streets, but it adds to the charm in a way. And yes, it can get quite crowded. The *worst* time to go? When a cruise ship docks. Seriously, if you see a giant ship on the horizon, run. And if you can't run? Then embrace the chaos, I suppose. But really, the only *real* downsideBook Hotels Now
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