Review of The Charming House DD.724, by The TI Review Team
By TI Reviewer Caitlyn Ulbert
Those in search of a Venetian bolthole with edge need look no further than the DD724. Located in the heart of the city, and within walking distance of the Rialto Bridge, this boutique hotel combines the charms of old Venice with a quirky and modern architectural design. The Charming House is also near The Palazzo Grassi (the new Pinault Museum).
The facilities
DD724's location is an amenity unto itself; the boutique hotel overlooks a canal, providing a postcard-perfect setting. Pretty much everything that you could need or want is within walking distance - Murano glass jewelry lined up in shop windows, chic Italian eateries and the Guggenheim Museum, just steps away from the main entrance.
While there is no restaurant at the DD724, there is a complimentary breakfast offered to guests every morning. The helpful staff will also do their best to attend to your every need, offering to arrange tickets to the opera, restaurant reservations, babysitting services or anything else that tickles your fancy.
The rooms
The six gorgeous bedrooms and two deluxe apartments (separately housed) of this boutique hotel provide the ultimate in luxury and privacy. The apartments even have their own entrance, tucked away on a quiet corner away from the bustling streets.
The rooms themselves have a cool, funky design ethic. Shades of brown and grey dominate, accentuated by green floral pillows and retro lime green chairs. The clean lines of the angular furniture and modern artworks adorning the walls continue the sixties vibe.
The deluxe apartments come equipped with flat-screen TVs, DVD players and CD players. Guests can also find a kitchenette and a well-stocked minibar. There are thoughtful touches throughout, including decadent bath products and slow-burning incense.
Review of Charming House DD724, by Vanessa Kaoukji
Given the vast number of hotels in Venice, very few of these are 'designer' boutique hotels. This is hardly surprising as the majority of visitors to the islands want a taste of traditional Venice. However, if you've had your fill of heavy dark furniture, wooden floors and Murano chandeliers, the Charming House DD.724 Hotel is the perfect antidote.
The facilities
DD724 refers to the boutique hotel's location in the popular Dorsoduro area (The 'Charming House' part of its name is slowly being dropped from use). An ongoing argument with neighbours means that the owner cannot put up any signs to direct you to the boutique hotel, so take a map or you'll find yourself tramping back and forth between the Peggy Guggenheim and the Accademia Bridge.
The only aspect of DD724 that is 'traditional' is the wooden beams in some of the rooms, and views of the canal in others. Other than this the boutique hotel is unique in every way. Owner Chiara Bocchini and designer Mauro Mazzolini have brought together experience from previous boutique hotels in Milan and Rome to create this lively modern design hotel. The muted colours of tan, chocolate brown provide a soft backdrop to works of modern Italian artists, photographers and lighting designers.
A bulbous red lamp in the small reception area on the ground floor hints at what can be found on the floor above. More bizarre lamps, objets d'art, photographs with a twist on the usual views of Venice. The intimate breakfast area is lined with books on travel and art for guests to peruse, and breakfast is cooked for each guest individually.
The rooms
The seven bedrooms at this boutique hotel are unfussy, very comfortable and each is equipped with liquid crystal televisions and internet access. The same soft colours used in the rest of the boutique hotel, the attention to lighting design, and the luxurious bathrooms make these rooms into calm, cosy havens rarely found in Venice. Though similar in style, each room has its own special appeal: a view of the Peggy Guggenheim garden, a canal view, wooden beamed ceiling or a small fireplace.
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