A very short walk from the San Stae vaporetto stop, we arrived on the Alilaguna boat service from the airport - the best and most economical way (25 euro return ticket) to arrive at this hotel. We stayed in room 10 (junior suite with small balcony overlooking the courtyard), which was extremely spacious, full of fine venetian baroque furnishings - including a lovely four poster (himmel) bed. The bathroom was also spacious and very clean with a hydro-bath thrown in! The staff were extremely helpful, offering a number of restaurant choices when asked - lovely restaurant 'Osteria Mocenigo' on the San Stae main street very close to the hotel. Breakfast was simple but good - apricot croissants and bread rolls with whichever kind of coffee you cared to ask for. Free wifi in your room - a bonus for those who like that kind of thing. Italian three pin plugs were a problem, as euro adapters would not fit, but hotel staff again were extremely helpful having a number of English, european and American spare adaptors at reception if asked for. All in all a very comfortable and relaxing stay - Venice in winter may have been very cold for walking around, but then less tourists made for a more atmospheric and special feeling to the place. The Sante Croce district is well worth exploring and although away from the popular tourist haunts, it was very easy to get to anywhere in the city - invest in a Vaporetto 1/2/3 day ticket and it makes exploring the city all the more easier and enjoyable.