Venice DREAM Apartment: Belvilla N17 Luxury Stay!
Venice DREAM Apartment: Belvilla N17 - Luxury…Or Lux-urgh? (A Messy Review for a Messy Traveler)
Okay, so you're thinking about the Venice DREAM Apartment: Belvilla N17 Luxury Stay. Let me tell you, I've been. And I've got opinions. Buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average, sanitized travel blog post. This is me, raw and unfiltered, spilling the Venetian beans.
First off, let's be real. "Luxury" is a word that gets thrown around a lot. Does Belvilla N17 live up to the hype? Well, it's complicated. Like, a relationship I had with a cappuccino that tasted vaguely of dish soap complicated.
Accessibility: The Labyrinth (and Not in a Good Way)
Right, so let's kick things off with the elephant in the canal: Accessibility. This is Venice, people. Prepare. I mean, prepare. Belvilla N17 claims to have Facilities for disabled guests. Okay, cool. But navigating Venice in a wheelchair? Forget about it. Think cobblestone streets (more like cobblestone mountains), bridges with crazy steps, and gondolas seemingly designed to mock your limited mobility. So, yeah, while the apartment itself might be okay, getting to it is a whole different beast. Expect a lot of sweating and, let's be honest, a healthy dose of existential dread. I'm not even wheelchair-bound, and I struggled with my suitcase!
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: HA!
Yeah, about that. Good luck finding one. Venice ain't exactly known for its ramp-friendly establishments. Maybe Belvilla N17 thinks it has accessibility because it has a ramp… somewhere… good luck finding it, though.
Internet – The Modern Day Plague (But Hopefully Free)
Thank the heavens for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! because seriously, navigating this city can drain your data faster than a gondolier's patience. Internet access [LAN] is also listed, which, honestly, I'm not sure anyone still uses that. But hey, options are good. I will say, though, even with the Internet being somewhat unreliable in places, it's a lifeline. Gotta post that selfie, right? Internet services are…well, they exist. No complaints, no rave reviews. Just…there.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Body Scrubs to Existential Dread
Okay, buckle up, because the "luxury" part is probably in this section. Fitness center, and Gym/fitness? Okay, cool… if you can get over the fact that you're in Venice. Seriously, the city itself is a workout. Just walking around is a marathon. I might have preferred a dedicated "Existential Dread Reduction Center" – but alas, no. They do have a Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom – so, you know, if you want to sweat it out after battling the cobblestones. And, if you're REALLY feeling fancy, they have Body scrub and Body wrap. I’m just picturing myself getting wrapped in some sort of seaweed concoction, praying for a boat to spirit me away. They also have a Pool with view, a Swimming pool, and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Though, finding the outdoor pool in Venice could be another adventure in itself.
And let's not forget the Massage. Yes, please. I definitely needed a massage to deal with the stress of, you know, being in Venice.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized…Hopefully
Alright, Covid times, so let's be real. Cleanliness and safety are paramount. Belvilla N17 claims to be on top of it. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services…the works! They even have Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and Individually-wrapped food options as well as Staff trained in safety protocol. Frankly, that's reassuring. And they have Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher too!
What’s this? Room sanitization opt-out available? Okay, that's an odd one. Maybe they figure you're a germaphobe or a complete slob? I opted in, just in case.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food…Maybe with a Side of Regret
Ah, food. The heart and soul (and potential undoing) of any trip. Let's see what Belvilla N17 has to offer. They boast a A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Whew! That’s a lot! And I can personally attest to the Bottle of water being a lifesaver when you're wandering around, sweating, and trying to find a decent coffee.
The Buffet in restaurant was…well, it was a buffet. Nothing groundbreaking, but hey, it’s fuel. The Room service [24-hour] is a serious plus, especially after a long day of… well, being in Venice. I did get a pizza delivered once at 3 AM, and let me tell you, that was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
I also remember trying the Happy hour, which led to a very…memorable gondola ride. Let's just say, my singing voice and my navigational skills are not quite as good as a seasoned gondolier's. Thank goodness for the Cashless payment service. I wouldn't have had the energy to even think about counting change.
Services and Conveniences: The Bells and Whistles
Okay, so here's where the "luxury" starts to peek through, but it's still got some rough edges. We've got Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning itself being a blessing. Breakfast in room is a nice touch, a perk. Car park [on-site], but good luck getting a car to the apartment! Cash withdrawal, handy. Concierge, thank goodness, because finding a restaurant that isn't jam-packed is a mission. Daily housekeeping, thank you, lord. Dry cleaning, because looking presentable in Venice is an uphill battle. Elevator, a miracle (if it's working).
And then there's the little stuff: Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, because keeping your valuables safe is always a plus. Ironing service, because let’s face it, trying to iron anything in extreme humidity is a recipe for disaster.
They have the Contactless check-in/out, which is nice, but honestly, navigating the whole check-in situation was a bit of a comedy of errors (more on that later). Doorman, Front desk [24-hour]. Always good to see. Food delivery, a godsend, especially when you're too exhausted to navigate the crowds.
For the Kids: Babysitters and "Kids Meal"?
I didn't travel with kids, but the Babysitting service and Kids meal options seem…fine? Venice isn't exactly known for its kid-friendly attractions, but hey, a distraction is a distraction.
Getting Around: The Perils of Venetian Transportation
Airport transfer is a must, unless you want to spend an hour and a half dragging your luggage through the maze-like streets. Taxi service is also present, which, again, you'll need if you aren't good with boats! Car park [free of charge]: LOL! Good luck with that. Venice is car-free zone, so this is more of a…suggestion.
Available in All Rooms: The Stuff That Matters (and Some That Doesn’t)
Okay, now we're getting into the details. Additional toilet: Always a win. Air conditioning: Essential. Alarm clock: Useful, depending on whether you actually manage to sleep. Bathrobes: Nice touch, if you're into that sort of thing. Bathtub: Okay. Blackout curtains: YES. Carpeting: Fine. Closet: Adequate. Coffee/tea maker: Lifesaver. Complimentary tea: Always welcome. Daily housekeeping: Thank you. Desk: Could be better, but it was good enough. Extra long bed: Hooray for tall people! Free bottled water: Vital. Hair dryer: Present. High floor: Nice view, assuming you get a good one. In-room safe box: Secure your valuables. Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless: Excellent
Escape to Austrian Alps: Sauna & Ski Views in Zillertal Arena!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, meticulously crafted travel itinerary. This is my Venetian escapade, Belvilla by OYO Appartamento N17 edition, and let me tell you, it's already off the rails in the best possible way.
Pre-Trip Ramblings (A Messy Beginning):
Okay, so Venice. Venezia. The city of canals, gondolas, and… well, the potential for absolute disaster if you're anything like me. I mean, I planned this trip, sure. But "planning" for me usually means vaguely Googling "things to do in Venice" while simultaneously trying to convince myself I don't need to pack a hazmat suit (because, pigeons, you know?). The Belvilla booking? Smooth sailing initially. Apartment N17 looked charming enough in the photos. Cozy, even. I'm a sucker for "cozy." Famous last words, right?
Day 1: Arrival and the "Lost Tourist That May or May Not Exist" Incident
Morning (or what passes for morning after transatlantic travel): Arrived at Marco Polo Airport. Jet lag? Oh, honey, you have no idea. I swear, my internal clock was screaming "MORNING! TIME TO EAT PASTA!" at 3 AM. Finding the vaporetto (water bus) was a minor victory. I swear, navigating the airport felt like a scavenger hunt with suspiciously friendly pigeons. The vaporetto ride itself? Pure magic… until I almost face-planted into a particularly enthusiastic American tourist trying to take a selfie. Good start, me.
Afternoon: The Quest for N17 and the Questionable Bread: The actual finding of Appartamento N17 was… an adventure. Let's just say my sense of direction is legendary (in the wrong sense of the word). After wandering through a labyrinth of narrow streets, repeatedly consulting Google Maps, and asking for help from a very patient-looking gelato vendor ("Dov'è Appartamento N17?"), I finally stumbled upon the address. The apartment? Cute! Tiny, but cute. The complimentary bottle of wine? Immediately the best part.
Evening: Food, Glorious Food (and Mild Panic): First meal: a charming little trattoria near the apartment. Ordered some linguine with clams. Divine. Absolutely, ridiculously divine. Then, I did what any sane person would do after a long journey: I purchased baguette. But the issue was the baguette wasn't good. Dry and brittle. I might have cried a little. Over bread. Don't judge me; jet lag is a powerful thing. Wandering back to the apartment, I got slightly lost again. And panicked. I almost asked a passing cat for directions, but then I remembered cats aren't known for their navigational skills. I eventually made it back, fueled by the wine and a desperate desire to collapse into bed.
Day 2: Gondolas, Duomos, and the Battle of the Canale Grande
Morning: Gondola Grumbles and Glorious Views: Okay, a gondola ride. Touristy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. The gondolier's voice, a deep baritone, lulled me into a state of bliss. However, they are expensive! I'm pretty sure I gave half my daily budget to that gondolier, but I have no regrets! Seriously, gliding along the canals, under the bridges, past the palazzi-- it's what dreams are made of. My heart did a little happy dance.
Afternoon: St. Mark's Square and the Pigeon Apocalypse: St. Mark's Square. Iconic. Stunning. And… pigeon-saturated. Okay, I wasn't expecting the pigeon numbers. It was like a feathered tidal wave! I'm pretty sure one tried to steal my gelato. (I'm also pretty sure I yelled, "Get out of here, you feathered fiend!") The Basilica was spectacular. The Doge's Palace? Breathtaking. My brain, however, was starting to short-circuit from all the beauty.
Evening: Dinner Over the Canal and a Nighttime Stroll: Found a charming little restaurant, and ate beside the water. The waiters were friendly and the food was beyond delicious. Even after all the excitement, I did not want to go to sleep. So, I decided to take a nighttime stroll and took in the beauty of Venice.
Day 3: Murano, Burano, and the Eternal Search for Espresso Perfection
Morning: Murano's Glass and My Wallet's Empty Tears: The island of Murano. Glassblowing demonstrations. Beautiful, shiny, expensive glass. I quickly learned that "looking" and "buying" are two very different things when you're on a budget. I did, however, buy a tiny, adorable glass dolphin. It's currently perched on my windowsill, reminding me of the day my credit card wept.
Afternoon: Burano's Colors and the Pursuit of the Perfect Cannoli: Burano! Oh. My. God. Burano is a rainbow explosion of houses. Every building is painted a different vibrant color. It's like walking through a child's dream. I could have spent the whole day just wandering around, taking photos and feeling overwhelmingly happy. I also embarked on a quest for the perfect cannoli. The search continues.
Evening: The Apartment Blues (and a Surprisingly Good Italian Soap Opera): Back at Appartamento N17. I was tired, but I didn't want to stop. I had already fell in love with the city. I was ready for whatever it threw at me. And then it hit me: my apartment didn't have a TV. This was a problem. And then, I found out there was a Italian soap opera on, and I couldn't understand anything but I still got hooked.
Day 4: The Rialto Bridge and the Growing Fondness for the Vaporetto
Morning: Rialto Reconsidered: The Rialto Bridge. Another iconic Venetian location. Packed with tourists. I took a deep breath, reminded myself I was a tourist too, and bravely navigated the crowds. The view, though? Worth it. Absolutely. I finally understood why everyone raved about it.
Afternoon: Vaporetto Victory and the Lost Wallet Scare: I'd become surprisingly adept at using the vaporetto. I felt like a seasoned Venetian pro! Until, of course, I started to panic because I had lost my wallet. I retraced my steps, frantically muttering, and eventually found it wedged between two seats. Crisis averted! But my blood pressure spiked slightly.
Evening: Pasta, Wine, and a Quiet Farewell: One last incredible pasta dish. More wine. (Note: I am beginning to wonder if my blood is now mostly Chianti.) A quiet walk back to the apartment, with the canals shimmering under the moonlight. I found a bakery and got myself a biscotti.
Day 5: Ciao, Venice (and the Uncontrollable Urge to Stay)
Morning: Packing and the Heartbreak of Leaving: Packing. Always the most difficult part. I stared at my suitcase, wondering how I could possibly fit all the memories, all the pasta cravings, and all the tiny glass dolphins. The departure from Venice was a bittersweet one. I was ready to go home, but I also felt a pang of sadness. I had fallen in love with this messy, beautiful, chaotic city. It had challenged me, fed me, and made me laugh.
Afternoon: Departure and Future Plans: On the flight home, I was already planning my return. Venice, you beautiful, frustrating, pigeon-filled city, I'll be back.
Venice DREAM Apartment: Belvilla N17 – Let's Get Messy! (FAQ Edition)
Okay, First Things First: Is This Belvilla N17 Place REALLY as Good as the Photos? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not, But...)
Alright, let's be honest. Those photos? They're *slick*. You're picturing yourselves sipping Prosecco on the balcony, gentle sun dappling the water. The reality? Well...it's Venice, darling. Nothing's ever quite *like* the photos.
BUT! And this is a BIG but. It’s pretty darn *close*. The views? Stunning. Honestly, I spent a solid hour the first day just staring out the window, jaw agape. It's that canal view you dream about, the gondolas gliding by… cheesy, yes, but effective. And the apartment itself? Spacious, yeah. Cleanish, sure (more on that later). The kitchen? Well-equipped enough to, you know, actually *cook* something. (I attempted pasta carbonara. Let's just say my fire alarm got very familiar with me.)
The little balcony? Gold. Perfect for that morning espresso and watching the city wake up. Don't be expecting a lush garden, though. Think small, charming, a little bit weathered, and perfectly Venetian. So, to answer the question... yeah, it's pretty good. But, it's Venice, so expect a little bit of "charming" grit with your glamour.
The Location: Is It Actually *Convenient* or Just a Tourist Trap Hellhole? (Because Let's Be Real...)
Alright, location, location, location! This is *crucial* in Venice. Belvilla N17 sits tucked away, which is *mostly* a good thing. It's not smack-dab in the Piazza San Marco (thank GOD), but it's a manageable walk to the main attractions. This means you avoid the insane crowds first thing in the morning (and evening, and lunchtime...).
The walk itself is a joy. You're navigating the tiny alleyways, getting utterly lost (which is half the fun, honestly), and stumbling upon hidden gems. I found a *fantastic* little bakery practically around the corner! Their pastries... heavenly. I may or may not have gone back every single day.
But... and there's always a "but", isn't there? It's Venice. Which means, yes, some of the streets are *narrow*. Carrying luggage could be a workout, I'm not kidding. And if you get directions from some locals, you better sharpen your navigation skill. Good luck.
The Apartment Itself: Let's Get Down to the Nitty-Gritty. (Because Hotels Lie.)
Okay, so, the *apartment*. Here's the deal. It's... comfortably furnished. Think IKEA meets Venetian charm. The living room is spacious enough to actually *relax* in, which, after a day of dodging selfie sticks, you *deserve*. The bedrooms… cleanish. The beds? Okay comfortable, not the most comfortable beds in the world... you should get used to firm European mattresses. And the bathrooms? Well… they're functional. Don't expect spa-level luxury.
The *real* issue for me? The air conditioning. Or rather, the *lack* of it. I'm used to my apartment in Canada having air conditioning 24/7, and it's an absolute must in the summer. I can't remember if Belvilla N17 got to be unbearable, but be warned, you might be hot.
The Kitchen: Because Pasta is Life, Right? (And Can I Actually *Cook* It?)
Yes! The kitchen is a lifesaver. It wasn't a gourmet kitchen, don't get me wrong, but it had everything you *need*. A decent fridge, a cooktop, basic utensils. The first night, I attempted to make pasta carbonara. Disaster? Yes. Delicious? Also yes. Moral of the story: even if you're not a chef, you can survive. And hey, there are *plenty* of amazing restaurants nearby if all else fails.
They even provided salt, pepper, and a little bit of olive oil. (Bonus points for that! Saved me a trip to the grocery store after a long flight.) Just remember to check for the basics. My advice: raid a local market for fresh ingredients and experiment. Embrace the delicious chaos! (And maybe have the number of the local pizzeria on speed dial, just in case.)
The Wi-Fi: Because Instagram Doesn't Wait. (And I Need to Google "How to Cook Carbonara" Again...)
Okay, the Wi-Fi. It exists. Sometimes. Honestly? It's not exactly super-duper speedy. It's functional enough for basic browsing, checking emails, and posting your obligatory "Look how fabulous I am in Venice!" photos. But don't expect to stream movies without major buffering.
Look, you're in Venice! Get off your phone! Go outside! Soak it all in! Use the Wi-Fi to find that amazing gelato place (because, trust me, you'll want to), then ditch the screen and enjoy the moment. And, of course, for frantically Googling "Why is my carbonara eggy?" prior to ruining dinner.
The "Belvilla" Experience: Are They Actually Helpful? (Or Just a Website?)
This is interesting. Belvilla is more like a booking agency. They're not a concierge service. When I had an issue with the key (my fault, probably, I was jet-lagged and disoriented), I had to find a local contact to handle it. It wasn’t a huge problem, but it wasn't immediate. They fixed it, but expect a bit of a wait.
So, Belvilla is there… in a sort of "online support" kind of way. They're good for the booking and basic info, but don't expect them to be popping by with fresh towels and insider tips. You're mostly on your own adventure. Which, in Venice, is part of the charm, isn't it?
Overall: Would You Recommend Belvilla N17? (Be Honest!)
Yes. Absolutely, yes. Despite the imperfections (and believe me, there are imperfections!), the location is fantastic, the views are stunning, and the apartment, while not luxurious, is comfortable and functional. It's a *real*Hotel Deals Search
