Spending a night in Venice is a pleasure of life. The crowds subside and the heat abates in the evening and early mornings. This gives a perfect time to watch the sunset, savor a delicious meal, and linger in the alleyways. Fortunately, after contacting many hotels, I found a wheelchair accessible hotel room at Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal in Venice (San Marco). I e-mailed with them at mailbox@hotelmonaco.it, and found them to be very responsive and helpful in answering accessibility questions as well as booking the room through e-mail.
The hotel was a splurge (as are most hotels in Venice) but well worth it–I could roll from the hotel to Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and delicious restaurants. Location, location, location…and accessibility!
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and Lobby
The main entrance to the hotel was flush with the ground with no threshold. And the double doors were propped open, making for easy wheelchair access. The lobby was also smooth with no barriers to entry, and quite spacious. And absolutely stunning.
Wheelchair Accessible Elevators
The hotel has two elevators, both of which worked and were large enough for my scooter (~46″x26″). Several of hotels I contacted had elevators, but they were too small for me–I am very grateful that those hotels that ultimately did not work out were willing to measure for me ahead of time, and even suggested I contact Hotel Monaco.
Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Room and Bathroom
The room was spacious by European standards, and also absolutely gorgeous. The bathroom itself was a wet room, and made for a great location for me to shower. The room also had a nice view overlooking the alleyway below. And it was air conditioned, which was a nice reprieve from the searing heat outside.
Hotel Monaco was a fantastic wheelchair accessible hotel in Venice. Its accessibility and location really allowed me to enjoy and experience Venice. I highly recommend it.