Locanda al Leon

Step out of the lobby into the alley, and onto a small bustling square. Pick up a paper from the kiosk, choose a cafe for a coffee and a brioche.

This homely, friendly, unpretentious small hotel is a three-minute walk from everything that matters, from St Mark’s Square to the Bridge of Sighs. Modestly modernised with a breakfast room on the landing, it‘s great if you’re on a tightish budget. The best rooms are the corner rooms, with double aspect windows and heaps of space. More rooms await in ‘Ca’Marcella’, a 100m stroll. If you come as a family and prefer to self-cater, there’s a nice new apartment in ‘Ca’Pinelli’.

You’ll not be short of advice; a member of the family is always around. The San Zaccaria water buses are extremely close, and ferry you all over Venice.