Grande Albergo AUSONIA & HUNGARIA Malcesine

Stayed for three days as part of a group, paying for four star accommodation and meals. Room OK, but restaurant very poor. Tinned vegetables, poor quality meat, even a raw egg at breakfast. Everything appeared to be on a tight budget. Staff were doing their best, but we all wondered whether a real chef existed in the kitchen as standards were so disappointing.

The food service for Dinner was bad. they tried to rush everything. the pasta course was tasty, but with someone waiting behind you to take the plate, made me uncomfortable. The Veal dish with veggies was awful. The room we had, had air conditioning, but we had to turn if off, as the fan needed to be oiled. We told them about it the first night and the second night, and then just gave up. The carpet was filthy, and I kept my shoes on all the time. Location was good, but with the room being poor, wouldn't go back.

We visited Venice in September 2004, and stayed at the Hungaria Palace on the Lido. The hotel met all of our expectations and exceeded them in some ways, as there was a modern art exhibition throughout the hotel and its grounds which was entertaining viewing, especially when juxtaposed with the faded grandeur of the hotel itself. It is a bit reminiscent of a beautiful and imposing Victorian public lavatory, though I mean that as a positive comparison. Our room was very big, with high ceilings and a large bathroom. Strange shower arrangement (it proved easier to sit in the bath with the shower hose turned on), but that's all part of the fun in an old hotel. The beds were really comfortable and we would have had a fantastic view of the street if only we could have fully opened the windows. That said, we thought the hotel was lovely and they accomodated us in their restaurant (though we had to sit in the bar area) at no notice, when a sudden storm meant that everyone had decided to dine early and we couldn't find a restaurant that had space (beware of bad weather in Venice - when all those outdoor tables are unusable, it's a struggle to accomodate all those hungry tourists). I would certainly visit this hotel again.

We stayed at Hungaria Palace by default when our originally-booked hotel in Lido couldn't accommodate us due to some maintenance problems. They arranged this hotel as a substitute and it turned out for the best. We loved the hotel's position on the main street, the proximity of transport and all facilities, would have loved being so close to the beach had we been able to stay longer.

Our room was on the 3rd floor, facing the back, so not much of a view but very quiet. The bedroom was small and the furniture dated, but very comfortable for a one night stay before joining a cruise. The bathroom was obviously re-novated, very well appointed and gleamingly clean.

The hotel's public rooms decor fits in very well with its name and image: that of an Austro-Hungarian period and style hotel. We loved the ample, multi-choice breakfast and the large, sunny and welcoming breakfast room. Its easterly orientation helps to make a happy start for the day ahead.

The Hungaria Palace is a lovely hotel if you do not mind staying on Lido Island while in Venice. I found the boats back and forth to the main attractions rather inconvenient, considering you can stay in more central locations for less money. However, if you prefer to stay on Lido, and want to be close to the beach, in a central location on the main activity street, this is the place for you. The hotel has a beautiful exterior and terrace and above average rooms for Italian hotels. The bathrooms are redone and very nice. Room we had, on the fourth floor, and facing the back was very quiet... however there is music on the terrace in the summer which may be an issue for anyone staying in the rooms facing the front terrace. Everything is clean and well maintained. Staff is very friendly and helpful. The breakfast is far better than the average Italian hotel breakfast. Altogether this place is definitely one of the best options on Lido.

What a wonderful hotel. Beautiful spacious rooms and convenient to the ferry over to Venice. The shops and restaurants on Lido are just a good as Venice itself but not as crowded. We lucked out with this hotel after the terrible experience with a 3 star hotel around the corner.

The Villa Parco - stay away from that one...yuk!

The hotel bears very little resemblance to its beautiful web images. The furniture and decor are second rate, as if bought in a jumble sale. The staff for the most part are pleasant, with notable exceptions. I have stayed in a number of hotels in Italy, including superior 2-star accomodation, for half the price. Breakfast selection and quality is poor. The hotel 'boasts' a piano-bar, resulting in echoes of a karoke style Italian Elton John wanabe throughout the hotel until 1am (Earplugs a must).

Don't let this hotel dissuade you from staying on the Lido. This is a wonderful part of Venice.