Hotel Flora, Venice, Italy

We loved that such a charming lower-cost hotel could be in such a central location where many of the hotels are rather more expensive and luxurious yet lacking in character.

The hotel is within walking distance of the Grand Canal and St Mark's Square.
By plane: flights to Venice from London take 2 hours. Take an airport boat (1 hour) to reach the hotel, or a water taxi. skyscanner.net

It's popular with Americans and Europeans - Italian, French and British especially. Hotels like this, virtually unchanged in decades yet well maintained and retaining their charm, are sadly very rare these days.

Nothing beats lounging in the relaxing courtyard garden with a beer or at breakfast.

• Breakfast room
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Room 43 is a modest, rather plain but completely adequate double with traditional furniture (a wardrobe, side table with TV, two chairs and bedside tables). There's a compact shower room. It's surprising that charming, if rather dated, but well-maintained rooms can be in such a central location - yet not at an exorbitant price.

Classic, Comfort, Superior, Triple, Quadruple
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

Breakfast is a delight in the lovely garden - apart from the pesky pigeons that fearlessly come over to try and steal your pastries. Breakfast is made up of tea or coffee and hot milk served in traditional silver pots and jugs, orange juice, pastries, breads, and yoghurt, fruits and granola.

Breakfast: served in-room, the lounge or the garden, locally-sourced produce and homemade cakes. Eggs cooked to order or pancakes available (at a surcharge).