Val di Venere Glamp House

Val di Venere Glamp House Overview

I’ll be honest — when I first walked into Hotel Excelsior, I wasn’t expecting much from what looked like just another four-star property from the outside. But you know what? Sometimes the best places are the ones that surprise you, and this one absolutely did.

The lobby hit me right away with this perfect balance of classic elegance and modern comfort. It’s not trying too hard to be trendy, which I actually appreciate. The staff greeted me like I was an old friend returning after a long trip — and I mean that in the best way possible. There’s something to be said for genuine hospitality, and they’ve got it figured out here.

My room was on the seventh floor, and honestly, the view alone made the whole trip worthwhile. I could see the city stretching out below, with those charming red-tiled roofs that make every sunset look like a postcard. The room itself was spacious without feeling empty — you know how some hotels give you this massive space but it feels cold? Not here. Everything felt thoughtfully placed, from the reading chair by the window to the way the bathroom was laid out.

Speaking of the bathroom, they’d clearly put some real thought into it. The shower had this rainfall head that actually worked (you’d be surprised how many places get this wrong), and there were plenty of fluffy towels. Small details, sure, but they add up when you’re trying to unwind after a long day of exploring.

The hotel restaurant downstairs became my go-to spot for dinner — and I’m someone who usually prefers to eat out and explore local places. But their chef really knows what they’re doing. I had this incredible seafood risotto that I’m still thinking about weeks later. The wine list was solid too, with some really nice local selections that the sommelier was genuinely excited to talk about.

What really impressed me was how they handled the little things. The Wi-Fi actually worked everywhere (even in the elevator, which is more rare than it should be). Room service arrived when they said it would. The concierge had these insider tips about nearby attractions that weren’t just the obvious tourist spots — like this little café around the corner that serves the best morning pastries I’ve ever had.

The spa on the third floor was another pleasant discovery. I wasn’t planning to use it, but after a particularly long day of walking around, I decided to try their signature massage. The therapist was this lovely woman who somehow knew exactly where I was carrying all my travel tension. The facility itself is smaller than what you’d find at some resort properties, but it’s perfectly appointed and never felt crowded.

I also appreciated their approach to parking — they have valet service that’s actually efficient, which saved me the headache of navigating narrow city streets looking for a spot. The guys working valet were friendly and clearly took care of the cars. Mine came back cleaner than when I’d dropped it off, which was a nice touch.

The fitness center was better equipped than I expected for a hotel this size. Nothing fancy, but all the essentials were there and well-maintained. I’m not a fitness fanatic by any means, but I like to keep up with my routine when I travel, and they made that easy.

One thing that stood out was how the staff seemed to genuinely care about making sure guests had a good experience. The housekeeping team was thorough but unobtrusive — I never felt like they were rushing through my room, and they always left everything exactly as I’d want to find it. Even the front desk staff remembered my name after the first day, which doesn’t happen as often as you’d think.

The location turned out to be ideal for what I wanted to do. Everything I needed was within walking distance — restaurants, shops, cultural sites — but the hotel itself sat on a quieter street, so I wasn’t dealing with constant noise. At night, I could actually sleep with the windows open and just hear the gentle sounds of the city settling down.

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels over the years, and what makes Hotel Excelsior special isn’t any one big thing — it’s how they get all the small things right. The coffee in the lobby is actually good coffee. The beds are comfortable without being so soft you sink into oblivion. The temperature controls work properly. These might sound like basic expectations, but you’d be amazed how many places can’t manage even that.

If you’re looking for a place that feels both polished and welcoming, where you can count on things working the way they should, this is definitely worth considering. It’s the kind of hotel that makes you want to come back — not because it’s flashy or over-the-top, but because it makes traveling feel a little bit easier and a lot more enjoyable.