Staff was warm and wonderful, and definitely cared about their guests. We had some drizzly days, and they brought out umbrellas and suggested we take one with us. When we brought it back, I noticed that they actually dried off the umbrella, so that it wouldn't drip on any subsequent guest. It's a small gesture, but indicative of their level of care. Every day we walked in, a face would pop out from the desk with a friendly greeting. I also heard the front desk ever so patiently guiding a lost guest to the hotel (Venice is full of winding streets with almost identical names!) The connected bakery is outstanding, and clearly beloved by the locals, but they have a private seating section reserved for hotel guests, so you always have a place to sit and enjoy. Would definitely be back, and intend to be back