Hotel Antico Doge

Wandering through the narrow streets as one does in Venice, we happened upon this delightful hotel on a small canal facing the SS Apostoli square. The gracious owner, Mariella Bozzetto, proudly showed us this exceptionally beautiful brick palazzo, home in the 12th century to one of the most powerful men in Venice, the Doge Marino Falier. Mariella, a talented architect, designed the hotel conversion with a passion for detail and the final result is stunning. You enter into a small entry hall with peach and cream colored walls softly illuminated by Murano glass wall sconces, an inlaid marble floor, and large oil paintings of old Venice. Upstairs you find the main room set with small tables where a rich buffet breakfast is served each morning with fine linens, fresh flowers, and lovely silverware. The guestrooms, splendid with brocaded draperies, color-coordinating fabric walls, and bedspreads in soft green, rose or burgundy hues, have all the modern enhancements, including TVs, air conditioning, hairdryers, and wireless Internet connections. Each room is individual in décor, yet has the same elegance without being overdone. If possible, splurge on the suite—more expensive, but one of the best values in Venice. It is splendidly decorated with rich fabrics, romantic canopy bed, Oriental carpet on hardwood floor, bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, and a little balcony overlooking the canal. This hotel is a great bargain for the quality and service received.