Locanda Vivaldi

Named after the famous musician, Antonio Vivaldi, the Locanda Vivaldi, a charming hotel that reflects its rich heritage as a 16th-century palace, sets a mood of refined elegance from the moment you leave behind the busy waterfront. There is no formal counter bustling with people waiting to check in. Instead, guests sit in quiet comfort in front of an antique table to register. The reception area extends to a most appealing small lounge similar to a cozy living room in a private home: slipcovered sofas, a stunning antique desk, a handsome mirror, and bouquets of fresh flowers create a refined, understated elegance. One side of the lounge opens to a romantic garden with tables, and at the other end of the room is an intimate bar and breakfast room in peach hues. An elevator takes one up to the 27 guestrooms decorated in classic Venetian style: Fabric-covered walls, handsome headboards with ornate gilt trim, and matching bedspreads and draperies create an old-world elegance. Beautiful marble bathrooms have either hydro jet showers or bathtubs. The more expensive rooms have lagoon views and, if you want to splurge, the finest room also has a small balcony. Another bonus of the hotel is that on the third floor you find a terrace where light meals are served that captures a stunning view of Venice. If you arrive by private boat, you enter the hotel through a side garden. The hotel also owns the building beyond the garden and has added three more bedrooms.