Venice 1 H Hotels— —Hotels H

Cima Rosa, Santa Croce k it a in ll Laidback lodgings r in Hotels D — — Luxury When it comes to hotels in Venice, The terrace the grand and showy are easy to here is a lodgings cocktail find; less common are cosy, homely hotspot spots such as Cima Rosa. Opened in 2012 by US interior designer Brittany Hymore with the help of her Venetian architect husband Daniele Vallot (both pictured), this boutique bed and breakfast sits between a pretty courtyard and the Canal Grande. Exposed beams and calm hues feature throughout the b&b, in which numerous pieces of furniture have been carefully restored by Hymore herself. With just five rooms – two of which are suites – spread over two floors, Cima Rosa Venice is a city teeming can provide a tranquil respite. And while – obviously – your breakfast with luxury hotels, many is taken care of, Hymore will of which are grand, gilded also happily direct guests to her Bauer Venezia, San Marco and historic. Meanwhile, favourite restaurants if you’re Rare find new spots are setting up stuck for dinner ideas. shop all the time in order 1960 Calle del Forno, 30135 Amid all of Venice’s grand to accommodate the ϩ39 041 863 302 palazzos, the fascist-era modern millions of tourists who cimarosavenezia.com façade of the Bauer’s Campo San Moisè entrance sets it apart from descend each year. Yet monocle comment: An out-of- the moment you lay eyes on it. The not all are created equal the-way location means Cima Rosa 18th-century building first opened and you don’t always get is near some lesser-known spots its doors as a hotel in the 1880s what you pay for: some of worth a look. For example, check but when the property changed the pricey spots can stray out the Scuola Grande di San ownership in the 1930s a new towards the ostentatious Rocco, brimming with 16th- modern wing was built (the side or even gaudy end of the century paintings by Tintoretto. facing the canal still boasts a spectrum. Luckily, tasteful Byzantine-gothic exterior). Inside, the sleek marble lobby glamour and a clutch and sumptuous staircase lead to of sleek, independent classic Venetian rooms upstairs, boutique options can still complete with wall tapestries and be found. glass chandeliers. There More importantly there are canal-side lounges in which to are hotels that still have a enjoy a drink and guests also have firm focus on hospitality access to Settimo Cielo (Seventh and will go out of their Heaven): it’s the highest terrace in Venice, where guests can eat way to make you feel at breakfast while enjoying panoramic home in a city of visitors. views of the city. From distinguished 1459 Campiello San Moise, 30124 palazzos with verdant ϩ39 041 520 7022 grounds to serene canal- bauervenezia.com side B&Bs and modern apartments, there are monocle comment: Room styles vary between traditional Venetian a number of winsome and those with more contemporary options to hand. Read touches, such as art deco furniture. on to discover the best Take your pick. places to rest your head.

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Aman Venice, San Polo Home comforts

Many of the city’s majestic hotels were once home to aristocrats and royalty and the Aman Venice is no exception; in fact, the Arrivabene family still lives on the top floor of the palazzo. And the hotel, which opened in 2013 and is managed by the Aman hotel group, aims to feel like a home to visitors as well. There is no reception desk or concierge to be seen when you enter and amid the array of classical frescoes you’ll find contemporary furniture. There are only 24 rooms within this sprawling property; the rest of the hotel is made up of common areas, including two gardens and a library. There is no formal restaurant: guests can order food, drinks and snacks anywhere they like, including – but not limited to – the yellow dining room. Palazzo Papadopoli, 1364 Calle Tiepolo Baiamonte, 30125 ϩ39 041 270 7333 aman.com/resorts/aman-venice monocle comment: Many of the hotel’s classical features are st of bo actually protected historical e t B h artefacts: the Alcova Tiepolo — Suite boasts an original, cherubic This classical fresco by Giovanni Battista hotel has a modern twist Tiepolo, for example.

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Hotel Danieli, San Marco Casa Flora, San Marco Prime palazzo Perennial pad

Perhaps the most storied hotel in Gioele Romanelli, the owner of a a city brimming with them, this is a handful of Venetian hotels, opened stately 210-room afair made up of this light-filled three-bedroom three palazzos, the oldest of which apartment in 2017 with the aim dates back to the 14th century. of providing something unique The entrance from the Riva degli amid the city’s opulent oferings. Schiavoni, just steps away from the Under the watchful eye of architect Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs), Matteo Ghidoni from Salottobuono leads neatly into an expansive and Laura Sari, interior designer gilded bar and lounge. It plays host at Reveria, the space was created to a grand piano and Murano glass using typical Venetian materials chandeliers; it has also provided in a contemporary way. the setting for scenes in two James All the furniture in the sleek Bond films. apartment has been custom-made The first floor – known as the by regional firms: the sofas and piano nobile in Italian palazzos, beds are by Berto, fabrics are as the high-ceilinged spaces were from Rubelli and the dining table where the principal family rooms was made by Xilia, a nearby were found – is where Danieli’s woodworking company. largest suites are located. These As the name would suggest, include the Doge Dandolo Royal, Casa Flora is filled with greenery, which is dedicated to the 41st com giving the space a lived-in feel. e fo doge of Venice and features an m r Each of the three large bedrooms o t s original 18th-century fresco H — comes with its own bath and steam by Jacopo Guarana. Everything room, all featuring the mosaic-like 4196 Calle de le Rasse, 30122 in Casa Flora palladiana terrazzo tiles that are a ϩ is made in 39 041 522 6480 mainstay of many Venetian homes. danielihotelvenice.com The expansive kitchen and dining room are perfect for hosting large monocle comment: The Terrazza dinner parties; Venetian chefs can Danieli restaurant and a newer be hired to cater. This is the place bistro are on the top floor, both to stay if you’re looking to break with expansive terraces that have away from the city’s love of breathtaking views of the Bacino brocade and gilding. di San Marco. 2283A San Marco, 30124 ϩ39 041 520 5844 casafloravenezia.com

monocle comment: Romanelli and his team are happy to assist with unique Venetian ventures, such as arranging visits with regional tailors and shoemakers.

Respect your elders — Across the street from Casa Flora is its big sister: Hotel Flora. It’s more traditional than the newer site – though it’s been updated over the past few decades – and its gorgeous garden courtyard remains intact. The perfect place to start your day with a cappuccino.

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Al Ponte Antico, Cannaregio Opulent option

Venture down a cobblestone path past the Fondaco dei Tedeschi shopping centre and you’ll find the lush Al Ponte Antico, a small and welcoming palazzo. The property has just nine rooms, augmented by a cosy (well-stocked) bar and lounge that has leather banquettes and a carefully restored ceiling. Prepare to get acquainted with other guests, as well as the owners: brothers Matteo and Bruno Peruch. Al Ponte Antico’s high-ceilinged rooms are done up with velvet tapestries. Without a doubt the hotel’s best spot is its tiny yet elegant Canal Grande-side terrace, which ofers picture-postcard views. 5768 Calle dell’Aseo Cannaregio, 30131 ϩ39 041 241 1944 JW Marriott Venice Resort alponteantico.com & Spa, Take a step back monocle comment: The Al Ponte Antico doesn’t have a restaurant While cruising up to a hotel (although it does serve breakfast) entrance via boat is an option but there are plenty of spots nearby. in many spots across Venice, it’s mandatory at the JW Marriott: the sprawling resort occupies the island of Sacca Sessola, a 10-minute journey across the lagoon from Piazza San Marco. But don’t let the distance put you of: opened in 2015 and built by architect Matteo Thun, this sprawling 266-room hotel boasts four restaurants, three swimming pools, tennis courts, a gourmet food shop and the superb Goco Spa (see page 124). There is plenty to keep you occupied without ever having to leave the grounds but getting back into the hubbub of Venice is no trouble: the resort lays on regular water taxi services to You could Piazza San Marco. top and tail? Isola delle Rose, 30133 ϩ39 041 852 1300 jwvenice.com monocle comment: Check out the rooftop pool and bar for stunning views of not only the island itself but also the ethereal Venetian skyline from a distance.

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Hotel Metropole, San Marco d sp Ca Maria Adele, Dorsoduro o iri Unusually appealing o ts Love is in the air G — Hotel Metropole’s location in the Be sure Nestled alongside the imposing heart of the Riva degli Schiavoni to visit the Santa Maria della Salute, one of cocktail promenade shouldn’t fool you bar Venice’s largest churches, Ca Maria into thinking that this is any Adele looks unassuming from the ordinary Venetian hotel. The outside – yet inside the low-lit and 16th-century palazzo, once home intimate 14-room hotel makes for to a girls’ orphanage and music a charming bolthole. Hotelier school, is now an eclectic spot brothers Alessio and Nicola Campa with warm and quirky touches; opened the property in 2004 and 67 rooms are filled with plush have mixed sumptuous interiors, furnishings and antique pieces. classic Venetian sensibilities and Proprietor Gloria Beggiato, touches of modern design to make whose family has owned the this a romantic spot. property for generations, has added Meanwhile, the Collezione her own personal collections – from Peggy Guggenheim is just around the charming (antique business- the corner and there’s also a roof card cases) to the odd (corkscrews) terrace, where guests can take in – into the mix, all displayed in glass the views of Venice with a cheeky cabinets in the corridors. Don’t let glass of prosecco. the unusual touches put you of, 111 Rio Terrá Catecumeni, 30123 not least because the secluded ϩ39 041 520 3078 Citrus Garden is a lovely spot camariaadele.it to unwind with an aperitivo after a day of traversing Venice’s monocle comment: This is an narrow streets. adults-only afair. For those with 4149 Riva degli Schiavoni, 30122 small children, Ca Maria Adele ϩ39 041 520 5044 ofers an apartment suite. hotelmetropole.com monocle comment: The hotel’s Hotels outside the city Palazzo Venart, Santa Croce cocktail bar displays work made Personal touch by a revolving roster of Venetian 01 Quattro Fontane, Lido: A artists and is open to passers-by. quaint four-star hotel filled This 15th-century palazzo, only with antique furniture; recently repurposed as a hotel, outside there’s a spacious sets itself apart with its service. garden and tennis courts. General manager Angelo Rizzi quattrofontane.com (pictured), a hospitality veteran with 02 Grande Albergo Ausonia years spent at the Hotel Principe & Hungaria, Lido: Built di Savoia in Milan, prides himself in the early 20th century, on knowing how much – or how with nods to art nouveau. little – attention to lavish on visitors. Check out the spa and “We’re small so we know all the wellness centre. guests,” he says. “People feel they hungaria.it can ask for anything.” 03 Venissa, : The switched-on staf are on Always famous Venissa is renowned for its hand to help with whatever you — food offering with both an might need, from a five-course When it comes to hotels, Venice osteria and Michelin-starred dinner to help planning a romantic has its fair share of household restaurant on-site (see gesture. The Venart’s location on names. Historical hotspots page 127). There are six the Canal Grande and its pretty such as The Gritti Palace in San rooms upstairs, as well as a garden don’t hurt either. Marco, Belmond Hotel Cipriani number of rooms scattered 1948A Calle Tron, 30135 on and Ca’ Sagredo across restored houses on ϩ39 041 523 3784 Hotel in Cannaregio may neighbouring . palazzovenart.com not be new on the scene but venissa.it they continue to live up to monocle comment: Dine indoors their reputations. or alfresco at the restaurant, run by Michelin-starred Enrico Bartolini.

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