Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia

The four-pearl Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia is housed in a stately 16th-century palazzo overlooking Santa Marina Canal. The beautiful lobby is decked out with Murano glass chandeliers, fine antiques, and a royal red and gold color scheme that combines with the 18th-century wood ceiling beams and the delicate wall moldings to create an elegant, grand space. Classical paintings with Venetian scenes adorn the walls, and two gold velvet couches on either side of the long, narrow room offer comfy seating. Decadent lounges can be found on each floor, all featuring a similar opulent decor style with stunning painted ceilings or crown moldings, beautifully restored antiques, and delicate crystal chandeliers. Original 18th-century frescoes can be found in several rooms and common areas, and rich fabrics, lovely red-and-gold rugs, and terrazzo or wooden floors lend spaces a strong classic Venetian feel. A charming courtyard with a wrought-iron bench and several plants offers a quiet respite from the busy city center. This property attracts mainly leisure travelers and especially couples looking for a peaceful, romantic retreat with Venetian character.

This hotel is tucked away on a small, quiet street in central Venice that can be a challenge to locate. The rear of the building overlooks Santa Marina Canal, which is convenient for those looking to move around town using water taxis. The property is located halfway between famous Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, each a five-minute walk away, and there are plenty of other major attractions nearby, including San Giovanni e San Paolo Basilica, Santa Maria dei Miracle Church, San Giacomo di Rialto Church, and many famous palazzos. Santa Lucia train station can be reached by vaporetto (public water bus) in about 25 minutes and the airport is about an hour away.

Rooms at Ai Cavalieri have decadent Venetian decor, with beautiful antiques, upholstered walls in gold hues, heavy drapes, and Murano glass chandeliers. Some have original 18th-century ceiling frescoes and handsome wooden floors (such as the huge, opulent Royal Suite) and a few feature centuries-old wooden beams and delicate ceiling or wall moldings. Quality beds have padded, tufted headboards with ornate frames, and bed skirts in rich fabrics matching the heavy drapes and fine velvet upholstery. In-room amenities are on par with other upscale properties, and include free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and safes. All but Comfort Rooms also have espresso makers and electric kettles. Large bathrooms have elegant faux-marble tiles, sleek glass-enclosed rain showers, and heated towel racks. Comfort Rooms and a few Classic units are a tad small, and some are a little dark. Furnished balconies with charming city views are available in a few units.

The on-site Bat Bar is a small, elegant bar with wooden floors, gorgeous painted ceilings, ornate wooden door frames, and a handful of tiny tables with black-and-gold velvet chairs. The atmosphere is quiet and intimate, and cocktails are crafted with fresh fruit and quality liquors. Free breakfast is served every morning in the adjacent room, including continental options and eggs. The hotel offers free one-way trips to Murano, but the visit ends with a pushy sales pitch. Wi-Fi is available for free throughout. There is a restaurant and a spa complete with a pool at sister property Hotel Ai Reali, located a 10-minute walk away. There is no full restaurant on-site. There are many peaceful places to relax throughout the property, including several lounges and a courtyard complete with a wrought-iron bench and plants.