Hotel Dei Dragomanni

The hotel is housed in a classic Venetian residence that has been restored and turned into a hotel. Unlike so many central Venice hotels, where "historic" looks fussy and threadbare, this hotel has a fresh vibe, and the antique details are matched with modern accents like damask print wallpaper and herringbone fabrics. The lobby is small but elegant, with just a few chairs and a bench for seating. The front desk is tiny, large enough for just one person, but it is staffed 24/7. A glass display case showcases Venetian objets d'art. A staircase leads upstairs, but there is an elevator, too. Although it's in the heart of Venice, it's generally a quiet place. The hotel draws mostly couples, but it also attracts families who appreciate its connecting rooms. 

The hotel sits in a prized spot on a quiet street in the center of Venice, less than a 10-minute walk from Piazza San Marco and its notable attractions, including the Doge's Palace, Basilica San Marco, and the San Marco Bell Tower. La Fenice theater is just five minutes away on foot, and there are many luxury boutiques nearby. Other major attractions that can be reached in 15 minutes on foot include the Rialto Bridge and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The public water taxis are just a five-minute walk from the hotel. Budget 30 minutes to reach the train station by walking and water taxi, and Marco Polo Airport is about 30 minutes away by car, or an hour by water taxi.  

Rooms are elegant and charming, with classic Venetian details such as rich velvet drapes, high exposed wood-beam ceilings, period furniture, and Murano glass lighting. By Venice standards, except for Classic Rooms, rooms are spacious. Despite the classic atmosphere, rooms are sharp and modern, with decorative high wooden or mirror-paneled headboards over the beds, and canopies adding to the romantic detailing in some rooms. The color palette of creams, brown, and black looks sophisticated, and even some of the modern flat-screen TVs are framed with drapes. Other modern amenities include minibars, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have tiled shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs, hairdryers, bidets, and magnifying mirrors. Deluxe Rooms offer more space than Classic Rooms, and Family Rooms combine two connecting rooms. Some of these have limited views of the Grand Canal; others look out on rooftops and surrounding buildings. Suites are the most luxurious and feature a furnished terrace with partial Grand Canal views.  

Like most hotels in the center of Venice, the Hotel Dei Dragomanni is limited by its historic nature, size, and location. There aren't many features on offer, and the the hotel even lacks a restaurant for lunch and dinner. A free continental breakfast is served daily in a lovely little breakfast room with a checkerboard tile floor, Murano glass chandelier, and large traditional paintings on the walls. Offerings include fruit, cereals, breads, and pastries. The cozy on-site bar is spread out through several small rooms with interesting trompe l'oeil paintings covering some of the walls. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but can be spotty depending on the location. Standard services like laundry, airport transfers, and tour booking are all available, and the hotel can even help arrange parking (albeit not at the hotel, or even nearby) with advanced reservation.