Hotel Palazzo Abadessa

This charming upscale hotel is situated in a former 16th-century residential palace. Interiors here are a visual feast, they're decadent with lashings of rich color and gilt, chandeliers and candelabras, ornate Persian rugs, and stained-glass windows. Oil paintings adorn the walls, while furnishings are elegant antique pieces. In some of the common spaces, classical Venetian style is paired with an atmospheric rustic twist courtesy of old brick walls and exposed wooden ceiling beams. The opulence of interiors even extends outdoors to the hotel's pretty courtyard garden, which teems with lush greenery and crawls with vines shrouding the walls. It offers a lovely little oasis in which to relax with a morning coffee or after a day of sightseeing. With just 13 guest rooms, this is an intimate property with a peaceful and personable atmosphere that attracts leisure tourists, mainly couples on a romantic city trip.

The hotel is situated on a canal in the Cannaregio District, with a private dock that allows for easy arrival/departure by boat or gondola. There are many other hotels in the immediate area, and the nearby Strada Nova (a minute's walk away) is lined with shops and dining options. The nearest vaporetto stop along the Grand Canal, Ca' D'Oro, is just a three-minute walk away. Piazza San Marco is a 15-minute walk away, where guests will also find Saint Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. The Rialto Bridge is a seven-minute walk, while popular museums like the Gallerie dell'Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection are within a 20- to 25-minute walk. The Santa Lucia train station is around 15 minutes away by water bus or a 20-minute walk. Marco Polo Airport is about 50 minutes away by water bus.

Guest rooms, like the rest of the interiors here, feature classical Venetian style that's rich with patterns and elegant original antique furnishings. Many have rustic elements like exposed wooden ceiling beams that atmospherically pair with the fairly opulent decor, while others feature frescoed ceilings dating back to the 1500s. Walls are covered with decadently patterned silk wallpaper -- damask with a metallic sheen -- that complements the bedspreads and curtains. Persian-style area rugs sit on wooden or terrazzo floors. Decadent details include Murano glass lamps, ornate candelabras, and fresh orchids. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs (but they're a bit small), minibars, electronic safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Suites add living areas on mezzanine floors. Views range from an interior courtyard to the garden to overlooking the canal. 

Bathrooms can be a bit small, but they're clean and some have charming details like candelabras that illuminate the mirrors. They're equipped with showers (though fixtures could use an update). Bidets, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries come standard. Junior Suite and Suite bathrooms are spacious and have both walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs. 

There's not much here in terms of features (typical for space-starved Venice), but a couple of extras add convenience and charm. A buffet breakfast is included in rates and is served in a beautiful dining room or in the hotel's charming garden (weather allowing). The garden, as well as other common areas, can be rented out for events. The hotel has a private dock, so guests can arrive and depart directly by boat. Guests receive a welcome bottle of of Italian sparkling wine upon arrival. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.