NH Collection Venezia Palazzo Barocci

Despite being housed in a restored 19th-century palazzo, the NH Collection Venezia Palazzo Barocci feels utterly modern inside, with wrought-iron window gates and the lobby's gray-marbled inlaid ceiling the only original features on display. Furnishings and accessories are minimalist, in white and muted browns and grays, with pops of bright red and olive green. A shimmering sculpture hangs from the lobby ceiling, while the bar area has a gold ceiling and dark wood bar. There's an inviting lounge with a modern white table and large flat-screen TV, and, in the hallways, white booths with clear glass tables, and a white fireplace topped with red Murano glass sculptures. Throughout, there are glossy brown tile floors, dusty brown and cream marble walls, and rectangular lamps for warm golden light. Staffers are youthful, while style-conscious guests range in age, making for a lively setting. 

The hotel is set on the Grand Canal in a quiet area of the San Marco neighborhood, with shops and restaurants dotting the streets. It's just a one-minute walk to the Sant'Angelo vaporetto stop, and the hotel has its own water taxi landing for guests desiring a private transfer from Marco Polo Airport -- about one hour away. The Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square are both about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, in opposite directions. The Doge's Palace, just beyond St. Mark's, is a 15-minute walk. It's also a 15-minute walk to the Gallerie dell'Accademia. The hotel can arrange airport transfers for a fee, and there's off-site parking for a fee.

Rooms at the NH Collection Venezia Palazzo Barocci feel warm and serene, with clean-lined furnishings and decor in white and cream. Ornate, wrought iron gates on the windows lend some historic atmosphere, but the overall vibe is more trendy than traditional. Each room has a coffeemaker and tea kettle, flat-screen TV, stocked minibar, and desk. Bathrooms are modern, with cream tile and walk-in showers with gold-tinged glass doors and rainfall showerheads. Each Junior Suite has a sitting area with white couches and chairs, and a large soaking tub near the bed. All rooms and suites either face the interior courtyard or the Grand Canal, and a few have private balconies.

The free buffet breakfast is extensive, with freshly squeezed juices, various coffee drinks, pastries, made-to-order hot dishes, and a variety of meats and cheeses. The bar serves light snacks, such as sandwiches and salads, along with drinks throughout the day and evening. Guests can eat in the courtyard garden when the weather is nice, or lounge there at any hour. Staff can arrange for tours, excursions, and airport transfers; airport transfers arrive at and leave from the hotel's private boat landing. Babysitting and laundry services are also available. The hotel has a meeting room for up to 12 people, with light catering available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and in guest rooms.