Palace Bonvecchiati

Other than the tranquil spa with pale green tiling, and the fitness room with elegant wood floors, decor in the common areas at the Palace Bonvecchiati flip-flops between bold and yawn-inducing. Seating areas near the front desk are assertively modern, with bright red leather couches, terrazzo floors, an abstract mural splayed across one wall, and a large copper-colored nude sculpture. However, the lobby extends to another vast room that feels something like an airport waiting area, with uninspired gray chairs and bare walls. The bar and lounge areas return to an over-the-top vibe, with a red ceiling, shiny red bar, and display cases of colorful Murano glass pieces; despite the impressive marble walls and terrazzo floors, some may find it all a bit much. The property aims to be a "design hotel" and as such offers artsy magazines and displays modern art throughout most of the common areas -- but the aesthetic is love-it or hate-it, so guests (predominantly tourist couples) should certainly keep this in mind when booking. 

The hotel is centrally located along a Venetian canal, ideal for sightseeing, dining, shopping, and entertainment. From the city's main Santa Lucia station, boat lines one and two arrive at the Ponte di Rialto stop within 20 minutes, and from there, it's a five-minute walk to the hotel. Guests can also take a private water taxi directly to the hotel's landing stage, or arrange an airport transfer through the hotel. Piazza San Marco and Doge's Palace can be reached in about three to five minutes on foot. Gucci and Cartier boutiques are located within five minutes of the hotel, as are two theaters -- Teatro Goldoni and Teatro la Fenice. 

Each room at the hotel has a flat-screen TV, stocked minibar, safe, and air-conditioning and heating controls. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations or walk-in rainfall showers, all-white tile and walls, and chrome fixtures; bidets, tube-style hairdryers, and heated towel racks come standard. As for decor, it is somewhat more subdued than in the common areas, depending on the room. While all have clean white walls, leather headboards, and unfussy furnishings, color schemes vary from cognac to bright blue to deep red; Superior Rooms are the most understated, with a neutral and white palette and warm wood paneling. Framed modern art is found in most rooms, and lower-tier rooms are carpeted. Guests should keep in mind that some rooms have views of the back of the hotel, while others overlook canals, and some even open onto small terraces.

The hotel spa has a large whirlpool tub for up to eight people, as well as a sauna and a steam bath -- guests must book in advance, and are allowed 30 minutes daily use of each facility. In-room massages and beauty treatments are available on request. The spacious, bright fitness room has a few cardio machines and free weights. As for food and drink, La Terazza restaurant overlooks the canal and offers typical Venetian dishes and seafood, while the bar serves light snacks, like sandwiches and salads. Buffet breakfast is included, and room service is available -- for a fee. There's also a meeting room for up to 50 people. A computer for guest use is in the lobby. The free Wi-Fi can be unreliable.