Hotel Savoia & Jolanda

Purpose-built as a hotel in 1900, the Savoia & Jolanda is one of a handful of hotels that shaped the early history of modern tourism in Venice. Built in a style largely sympathetic to the traditional Venetian palazzo, the property was totally renovated in 1995 and retains all the hallmarks of the typical Venice hotel -- Oriental rugs, 18th-century-style furnishings, terrazzo flooring, gilt-scroll mirrors, marble-topped tables, and polished-wood paneling reflecting the light from numerous Murano glass chandeliers and sconces. The hotel comprises two buildings, one overlooking the lagoon and the other located just a short distance away on the Campo San Zaccaria. The main part of the hotel is fronted by its bustling restaurant and is popular with both young couples and traditionally inclined older tourists.

The main part of the hotel is set on the busy Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront promenade overlooking St. Mark's Basin in the touristic center of Venice. All the main tourist attractions are well with walking distance -- Doge's Palace and St. Marks Square are under five minutes away on foot, while the Rialto Bridge is a brisk 10-minute stroll away. The property is also well-serviced by the vaporetto water bus with the nearest stop San Zaccaria just a minute away.

The hotel has 51 rooms spread over two buildings, most of which follow the typical classical Venetian styling of ornate antique-style furnishings, gilt-framed mirrors, and flock wallpaper. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TV with satellite channels, while marble-finished bathrooms include wall-mounted hairdryers, bathrobes, and heated towel rails -- some also have jetted tubs. Suites all have lovely views overlooking the lagoon though can get a little noisy from the restaurant and passing street life below. Also, some rooms are starting to show signs of wear, and rooms in the annex are generally not as nicely finished, and lack lagoon views.

Breakfast is served buffet-style in the hotel's all-white and dark wood Principessa Restaurant, and guests can dine outside on the patio overlooking the lagoon. After breakfast, the restaurant opens to the public and serves Italian favorites (with a discount for guests) for lunch and dinner. The first floor of the Jolanda annex building has a wine bar and terrace overlooking the Campo San Zaccaria piazza and magnificent Chapel of San Tarasio. As at many Venice hotels, trips to the Murano Island glassworks are offered free of charge (though beware the hard-sell, and note that the return trip is usually charged). Breakfast and Wi-Fi are also included in the rate.