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The Hotel Gritti Palace, a magnificent palazzo once belonging to the Doge Gritti, is a historic 16th-century palazzo situated on Venice’s Grand Canal and within 500 meters of St. Mark’s Square. The views from the canalside rooms and the terrace are incomparable. Guests entering the spell of the Gritti will stay in air-conditioned guestrooms that are carefully planned with an Imperial theme featuring richly patterned fabrics and antique furnishings.

Amenities for the guests of the Gritti include satellite television, direct-dial phones, radios, minibars, safes and marble bathrooms with bathrobes, slippers and toiletries. Guests can browse the daily newspapers in the lobby, use the Internet or take advantage of the private boat service to the Lido.

The hotel houses a range of boutiques selling Venetian handicrafts, masks and glass, and offers cooking courses during certain months of the year. Practical amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a dry-cleaning service and a multilingual concierge service.

Two dining options are available: Decorated with Murano glass, marble and hand-made stuccoes, Club Del Doge is a romantic restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Grand Canal, serving a range of Mediterranean and Venetian specialties. Bar Longhi serves a range of snacks, drinks and cocktails in an intimate setting decorated with 18th century paintings, marble and Murano glass.

Hotel Gritti Palace
Location: Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio, Venice, Italy 30124; 91 rooms; distance from airport

Luxury style: The Gritti Palace is an extravagant, flamboyant ode to romance. It is the ultimate in the palazzo hotel, the Venetian palette of its decoration, the chandeliers of fine glass, the magnificent terrace. From Somerset Maugham to Hemingway, the Gritti has conducted a love affair with many repeat visitors for a century.

What we’ve heard: If you want to imagine the role of decadent expatriate conducting a questionable yet passionate love affair while traveling through the Continent, the Hotel Gritti Palace will fulfill all your fantasies…even if the lover accompanying you is your longtime spouse.

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Entering the Hotel Danieli takes you back to a time when Venice was the crossroads of the world and princes and potentates built palaces along the canals.  As you enter you will encounter a stunning, the beautiful lobby and lobby bar with its elaborate ceiling,  Murano-glass chandeliers, stained glass windows, a truly glorious public space.  The hotel’s main building is a Venetian Gothic landmark.

The hotel is comprised of three interconnecting palaces, the main palazzo dates from the 14th century and is considered a Venetian gothic landmark.  This ensemble is located near the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace are all within 100 meters of the property.

La Terrazza, the hotel’s main dining room, is a rooftop haven with spectacular views of Venice and serves Mediterranean specialties.  Guests can also while away a post-touring afternoon at the Bar Dandolo which is set in the magnificent grand foyer and serves afternoon tea, snack and cocktails.  In warmer weather, there is a terrace with sunset cocktails.

Rooms are very individual, but a warm decorating style and liberal use of fine woods and rich textures are a common style.

Hotel Danieli
Location: Riva Degli Schiavoni, 4196 Venice, Italy; one hour from the international airport via vaporetto.

Luxury style: Venice is one of the top tourist destinations in the entire world and for travelers who enjoy being in the center of things will not be disappointed. Guests can enjoy the history (and the bustle) of St. Mark’s Square but be safely ensconced in the peaceful, pampered environs of Hotel Danieli.

What we’ve heard: Request a room in the main palace for accommodations that are more lavish and spacious.  Other rooms can be smaller, although well-appointed.  Also recommended is a trip on the hotel’s own boat to the Lido for some time walking on the beach.

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The recently-opened Bauer Palladio Hotel and Spa is housed in a Renaissance palace situated on exclusive and tourist-free Giudecca Island, directly across from St Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace. Guests can admire the hotel’s stunning Renaissance architecture, designed by the famed architect Andrea Palladio in 1500. A private boat landing on the Grand Canal, ensures the utmost comfort for guests whom, on arrival will be greeted by the hotel’s sumptuous lobby, decorated with wood paneling and antique veneered Venetian walls.

As you watch the life of the Grand Canal from the terrace or relax in the private gardens, you’ll easily imagine yourself back to a more sumptuously romantic time when the Venetian Empire reigned.

Fifty air-conditioned guestrooms on two floors feature beautiful period details, soothing pastel-toned decor and rich tapestries. However, though you’re surrounded by the beauty of the Italian Renaissance, guestrooms include modern day comforts: minibars, satellite television, direct-dial telephones, Internet connections, complimentary newspapers and safes. Bathrooms feature hair dryers, bathrobes and toiletries. Hypo-allergenic bedding is available on request.

The new state-of-the-art spa, due to open summer 2007, offers massages, facials and a range of therapeutic treatments. Guests can indulge in Mediterranean and Venetian cuisine at De Pisis restaurant, or relax on the terrace at the Grand Canal Bar, which features live music in the summer months. Room service is available around the clock, and multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can arrange childcare, dry cleaning and laundry. Concierge is also available 24/7.

Bauer Palladio Hotel and Spa
Location: Giudecca 33, Venice, Italy
Venice Marco Polo Airport is 25 kilometres.

Luxury style: For lovers of art, architecture and privacy. This intimate boutique-style hotel is far from the madding crowds, yet close to world-renowned shopping, museums and famous landmarks. The hotel runs a complimentary solar energy-powered private boat across the Grand Canal to its sister hotel, situated next to the Piazza San Marco, making it easy to enjoy the best of Venice.

What we’ve heard: The superb location, accommodations and service combine to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The staff is renowned for their willingness to go beyond the call of duty to ensure a pleasant stay. Concierge is noted for their helpfulness. Very quiet environment.

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