Hotel Bauer

 A top-notch centrally-located choice, where public areas are very spacious and individually-styled, with something of a retro 1940's feel. Although situated virtually on the banks of the Grand Canal, only a relatively small number of rooms overlook it; however, both restaurant and bar have canal-side terraces, shared with the adjacent sister hotel, that offer great views towards two of the city's most well-known churches.

A very popular option with upmarket tour groups and business travellers, it should not to be confused with sister hotels Bauer Il Palazzo (next door) or Bauer Palladio (on Giudecca island). Guests can use the spa facilities at the latter hotel, connected to this one by shuttle boat.

Exterior

Plain beige 5-6 storey structure dating from 1949, in striking but not awkward contrast to surrounding buildings. Several rooms have a balcony, some looking onto the square, some the canal alongside and a few towards the Grand Canal. A separate red 4-storey 18th-century building, Casa Nova, is next door across a narrow alley.

Property type: Hotel

Balcony/Terrace: Some rooms

Storeys: 5-6

Built Year: 1949

Interior

Entrance through polished revolving doors leads into an almost cavernous marble-floored lobby, decorated in brown and gold. A lounge area to one side, with leather seating and large potted palms overlooks the canal.

The low-lit classy interior with a spacious lobby decorated in warm tones of brown and gold and featuring huge potted palms and leather seating.

A convivial piano bar/lounge has a 1950’s retro feel, and a second bar, Canale, features a shiny red and black decor with oriental lacquered panels, is divided into 3 sections and opens to a large terrace.

Striking green and gold Venetian silk damask covers the walls of the elegant gourmet restaurant, which is furnished with gold chairs, gilded mirrors and oil paintings, and opens to another smart canal side terrace.

Rooms: 109

Grounds

The canal side terraces are furnished with wrought-iron tables and chairs and potted trees and plants, and provides a relaxing spot for outdoor dining and drinking, with views over to the churches of San Giorgio Maggiore and Santa Maria della Salute.

Location

Area Type: Facing an appealing small square by the San Moise church (and several temples to designer fashion), alongside a small canal with a gondola station outside; bars and restaurants 50 yds, St. Mark's Square 100 yds, San Marco vaporetto 100 yds.

Facilities