Hotel Bonvecchiati

 A smart well-presented choice with an air of some style, though it has a more business-like and less intimate feel than similar properties.

It lies in an attractive canal side location, and makes the most of this with a spacious restaurant terrace that provides a relaxing spot for dining and people-watching, although the novelty of the almost constant strains of gondoliers' singing and accordions may wear off.

Nine rooms are in an annexe across the canal bridge, and guests have the use of a wellness centre at a similarly-named sister hotel 75 yds away, with which this one should not be confused.

Exterior

A pair of adjoining ochre and terracotta coloured 4-storey 17th-century buildings forming an L-shape; the yellow one looking a little wearier than the other. It has a separate entrance directly off the canal.

Property type: Hotel

Storeys: 4

Built Year: 1790

Interior

The stylish interior has a light and spacious lobby with arches, vaulted ceilings and a marble floor, decorated with intricate chandeliers, some antique furniture and a few object’s d'art.

A compact bar, not open in summer, lies at the end. The pleasant, airy double-height restaurant has a pink and white decor and a mezzanine balcony on its indoor section, with a bar in the corner.

Rooms: 124

Grounds

The restaurant has a smart expansive terrace with cream and white decor, overlooking the adjacent canal.

Location

Area Type: In San Marco, 175 yds north-west of St Mark's Square tucked away in a small street beside a bridge at the junction of 2 canals that are very popular with gondolas. A couple of designer clothing shops are opposite, with other shops all around and a choice of bars and restaurants within 200 yds; Rialto vaporetto 250 yds.

Facilities