Luna Hotel Baglioni

 The closest top-class hotel to St. Mark's Square, this luxurious choice has a sophisticated and rather formal ambience, with elegantly furnished interiors echoing its long-standing history.

One of the oldest hotels in Venice, it can trace its origins to the 12th-century, reputedly having given refuge to Knights' Templar. Nowadays it attracts serious old money and wealthy Americans.

The opulent Marco Polo ballroom is a particular delight, even if a little overwhelming for the first meal of the day.

Exterior

A solidly impressive 5-storey 12th-century building with balustraded balconies to many rooms and some swanky designer boutiques at ground level.

The main entrance on the narrow street of the hotel's address is fairly inconspicuous, while water taxis stop directly outside a more elaborate entrance on the other side, which is also accessible on foot.

Property type: Hotel

Balcony/Terrace: Some rooms

Storeys: 5

Interior

The elegantly classy interior has polished marble, original 18th-century furniture and Murano glass wall lamps and chandeliers throughout.

The spacious, graceful lobby has a double-height ceiling and a mezzanine balcony overlooking the reception, which gives onto a rather sedate lounge area with rich red furnishings and a large picture over a log-burning fireplace.

The inviting bar has a low dark-wood counter and red and gold decor and is divided into 2 sections, one of which is in the style of an 18th-century salon and has a piano.

The formal Canova restaurant boasts gold silk walls, while the stunningly ornate 17th-century Marco Polo ballroom has impressive original ceiling frescoes by the Tiepolo school as well as 3 massive chandeliers, and is used as a rather grand breakfast room.

Rooms: 95

Grounds

There are no gorunds.

Location

Area Type: 100 yds W of St. Mark's Square between a small attractive canal and a narrow alley that leads off a busy shopping street to the Grand Canal, with more designer shops per square inch than seems physically possible. Harry's Bar 30 yds, other bars and restaurants 50 yds, San Marco vaporetto 35 yds, gondola station immediately outside, Fenice Theatre 400 yds.