Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli

Situated on the Grand Canal, the four-story Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli dates back to the 1500s, when it operated as a palace for the Foscarini family, who retained possession until the 18th century. Historical figures, including Mozart and Frederick Christian IV, have stayed in the palace.

Today, the hotel mixes 15th-century architectural design with modern furnishings, creating a luxurious and romantic atmosphere that appeals primarily to couples.The lobby is chic and modern with palatial designs, including exposed wooden ceiling beams and intricate Venetian stone doorways. There's also a stone stairwell along with a small, modern elevator. Comfy white chairs, glass electronic doors, and a wooden front desk add a contemporary touch to the lobby, and there are display cases with jewelry and other gift items for sale.

The breakfast room -- with low-hanging ceilings and two small windows -- is modern, with dark wood accents and white cushioned chairs. There’s a small buffet in the center of the dining area where a free breakfast is served. Near the front desk, the bar is also outfitted with contemporary decor, with white chairs and dark wood paneled walls.

The hotel is situated on the Grand Canal, with a walkway that leads to the neighboring Church of San Sate, full of gorgeous 18th-century architecture. The San Stae vaparetto (public water-bus) stop, with the Arancio (Orange) line that connects from the Venice Marco Polo Airport in under an hour, is one minute away on foot. The Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art is also a one-minute stroll. Getting to the Venice Casino takes 10 minutes both on foot or by vaparetto. St. Mark’s Square is reachable in 15 minutes on foot or 22 minutes by vaparetto and the Rialto Bridge is a 10-minute walk or four-minute boat ride.

The hotel offers Suites and Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Dormer Rooms. Red and white designs (that can feel a bit bland for an upscale hotel), Rubelli-brand textiles, and parquet or Venetian Terrazzo floors fill all rooms. Features include flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi (for a fee), safes, minibars, and air-conditioning. Windows or balconies overlook the Grand Canal, the courtyard, and/or the San Sate Church. Rooms with dormer windows have low-hanging ceilings and skylights. Suites come with elegant dressing areas, oil paintings on the walls, Murano chandeliers, grand sitting areas, and whirlpool tubs. The Foscarini Suite and Mozart Presidential Suite have been historically preserved and contain many antique features. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and separate walk-in showers, some with rainfall showerheads, plus bidets, heated towel racks, bathrobes, and slippers. 

The palace’s private jetty on the Grand Canal leads to a small glass door entrance and into an interior courtyard where guests can find overhanging vines, stylish patio furniture, and a wooden pathway. There's also a lovely lounge with white sofa chairs, oil paintings, a Murano glass chandelier, and exposed wooden ceilings. The meeting room is also elegant, featuring opulent furnishings including a glass chandelier hung from an exposed-beam ceiling, a grand piano, a flat-screen TV, and a conference table. A free continental breakfast is served buffet-style every morning, and Wi-Fi is available for a fee.