Arcadia Boutique Hotel

This charming boutique hotel is housed in a lovely peach-colored 17th-century building with arched windows and flowers growing in balcony boxes across the front. Guests check in on the first floor, and then climb the stairs to the second floor for the lobby -- keep in mind that there's no elevator, a common trait throughout Venice's historic hotels. The lobby is beautiful and welcoming, with a large Murano glass chandelier gleaming overhead. Sofas and chairs provide places for guests to hang out, and the adjacent breakfast room becomes a lounge in the evening. It's elegant, but also cozy, with a dark color scheme and a blend of traditional fabrics and patterns plus modern furniture. Although the hotel is located in a busy part of the city, it's quiet and relaxing inside. The style and ambiance help make this place especially appealing to couples, but families, groups, and individuals stay here as well. 

This hotel is situated in the historic district of Cannaregio, an area rich in historical buildings, churches, shops, and restaurants. It's a five-minute walk from the Saint Lucia railway station and 300 meters from the vaporetto stop of San Marcuola, with connections to Piazza San Marco. The location is great for visitors walking around the city and for those traveling by train, but keep in mind that walks to the San Marco area will take at least 20 minutes. An outdoor market is directly in front of the hotel, and it is just a short distance from the casino on the Grand Canal and the old Jewish Quarter. Guests can reach the Rialto Bridge in about 20 minutes on foot. The Venice Marco Polo Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the lot next to the train station.

The hotel's 17 rooms are all different, but they're decorated in an elegantly modern Venetian style with elements drawn from the Mediterranean and Asia. The theme -- and the hotel's logo -- incorporates Venice's trefoil arch to signify the blending of Eastern and Western details. Upholstered headboards are set against rich damask wallpaper, with accent pillows and bed toppers to match. The rooms feature historic elements such as high ceilings and wide-plank oak floors, but they also offer modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Kettles are provided for making coffee and tea, and robes and slippers are laid out on the bed when guests arrive. Bathrooms are small but beautiful, with above-counter Murano glass sinks, modern fixtures, magnifying mirrors, showers with rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and toiletries. Some rooms have tubs, and some have bidets. Views are of the street or the inner courtyard. Junior Suites are larger and offer a sofa bed or armchair in a sitting area. 

The hotel doesn't have much in the way of features, but a breakfast buffet is served daily in a handsome breakfast room with hardwood floors, period molding, crystal light fixtures, and an ornate ceiling overhead. Guests rave about the offerings, which consist of hot and cold foods, sweets, and savories. In the evening, the breakfast room turns into a lounge bar serving cocktails, beer, and wine with cozy seating. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and the front desk can help with any tour bookings and reservations.