Hotel Antiche Figure

Formerly a palace and now a boutique hotel, Antiche Figure makes an arresting first impression. It's housed in a 15th-century palazzo adjacent to a gondola station and has decorative lead clad windows, outside seating, and heaving plant pots. In short: It’s the stuff of Venetian postcards. Inside, there’s typical Old-World charm, with low wooden beams on the ceilings, traditional Venetian floor tiles, a wood-paneled reception, and dark leather chairs. The lobby is small and unpretentious, a feeling that continues in the breakfast room with its heavy drapes, monochromatic floor tiles, and crisp white tablecloths. Upstairs, things are similarly time-honored and authentic, with yellow-gold fabric walls and vintage accents. The hotel is positioned on one of the main thoroughfares in Venice, so outside it’s bustling with activity, which is a nice contrast to the neighborly, low-key vibe inside. Leisure travelers tend to congregate in the lobby before one of the Murano boat trips or relax with some prosecco in the bar area, so there’s a lovely convivial atmosphere. 

This part of the Grand Canal is a hub for tourists and locals alike. Travelers with suitcases and maps can be found trying to navigate the many bridges and small snaking streets, while locals hurry past in the mornings to get to work. Over the years, souvenir shops and tourist-aimed restaurants have popped up nearby but you don’t have to travel far to experience a more authentic Venice. Guests will have no problem getting around, with a gondola stop, vaporetto, and train station all within a five-minute walk. Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is one of the greatest churches in the city and holds Bellini’s "Madonna and Child" as well as Donatello’s first documented work in Venice. The church is a 10-minute walk away and is minutes away from La Bottiglia, one of Venice’s most popular street food stops. The famous Rialto Bridge is an 18-minute walk from the hotel. This is a good base for getting around by scenic vaporetto rides; one such route takes in the Accademia bridges and St. Mark’s Square and can be picked up right by the hotel, but it's a 20-minute trip. Marco Polo Airport is a 30-minute journey from the hotel via an airport shuttle from Piazzale Roma bus terminal. 

The 22 rooms are decorated in typical Venetian style, so there’s no shortage of damask prints, Murano glass, or gold leaf detailing. Interiors consist of striking red-and-gold or blue-and-gold curtains matching the chairs and bed linen, plus glamorous chandeliers and original artwork, and large vintage mirrors. This busy palette gets a dose of calm from the cream carpets, soft yellow walls, and charming white furniture. Beds are comfy, and all rooms have at least one Venetian carved chair, while the suites feature plush armchairs. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, telephones, air-conditioning, and minibars, plus wardrobes with safes. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos or showers, plus toiletries and hairdryers. The most impressive option is the Residence Suite, which is a sprawling unit with a large canopy bedroom, separate living room, decadent marble bathrooms with hydro massage shower, dining table and chairs, fridge, and coffee-and-tea-making facilities. If you’d like a canal view check ahead as some rooms have these -- and they are breathtaking. 

Features are thin at Hotel Antiche Figure, and that’s largely to do with the spatial limitations of the historic palazzo. As small as it is, the bar and breakfast room are lovely and feel like the traditional trattoria that they used to be -- unfussy and comfortable. There’s an extensive cold buffet for breakfast which includes meats, toast, cereals, and fruit, as well as unlimited hot drinks. Keep in mind that it can get crowded during winter months, when alfresco dining isn't an option. Room service is also available. The bar is well-stocked and has plenty of Astoria, a long-established Venetian wine, as well as prosecco. Finally, the hotel runs free boat trips to Murano where guests can visit glass factories free of charge.