Hotel Gabrielli

The Hotel Gabrielli is run by descendants of the family that bought the building in 1856, and it features museum-worthy interiors with elements that date back to the 14th century. Italian marble lines the walls and floors of reception. Hand-carved wooden sideboards contrast with clusters of mid-century-style armchairs in red velvet fabric, giving ample seating. But the true showstopper is the ceiling, accented with hand-painted wooden beams and flowery Murano-glass chandeliers by artist Archimede Seguso. All of this is entirely befitting the building itself, a square, terri-cotta-colored facade embellished with trefoil-shaped white windows.

The front of the Hotel Gabrielli faces the Basin of St. Mark and is situated along a stretch of the popular Riva degli Schiavoni promenade, which was built in the 9th century and is home to several traditional hotels. Guests can quickly walk to several major sites in Venice. St. Mark's Place is a leisurely 10-minute stroll. A ramble to Giardini Gardens, where the Venice Biennial is held, should take no more than 15 minutes. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Gallerie dell' Accademia are both a short water taxi ride away, which can be boarded 55 yards from the hotel door. The Venice Marco Polo Airport is about an hour away by car.

Rooms at Hotel Gabrielli harken back to the early 20th-century, with dark-stained wood doors, polished-wood floors, and monotone walls (some slate-gray, others white or baby blue). Sconce lights, watercolor paintings, and black-and-white photos add Old-World elegance, as do the hand-carved wood vanities and night tables. But flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi bring in 21st-century touches. Bathrooms, some with gray marble and others in beige tile, can be a bit snug, especially for families. Standard Rooms have shower stalls while others have shower/tub combos, but all have bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. Some of the Superior Rooms also have more lounging space and a sofa. And some rooms have lagoon views.

Hotel Gabrielli has two restaurants, one located near the front of the building, allowing for dining by the water, and another in the courtyard, away from the crowds that frequent the promenade. Both serve a mixture of Venetian and international cuisine with menu items including plenty of fresh seafood and cured meats. The bar has a notable selection of Italian wines as well. The rooftop terrace displays an excellent view of San Giorgio island and the Santa Maria della Salute. Business travelers can arrange conferences in the hotel meeting rooms, which are also available for events. But some guests may be disappointed by the lack of a fitness center to work off a night of rich Italian food.