Hotel Londra Palace

Situated overlooking the Venetian Lagoon and San Giorgio Maggiore island, Hotel Londra Palace puts an elegant foot forward -- and doesn't disappoint after that striking first impression. Opened in 1860 as the Hotel d'Angleterre & Pension, the hotel has a rich history: Pyotr Tchaikovsky composed "Symphony No. 4" while staying here. Done in a rich cream, beige, and bronze, and featuring crystal chandeliers and original paintings, the Venetian-style public spaces have a sumptuous yet restrained feel. The rooms are also thoughtfully decorated, but in 19th-century Biedermeier style with more vivid colors. The hotel takes prime advantage of its location facing the lagoon: Over 100 windows face the water, with the largest ones in public spaces framing particularly scenic views. The restaurant and bar's outdoor terrace also faces the lagoon, and is an inviting spot to dine and sip a cocktail. The hotel draws mostly well-heeled couples to its intimate atmosphere, finely appointed rooms, superb dining, and location near St. Mark's and a vaporetto pier. 

Hotel Londra Palace has a superb location on the Riva deli Schiavoni promenade overlooking the Venetian Lagoon and San Giorgio Maggiore island. The San Zaccaria pier sits just next to the hotel for easy trips by water taxi, vaporetto, and gondola. Locations don't come much better for access to Venice's main sights, and it's only a five-minute walk to St. Mark's Square from here. The 15-century Church of San Zaccaria is a two-minute walk away, and the Murano Glass Factory is a three-minute walk. The Rialto Bridge will take 10 minutes to reach on foot, while the Peggy Guggenheim Collection art museum is a little under 15 minutes away by a combination of vaporetto and walking. The Gallerie dell'Accademia museum of Venetian art is about a five-minute walk from the Guggenheim. The Piazzale Roma Square bus station, Venice Santa Lucia train station, and Marittima cruise terminal are all within a 25 to 30-minute vaporetto ride of the hotel. The best way to get to the Londra Palace from Venice Marco Polo Airport is by Alilaguna airport boat (Blue Line) to San Zaccaria pier, with the trip taking about an hour and 20 minutes. 

Each room at the Londra Palace is individually decorated in 19th-century Biedermeir style, with antiques and fine furnishings, damask drapes, fabric-covered walls, and Venetian glass. Some rooms feature wood-beamed ceilings, creating an extra-quaint atmosphere. The look of the rooms is sumptuous, but charming and not overly grand or pretentious. They're further brightened by vivid colors of rose pink or blue in some rooms, rich red or violet in others. Floor plans range from 194 square feet (18 square meters) to 431 square feet (40 square meters) in size, so some rooms are a bit small, but not by Venice hotel standards. Evening turndown service is provided, but keep in mind that some double beds are two single beds pushed together. It may be worth the extra cash for a room with a view of the Venetian Lagoon, and the suites at the top of the building have particularly good views. Some rooms have balconies or terraces. Standard features include air-conditioning, minibars with free bottled water, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs that have a wide range of satellite and English-speaking channels. Most rooms do not have coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms are spacious and stylish, and some are clad in Italian marble. All feature make-up mirrors and premium bath products. Some suites feature jetted tubs, though some lower-category rooms only include showers.

Hotel Londra Palace has few features, though they are on par with almost every hotel in central Venice. The hotel's dining and drinking options are a standout. The free breakfast buffet offers a varied selection of hot and cold dishes ranging from scrambled eggs and smoked salmon to pastries, fruit, yogurt, and even sparkling wine. There's also a highly acclaimed restaurant serving innovative Venetian cuisine with fresh and seasonal ingredients, including fish from the Rialto Market. The wine list is extensive and a stylish bar makes for a fine spot for a nightcap. In warm weather, patrons dine or drink on the veranda overlooking the Riva degli Schiavoni and lagoon. The concierge staff are members of the prestigious Les Clefs d'Or society, and can recommend everything from local gyms to cafes and restaurants, as well as arrange massage services. The hotel also offers a lobby computer, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee.