Hotel Pesaro Palace

Pesaro Palace is a boutique property that feels larger than its 36 rooms. Once the Rava Giustiniani palace, the property has now been restored to something that's certainly more colorful than many other Venice hotels. Still, it retains that Old World look and feel. A lush garden with stylish black furniture feels sophisticated and contemporary, more suited to an Ibizan villa than an ancient Venetian property. The blending of new and old worlds works particularly well here with Venetian columns from the Golden Era supporting the hotel’s foundations and a grand antique chandelier in the lobby with over 1000 pieces of Murano glass. The wow factor continues with a marble staircase which leads up to a saloon area on the first floor. Plush sofas are arranged artfully while a grand piano sits in front of huge windows overlooking the Grand Canal. There are breath-taking corners of this hotel, but there are also some quaint and more traditional spaces, like the bar area with its old-school booths and lightwood bar. The vibe is romantic, and as a result guests are mostly couples. 

Pesaro Palace sits in what’s considered one of the most lively neighborhoods of Cannaregio. It may not be liked by locals, but leisure travelers flock to the nearby museums and shops in droves, making this a lively place to stay. Guests are a one-minute walk from Strada Nova, which has stores selling glass, Venetian masks, clothing, and everything in between. However, restaurants and cafes can be expensive around this area because of the volume of tourists passing through. It takes just under 10 minutes to reach the Rialto Bridge, passing the Church of St. Giovanni Crisostomo along the way. St. Mark’s Square is a longer 13-minute walk and it takes another three minutes to get to Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. The closest water bus stop is Ca’ D’Oro, essentially just behind the hotel. From here it’s possible to get to Piazzale Roma, the main bus terminal, via a 17-minute cruise along the Grand Canal. Marco Polo Airport takes about 45 minutes to get to by water bus and then airport shuttle from Piazzale Roma. 

The 36 rooms here are a colorful upgrade from the often bland and dated Venetian colors and fabrics found in other three- and four-pearl hotels in central Venice. It’s clear that they’re supposed to appeal to leisure travelers who want to experience authenticity but also luxury. Interiors consist of yellow-gold fabric walls, a mixture of tiled and more comfortable carpeted floors, delicate Murano glass lamps, and punchy red leather headboards. The busy color palette is fun, if a touch gaudy for some previous guests, while the dark wood furniture adds more antique style. Beds are comfy, and the more premium rooms have chaise lounges. Suites have additional seating areas and impressive hallway entrances, as well as canal views. 

Amenities include flat-screen LCD TVs, air-conditioning, and minibars -- although these are particularly expensive. There aren’t any coffeemakers in the rooms, and the ones in the breakfast area are surprisingly low-end too. Wardrobes are spacious and have full-length mirrors and safes. Bathrooms are spacious and have modern showers, high-end toiletries, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors. There’s a mixture of hydro-massage tubs and showers in the Suites and Junior Suites. 

The hotel’s breakfast room is a little stuffy compared to the rest of the property’s more vibrant decor. There are booths as well as tables and chairs that look a little heavy, particularly as there are only a few small windows. Guests complain frequently about the standard of coffee being the instant powdered kind, which is surprising for a hotel of this caliber. Breakfast is included in the rates and is a continental buffet with pastries, meats, cheeses, and cereal, but there are plenty of better options nearby. On the first floor, there’s an elegant saloon with a grand piano overlooking the Grand Canal. Lots of comfortable gray armchairs, cozy sofas, and modern light fixtures make this a popular space. The hotel also has its own private dock just off the front garden, which is a helpful addition for private airport transfers. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.