Locanda La Corte

Tucked away amid a maze of picturesque canals and bridges, this family-run hotel still exudes the charm of its 16th-century palatial origins. Original features are more cozy than lavish, but coffered ceilings and Murano glass chandeliers add sophistication to simple Venetian elegance. The lobby's upholstering is dated but well-presented, with scarlet-and-cream armchairs among antique dressers and a small wood-paneled bar. The elegant restaurant's wood-beamed ceilings and brick accents are attractive, but most guests choose the lovely courtyard for dining. A little piece of heaven awaits at the outside "corte", which is the hotel's namesake. The peaceful area has wrought-iron and wicker seating amid climbing plants, and live evening music adds romance, although noise travels to courtyard-facing rooms. The hotel draws a mostly leisure-oriented crowd, with some older couples choosing it for the tranquil location. Note that the lack of an elevator may prove difficult for those with mobility issues. 

Hidden among bridges and quieter canals, the hotel can be tricky to find and even trickier to access, should you choose not to take water taxis to the hotel's private dock. Ospedale at Fondamente Nova is the nearest "vaporetto" water bus stop at a seven-minute walk away. For Venice, the hotel's location is excellent -- far enough from tourist hubs to afford tranquility, but just minutes on foot to sights. Santi Giovanni e Paolo Basilica is one of the city's largest Gothic churches, and a two-minute walk is Campo Santa Maria Formosa. With its baroque bell tower, the 1492-built Santa Maria dei Miracle Church is a five-minute walk, and it's two minutes farther for St Mark's Square and Rialto Bridge. Quality restaurants dot surrounding streets. Santa Lucia Train Station is a 27-minute walk, or 21-minute vaporetto ride. Journeys from Venice's Marco Polo Airport take up to 90 minutes, and Alilaguna's blue line airport busses run direct. Private water taxis are an easier alternative.

Endearing rooms have traditionally elegant decor, high ceilings, and large windows overlooking either the courtyard or canal. They're spacious for Venice, and range from Economy Doubles to Junior Suites. Some have cream-and-gold damask wallpaper, Murano glass chandeliers, or original wood-beamed ceilings. Palettes vary from teals and golds, to warmer russets and caramels, and heavy sash drapes match the bedspreads. Amenities include air-conditioning, satellite flat-screen TVs, phones, desks with period chairs, mini-fridges with bottled water, and safes, but no kettles. Gilded mirrors in bathrooms complement blue-tiled floors, but stall showers are tiny. All come with bidets, toiletries, hairdryers, and daily-changed towels. Upgraded rooms get canopy beds, and Triples, Quads, and Family rooms are available. All rooms can be fitted with cribs. Suites have living rooms and guarantee canal vistas. Although the alternative courtyard view is equally charming, noise from evening music can be heard from these rooms.

Trellis plants and potted geraniums divide up the pretty outdoor courtyard's wrought-iron furniture. Though small, the space is much-loved, and meals are served here in warmer months. The free buffet breakfast offers fresh rolls and croissants alongside jams, cold meats, and cheeses, plus cereal, juice, tea, and coffee. Taverna La Corte's Italian dishes range from fresh fish to risottos, and the country's signature fresh pastas are a favorite. Exposed brick and sconce lanterns give the restaurant's beamed ceilings a cellar vibe, but the room isn't bursting with flair, and the courtyard's carved pillars and arches win on the character front. The lobby bar serves Veneti and Friuli-Venezia wines, plus spirits and soft drinks. On the downside, there are no wellness or business facilities, but free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property..