Pensione Accademia - Villa Maravege

This charming hotel is situated in a grand three-story 17th-century building near the Grand Canal. Lovely potted plants line the front of the building, and flags fly above the glass entrance doors along with lush flowers spilling out of planters. Guests enter into a cozy, welcoming lobby with rich rugs atop tile floors. Photographs, vintage maps, and posters hang on the walls and the exposed wooden beams overhead all create an authentically classic look. An adjacent bar offers snacks and drinks throughout the day, and guests can often be spotted having a free drink in the evening. Out back is a beautiful garden filled with lush plants, trees, and flowers -- unusual in Venice, and a welcome respite from the hordes of tourists that fill many of this city's narrow alleys. This elegant, refined place is most popular with couples, but families and small groups also make their way here.

This hotel is located in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, a three-minute walk from the Accademia Bridge that crosses over the Grand Canal. The immediate area is relatively quiet, except for the occasional boat on the adjacent small canal. However, the wider surrounding area has plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, while the striking Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute will take about 10 minutes to reach on foot. Guests can walk to St. Mark's Square in about 15 minutes, where the surrounding streets are packed with boutiques, tourist shops, and cafes. The Accademia vaporetto stop is also nearby, and the hotel has a private dock for water taxis. 

Rooms are individually decorated in an elegant Venetian style, with antique furniture, rich fabrics, and crystal chandeliers. While this often results in stodgy, stuffy, and dated rooms in competing mid-range hotels, the look here manages to be bright and attractive. All come equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, kettles for tea and coffee, and safes. Junior Suites have separate living areas with a sofa and chair. Rooms overlooking the small adjacent canal occasionally pick up some early morning boat-traffic noise and many guests wind up preferring the garden-view rooms. It's also worth noting that views of the Grand Canal are only partial, as the hotel sits a bit away from it. Compact bathrooms are tiled and come with bidets, magnifying mirrors, towel warmers, toiletries, and hairdryers. Some have showers only, and others have shower/tub combos. 

Despite lacking much in the way of features, the hotel offers a surprising number of freebies. A cozy bar area serves a free afternoon drink and snack, which many guests appreciate after a day of sightseeing. The bar has black-and-white checkered marble floors, a fireplace, wood bar, and a red leather sofa and comfy armchairs, making it a cozy place to unwind. It also serves a light lunch. A simple breakfast buffet is served daily in the charming breakfast room with an exposed wood beam ceiling, and guests can opt to dine alfresco on a lovely terrace in nice weather. Lounge chairs and a wooden swing on the grassy lawn are great for relaxing and taking in the garden views. A free trip to Murano Island is also offered once per stay. Many previous guests mention this perk as a highlight, so inquire ahead. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.