Housed in stately 17th-century palazzo
Set on large historical piazza in heart of Venice
Five minutes' walk from St Mark's Square and Rialto Bridge
Particularly elegant classical Venetian interiors
Some rooms have original 17th-century oil paintings
Air-conditioned rooms with minibars and satellite TV
Buffet breakfast included in rate
Modern lounge/bar serves cocktails
Relatively far from vaporetto stop
Wi-Fi
not free of charge
The Ruzzini Palace is an upscale, 28-room hotel housed in an imposing and
richly historical palazzo set in the heart of Venice. Interiors have typically classical
Venetian styling and -- while integration of contemporary elements doesn't work
throughout -- rooms are generally excellently finished (especially those with
original 17th-century oil paintings). Although amenities are few and Wi-Fi is not
free of charge, there is a real focus on tourist services. Buffet breakfast is included in the rate, and there's a modern-looking bar where guests can sip Bellinis after a day of sightseeing. Rates can fluctuate
wildly by time of year, so guests can grab an amazing deal in the low
season (though high-season rates are typically exorbitant).
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Stately 17th-century palazzo with aristocratic ambience and modern elements
Once owned by one of the most
prominent families in Venice, the Ruzzini Palace Hotel is housed in a
particularly impressive 17th-century palazzo. The stately white-stone facade
makes an imposing presence overlooking one of Venice's largest and oldest squares, Campo Santa Maria Formosa. Inside,
ancient tiled flooring and grand Murano glass chandeliers jar slightly with
the sleek and über-modern reception desk and homey-looking armchairs.
However, the first-floor lobby -- which opens to a balcony overlooking the
piazza -- elegantly blends its Venetian terrazzo
floor and lofty beamed ceiling with Renaissance frescos and original carved-stone archways, lending
the hotel a refined and aristocratic atmosphere. The rear of the hotel
overlooks a picturesque and peaceful canal arched with pretty footbridges
under which drifts the occasional gondola.
Location
Set in large piazza in historic heart of Venice, five minutes from Rialto Bridge
The hotel is set on
the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, a large piazza right in the heart of historical
Venice. Pretty much all of the major tourists attractions are well within easy
walking distance -- St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge are both five
minutes away on foot. Being bang in the center, though, means the hotel is relatively far
from a vaporetto stop -- the San Marco and Rialto stops are each about 10 minutes' walk -- so a water taxi is recommended for visitors with heavy
luggage. It's also quite a distance from the train and bus terminals, so
getting to and from the hotel could be pricey. Conveniently, the hotel has its own water taxi landing stage.
Rooms
Classical Venetian styling with modern elements and original 17th-century oil paintings
Most of the
hotel's 28 rooms follow the classical Venetian styling typical of the majority of the
city's hotels -- ornate antique-style furnishings, gilt-framed mirrors, and
heavy drapery with terrazzo floors and exposed beams. However some rooms also
integrate clever and original contemporary design elements, as well as original oil paintings by 17th-century Venetian painter and Tiepolo's maestro, Gregorio Lazzarini. Standard
amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with
satellite channels -- rooms also have Wi-Fi but, unusually for Venice, it is not
free of charge. Suites also
come with extras such as tea and coffee facilities, bathrobes, and DVD players. Bathrooms are elegant with cream-colored marble, spacious shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and heated towel racks.
Features
Cocktail lounge, excellent concierge services, and cultural events
The hotel has a
sleek, contemporary breakfast lounge where a buffet breakfast is served each
morning (included in the rate) and an equally modern bar serving evening
drinks. Both spaces are fresh and bright, with white walls and tile floors, glossy wood tables, and white chairs and bar stools -- the low ceilings and rounded modern lamps lend a vaguely futuristic vibe. There's particular focus on service arrangements for guided tours, trips,
and museum tickets, as well as private transport to and from the airport and
train station. The hotel also regularly hosts classical music concerts,
canovacci (improvised theater), and theatrical comedies in the reception hall on the main floor. There's also a meeting room with flat-screen TV for gatherings of up to 20 people. Wi-Fi is available throughout
(for a fee) and there's also an Internet terminal in reception.
