The Bauer Venezia

This Venetian accommodation classic a stone’s throw from St Mark’s square is a hotel of different parts, spreading from rather brutal 1930s building on campo San Moisè to a glorious antique palazzo with Grand Canal frontage. Appearances are deceptive, and the newer extension conceals vast halls inside, where marble, gold and black detailing give the place the air of a grand art deco ocean liner. The water-facing Il Palazzo, on the other hand, offers plusher, more traditional opulence. There are views to remember at breakfast, which is served either at canal-level, or on the Settimo Cielo (seventh heaven) terrace. The Bauer empire extends across the water to the Giudecca, where accommodation options Palladio Spa and Villa F back on to a gorgeous garden.