A

A
lesson in old-school glamour,
Bauer Palazzo is somewhat of a Venice
institution. Filling two very different palazzos, one channelling
elegant art-deco interiors and the other with a distinctly gothic
feel, this five-star hotel is just a stone’s throw from San Marco
and looks out across the Grand Canal, offering guests the ultimate
Venetian experience. Catch your reflection in twirly antique
mirrors as you glide across gleaming marble floors beneath
twinkling Murano chandeliers; sip an ice-cold Aperol spritz on the
roof terrace come summer, and delight in the wonderfully
old-fashioned elevators – which no doubt harbour secrets of the
many well-heeled clientele who’ve passed through their doors
throughout the hotel’s long history.

Rooms

Classic and sumptuous. Think rich jewel-toned fabrics, swishy
satin curtains, dark wood, soft carpets, marble bathrooms and gilt
finishes. We particularly liked the old-fashioned bathtub with a
seat in it for an indulgent sit-down shower.

What’s for breakfast?

Tables groan under a buffet spread which will beckon you back
for seconds and probably thirds – no bad thing when you’ve got a
day of exploring ahead. Fill up on perfect pastries, fresh fruit
and cereal before hitting up runny scrambled eggs topped with
Italian charcuterie. Ordering several cappuccinos goes without
saying.

How about lunch and dinner?

While we didn’t eat at De Pisis, the hotel’s restaurant offers
modern Italian cuisine, combining Mediterranean fare with Venetian
specialities in an elegant dining room overlooking Grand Canal.

Is there a bar?

Yes, the ground-floor bar is one of the buzziest in Venice, with
live music throughout the week and killer espresso martinis to
revive you out of a post-dinner pasta stupor. The
rooftop bar is the place for bellinis when its warmer, with
unbeatable views of the city.

Amenities

The hotel has a spa
and
fitness centre, as well as a selection of meeting rooms. Be
sure to pick the brains of the impeccable concierge –
recommendations are bang-on for whatever it is you need to
know.

Things you should know

If you’re after a contemporary stay, this isn’t the place for
you.

Within a short walk you can find…

St Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal, as well as Venice’s many
luxury boutiques.