Always when day-dreaming of Venice, the luminous, liquid paintings by Canaletto drift into mind. Not only water sets this cityscape apart, but architecture—rising from those translucent blues and greys are the domes of Byzantine churches, the marble of the High Renaissance, and the Baroque, and the pale pink palaces which look out on to the Grand Canal—among them one of our favourite hotels, the five-star Hotel Bauer Palazzo.
Here in the heart of Venice, facing the Grand Canal near Piazza San Marco, is the unmistakable façade of Hotel Bauer Palazzo which occupies a privileged position at the heart of the city, facing Campo San Moisè on one side and the magnificent lower reaches of the Grand Canal on the other, and at the centre of Venice’s prime shopping and cultural district. It is separated from ‘Piazza’ by just a couple of streets lined with haute couture boutiques and is one of the best locations in Venice.
The hotel combines two adjoining, distinctly different palazzi, the 19th-century faux Gothic palace which so beautifully fronts the Grand Canal and the one built behind it in the 1940s, less picturesque on the outside but containing a fabulous marble-clad Art Deco lobby and grand staircase, as well as more modern amenities. The décor is old-school Venetian elegance with intricate stucco ceiling decorations, Rubelli and Bevilacqua fabrics, antique furnishings, gilded mirrors and grand Murano glass chandeliers. This stunning hotel captures the essence of a relaxed Venetian lifestyle in luxurious suites and rooms, with spacious salons and outdoor terraces giving unparalleled views of the Grand Canal. Location really does matter, and this is one of the finest in Venice.
Originally family owned, grand-daughter Francesca Bortolotto Possati returned to Italy in 1977 to run her grandfather’s hotel, investing multi-millions in the restoration and turning the then Il Palazzo into a palatial hotel. The 56 suites and 135 rooms are decorated in grand style, with tapestry wall hangings, antique furnishings and Murano chandeliers. Several have terraces, and many have views of the canal and courtyards.
The generously sized rooms and suites are spread over the two palazzi, some classically elegant, others with more Art Deco touches. Rooms with Grand Canal views are naturally most sought-after but those on higher floors with splendid views east towards San Marco are also delightful. Several rooms have private balconies. All the marble-clad bathrooms have bathtubs, many of them whirlpool; not all have showers. Some larger suites have two bathrooms.
The entry-level Superior rooms are about 258 square feet and courtyard facing, moving on to Deluxe rooms and delightful airy Deluxe Rooms With Views at 323 square feet. Some of these bright, spacious rooms can boast sweeping views—several look out on to San Moisè Church, Campo San Moisè square or the charming little Rio S Moisè. The Deluxe Room with Grand Canal View is an average 300 square feet. Decorated in traditional Venetian style with antique furniture, precious fabrics by Rubelli and Bevilacqua and original Murano glass chandeliers, these opulent rooms feature direct views of the Grand Canal. Italian marble bathrooms feature a Jacuzzi bathtub, heated towel-rails, and a king-size bed or twin beds. Connecting rooms are available too. And if you want to splash out on the opulent Grand Canal Suite frontal view at 485 square feet you will fine yourself in the front part of the building overlooking the Grand Canal. Featuring high ceilings, antique furniture, precious fabrics and original Murano glass chandeliers, they embody the ultimate Venetian fantasy for many guests.
The canal-side terrace, with its front-row view over passing gondolas, is a dreamy place for an evening aperitivo. Bar Canale offers a visual feast to go along with its light menu of salads, pastas and sandwiches. Venetian bartenders mix seasonal cocktails, including the famous Bellini, while you gaze upon the Chiesa della Salute, one of the most spectacular landmark of the city. A grand piano sits amid glittering walls and marble floors at the glamorous jewelbox B-Bar. Guests and local Venetians gather here for live music, light snacks and creative cocktails.
Also looking out across the water on the ground floor, the De Pisis restaurant serves contemporary Italian cuisine. A partnership with Chef Ribaldone brings innovation to this classic restaurant on the lagoon. Mixing local ingredients with a dash of Mediterranean and International influences, guests have a fine dining experience. The buffet at breakfast is served in De Pisis or, for premium guests, in the fantastic top-floor Settimo Cielo Rooftop Restaurant—Seventh Heaven—still the highest rooftop restaurant in Venice, with spectacular views over the city. Settimo Cielo, recently renovated in the name of absolute elegance and refined design, awaits to delight you with the culinary creations of the charismatic starred chef Cristiano Tomei. In warmer months, the Settimo Cielo terrace serves as a cocktail bar, and can be hired for private events.
Free wifi is available throughout the hotel. There is also a fitness room and health spa, and a Jacuzzi with rooftop views over Venice and the lagoon.
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