Even seasoned Venetians seem unprepared for the decadence that awaits at this landmark 15th Century palazzo located on the Grand Canal. Once the official residence of Count Sagredo and his family, the address was privy to visits by Galileo as well as artists Giambattista Tiepolo and Pietro Longhi who left behind a legacy in the frescoes that line many of the guest rooms and reception areas. It's a grand entrance, even for awestruck Popes who live amongst the works of Michelangelo, ascending a marble staircase surrounded in detailed plastering and heavy gold leaf. The hotel was closed for over seven years during which time the interiors and artwork underwent complete refurbishment – no surface was left untouched. The result is one of the best-preserved examples of Venetian artistry including an 18th-century music room and two-story presidential suite with museum quality furnishings. Aside form all the aristocratic architecture; the hotel is home to a ground floor lounge and terrace bar as well as substantive L'Alcova restaurant serving sustainable, market-fresh cuisine by the former-chef at Luna Hotel Baglioni.

The Room:

It’s the town’s most impressive hotel redevelopment in more than a decade. An elaborate and historic 15th Century palazzo offers three levels of guest rooms and suites arranged with interior city and Grand Canal views. Entry-level rooms feature a sedate color and design laid out on white carpeting and impractical room configurations. Oversize kind beds are topped-off with large striped headboards in heavy gold leafing. Low ceilings make the compact living areas arranged in heavily tasseled sofas and chairs feel slightly claustrophobic. Junior suites revel the true gluttony of the luxury property with terrazzo floors, rich oriental rubs and high ceilings with fresco detailing. Even larger Library and Presidential Suites offer a two-story layout with historic details so intense they border on scary during the night, i.e. gold cats, expressive cherubs and swooning virgins. Luckily a private butler is always on call to check the cedar walk-in closets, marble bathroom and terrace doors for Venetian bogeymen.