You may not read about this hotel on the top-10 lists of various American or UK travel magazines, but this 16th century palazzo-turned-hotel is one of Venice's most stylish and charming. Via private gondolas and lacquered motorboats, visitors arrive to a private canal-front entryway and staircase to the main lobby. Decorated in deco-inspired colors of silver, black and gold this immaculate design space is laid in shiny-black marble floors and bookcases containing antique books.  The lobby connects to a cozy bar and lounge inspired by the Venice gambling halls that once lured Casanova and Don Juan, but with a 21st Century spin of cushy club chairs, gilded fireplace and ebonized bar accented in Venetian plaster.  Given the hush-hush nature of the hotel, it's usually only used by in-house guests and in-the-know locals. Large arched windows outline most of the common areas with storybook views of the surrounding waterways and cobblestone alleys of the neighborhood. 

The Room:

We expect great things of Hotel Philosophy, especially since this hotel management company represents Alberta Ferretti’s line of Italian resort properties. The hotel doesn’t disappoint. A romantic arrival to the first floor lobby prepares guests for the mostly dark, deco styling of the hotel’s 18 guest rooms and suites. Heavy wooden doors swing open to lofty living spaces laid in herringbone walnut floors with walls rising from heavy wood molding with Venetian plaster finish. Furnishings are heavy of tassels and velvety upholstery with modern interpretations of chaise lounger and settees that might age faster than the owners would hope. Rooms features oversize mirrors and freestanding armoires accented by fresh flowers and the occasional fruit topiary. Bathrooms are spacious and well conceived with freestanding vanities, wall-mounted faucets and recessed televisions concealed behind a heavy beveled mirror.