Hotel Bucintoro

• Whichever room you choose at Bucintoro, you’ll have views out to the lagoon and the San Marco basin – the only hotel in Venice that can say that. In keeping with its waterside location, the style throughout is maritime, with bedrooms named after historic sailing boats. 
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• Situated in laid-back Castello, this gem of a neighbourhood is an excellent base. You’re only a 10-minute stroll from St Mark’s square, so it may be surprising to hear that this is a peaceful spot. And with just 20 rooms, the atmosphere is intimate and welcoming.
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• It's worth noting that charming Hotel Bucintoro has a sister property in Florence: Golden Tower Hotel & Spa.

Enjoy breakfast each morning and drinks from the bar throughout the day, and for something more substantial you only have to walk a few minutes to find a variety of options. A few steps eastwards and you'll hit Via Garibaldi, a traditional area where you can take in an authentic Venetian atmosphere. Al Covo – just off  Riva degli Schiavoni – is a mere 4-minute walk away: family-owned since 1987 by a Florentine and a Texan couple, feast on Ventian delights such as baked fish and seafood pasta, and fried courgette flowers stuffed with buffalo ricotta and fresh mint. Slightly further westwards in San Marco is Vini Da Arturo, where the pork chop comes highly recommended. For cicchetti (small Tapas-style dishes), make your way to Bar All’ Arco or Cantine Del Vino Già Schiavi. And if you fancy something sweet, Boutique Del Gelato is the place for you.

Each nautical-themed room features dark wood panelling and flooring – polished until it gleams – and boasts wonderful views out to the water. Categories include the compact Classic and the interconnecting family option. Or why not plump for the capacious suite with a private terrace overlooking the lagoon and city – a particularly popular choice. Whichever you go for, en-suites are marble.

• Known as the City of Bridges (there are more than 400 in the archipelago), this is a unique place to visit. In-between ambling through the picturesque alleyways, there are a host of unmissable things to do: stroll along Riva degli Schiavoni and over the iconic Bridge of Sighs, visit Doge's Palace, and admire St Mark’s Basilica. Take to the water on a gondola ride through the maze of canals, or a boat trip along the Grand Canal.
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• What else? Cross Rialto Bridge, the connection between the San Marco and San Polo districts, check out Gallerie dell’Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the Lido. And if you fancy a day trip, head to Burano Island where you’ll find an array of colourful houses.
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• Back in the Castello neighbourhood, there’s no shortage attractions: amble through the Biennale Gardens, people watch at Via Garibaldi (actually a filled-in canal), or cross over Ponte di Quintavalle to the island of San Pietro, home to Venice's first cathedral.

Parking is not available.

Free Wi-fi is available.

On Foot
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi: 1 minute
Riva degli Schiavoni: 3 minutes
Biennale Gardens: 8 minutes
St. Mark's Square: 11 minutes
Doge's Palace: 11 minutes
Bridge of Sighs: 12 minutes
Rialto Bridge: 20 minutes
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: 21 minutes (plus a ferry)
Gallerie dell’Accademia: 27 minutes