Baglioni Hotel Luna

"A private canal makes for "a remarkable arrival and departure experience" at this hotel, the oldest in Venice and the closest to St. Mark’s Square. "Ideally located," it is also near "all the shopping and strolling hot spots." "Rooms are breathtaking and comfortable," with marble baths, Italian and French silks, wool carpeting, and Murano glass chandeliers. Staff are "accommodating in every way and welcoming at all times." Three white-tableclothed restaurants await: Breakfast is served in the Salone Marco Polo, entirely frescoed by pupils of Tiepolo; at Canova, sample Venetian specialties with seasonal ingredients; Caffè Baglioni has views of the Giardini Reali, or Royal Gardens."