Hotel Londra Palace

The hotel is positioned on Riva degli Schiavoni, a stone’s throw away from St Mark’s, looking across the water to San Giorgio Maggiore and Santa Maria della Salute churches. Yes, there are throngs of tourists outside the door but this is the very heart of Venice after all, and all major sights are nearby. Water taxis dock at the hotel’s jetty just outside the main entrance, and Piazza San Marco vaporetto stop is a minute's walk away.

Since the Londra Palace opened in 1853 it has hosted a number of illustrious guests, including Russian composer Tchaikovsky (said to have composed the first three movements of Symphony No. 4 in Room 102), Italian poet Gabriele d’Annunzio and Argentine writer and poet Jorge Luis Borges.

Interiors aim to recreate a late 19th century atmosphere, with walls that are embellished with gold leaf and a reception desk decorated with a reproduction 16th-century work of art depicting the Venetian lagoon. With 100 windows looking out towards the San Marco Basin, interiors are bright and well lit (not so common in Venice as most palazzos tend to look out over narrow canals).

The hotel’s relatively small size (there are 53 rooms) means that service is particularly attentive and personalised. Members of staff are professional and welcoming, and many have worked here for years. This is one of the city’s few hotels that attracts its share of Venetians, thanks largely to the various events that are held here: Venetian music concerts and book presentations regularly take place in the meeting room and lounge area.

Bar and restaurant aside, there aren’t any on-site facilities, but that’s not an issue for most as the hotel mainly serves as a base to explore the city.

The elegant rooms are decorated in a range of colours, including scarlet and blue, and have beautiful mahogany furniture, of which many are Biedermeier pieces, adorned with bronze and gold inserts. Walls are embellished with woven fabric in a number of colours and patterns that draw inspiration from the city’s frescoes and historical motifs. They feature either carpets or parquet floors.

Classic rooms look out over the city rooftops and the 15th-century Church of Zaccaria, while deluxe rooms and junior suites command wonderful views of the San Marco basin and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Bathrooms mostly have bathtubs and showers, and are equipped with Ortigia toiletries.

Do Leoni Restaurant is well frequented by Venetians and international guests alike. Head Chef Loris Indri, a native of neighbouring Friuli Venezia Giulia, prepares excellent Venetian classics (such as calf liver with polenta), alongside his own creations (sea bass tartar perfumed with mint, brown sugar and black Hawaiian salt flakes and served with rye bread). Not to be missed is the delectable vanilla soufflé served with hot chocolate and Madagascar vanilla sauce.

There’s a vegetarian menu too, while the wine list places an emphasis on Italian labels. The buffet breakfast is fresh and healthy, and hot dishes are prepared to order. The bar is a bustling little place at all times of the day – it’s great for a cappuccino and snifter alike.

Double rooms from €260 (£220) in low season; and from €485 (£410) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.

The restaurant and bar are accessible to wheelchair users, but there aren’t any adapted rooms.

There are a number of interconnecting rooms, and some rooms have sofa beds. Cots can be provided. Children under seven stay for free.