The upscale Liassidi Palace Hotel is built in a former 15th century palace, and the original architecture is celebrated in the hotel’s design and decor. The look is refined, elegant, and fresh -- not a bit dusty or shabby like many nearby historic properties -- with an artistic flair that combines a contemporary aesthetic, 15th century architecture, and 18th century Venetian furnishings and textiles. Walls are hung with massive oil paintings, replicas of famous 20th century masterpieces, including many exotic nudes, by artists such as Klimt, Tamara de Lempicka, Monet, Gauguin, and Modigliani. Ceilings are high, and elaborate Murano glass chandeliers hang from the exposed ceiling beams. There is a vast lobby space with plenty of seating; drinks are available indoors or in the charming courtyard that feels like a pocket of old Venice. The clientele, tourists and business travelers alike, is international and generally well heeled, which gives the Liassardi Palace a timeless cosmopolitan vibe.

The Liassidi Palace Hotel is located in one of Venice’s most beautiful and picturesque areas, the Castello district, at the foot of the Ponte dei Greci, overlooking the Rio dei Greci canal. The Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco are a short five-minute walk from the front door. Although centrally located, the hotel is hidden away from the tourist chaos, and a bit complicated to find upon arrival, except by water taxi, which floats right up to the building's private jetty. The Venice Marco Polo Airport is a 20-minute drive away.  

Rooms at the Liassidi Palace Hotel come in a wide variety of sizes and layouts, but all are spotless, elegant, and artistic, with huge high-quality reproductions of 20th century masterworks adding a romantic flourish. Luxe textiles like metallic striped bedspreads and Oriental rugs combine with gilded headboards and large scale mirrors for a refined setting. Architectural elements like crown molding and ceiling beams add even more grandeur in some rooms, although some of the chrome light fixtures cheapen the look. Views vary between the picturesque Venice street, and the lovely inner courtyard; suites have pretty canal views. Bathrooms are modern and luxurious, done in Bisazza mosaic tiles, with whirlpool tubs or Scottish showers that alternate hot and bracing cold sprays of water. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, and toiletries.

The Liassidi Palace Hotel offers a free breakfast buffet each morning in a pretty breakfast room with canal views and a wood beam ceiling. Breakfast can also be taken in rooms. The hotel’s signature Clef D’Or concierge service will arrange other amenities, including a free trip to Murano island with a tour of the glass-blowing facilities. The on-site Liassidi Bar specializes in the traditional local aperitif, the spritz, and offers a wide variety of drinks and coffees for recharging or winding down at the end of the day. There are frequent concerts and art shows, both historical and contemporary, in cooperation with local art galleries. The outdoor courtyard, with tables, chairs, and umbrellas, is a peaceful place to relax. There is a private jetty for water arrivals and departures. Wi-Fi is free throughout.