Tried & tested: Luna Hotel Baglioni, Venice

Getting There Arrive in style and take a water taxi straight to the front door from Marco Polo airport. At around €100, it’s expensive but worth it for the amazing views as you cruise along the Grand Canal. The vaporetta (water taxi), costing €13, is cheaper. It takes around 30 minutes longer as you stop off at the islands of Murano and Lido.

Location Venice's oldest hotel, dating back to the 12th century, is literally a hop, skip and a jump away from St Mark's Square. You will find it tucked away in between the infamous Harry’s Bar, made famous by novelist Ernest Hemmingway, and the designer outlet Chanel.

Rooms The rooms are palatial, bordering on ostentatious. Gold silk wall coverings, fine braided drapes, period-style furniture, hand blown Venetian chandeliers and Italian marble bathroom, with ‘his and hers’ walk-in showers, befit Venice's oldest hotel. A very comfortable bed with crisp Egyptian sheets provided a fantastic night’s sleep.

Service The service was discrete, warm and friendly with a personal touch that is to be expected from such a luxury hotel.

Breakfast A splendid breakfast buffet was served in the wonderfully frescoed Salone Marco Polo. Expensive at €40 per person, it did offer smoked salmon and the creamiest bread rolls. Unfortunately, the burners had gone out on the first morning so the scrambled egg and bacon were stone cold, although this was quickly remedied.

Overall Impression It may not be as famous as some of Venice's 'grande dames' but the Luna Baglioni is an excellent choice for a special occasion or celebration, delivering on: · central location · excellent service · palatial rooms

More information:
Baglioni Hotels.com | San Marco 1243 - 30124 Venice, Italy | Tel: 0039 041 5289840