Fodor's Expert Review Hotel American–Dinesen

If you plan to spend time at Venice’s great art museums—Gallerie dell’Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Punta della Dogana—the comfortable Hotel American-Dinesen, in the Dorsoduro sestiere, may just have the perfect location. Rooms are done up in an understated Venetian style, and it’s set on a side canal, so you still feel like you’re in Venice—albeit a quieter, more peaceful version.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The style here is the opposite of over-the-top Venetian, so guests seeking Murano chandeliers and ceiling frescoes should stay elsewhere.

room

Guest rooms at the Hotel American-Dinesen feature damask wallpaper in reds and greens, and hardwood floors.

Upgrade to a room with a balcony for views onto the San Vio canal, with partial views of the Grand Canal, by paying a bit extra—totally worth the splurge.

Photo: Hotel American Dinesen / Hotel American Dinesen

Photo: Hotel American Dinesen / Hotel American Dinesen

Photo: Hotel American Dinesen / Hotel American Dinesen

bathroom

Most bathrooms, while modern, are on the small side, with either separate shower or tub/shower combo.

Photo: Hotel American Dinesen / Hotel American Dinesen

lobby

The spacious Hotel American-Dinesen lobby is a bit dark and old-fashioned, with a brown-and-green color scheme. It’s actually a comfortable place to sit if the weather’s not good—though you’d be crazy not to lounge on the cozy third-floor terrace, drink in hand, when the sun is out.

Photo: Hotel American Dinesen / Hotel American Dinesen

Photo: Hotel American Dinesen / Hotel American Dinesen

dining

The Hotel American-Dinesen doesn’t have an in-house restaurant, but there’s an extensive breakfast buffet each morning.

Photo: Hotel American Dinesen / Hotel American Dinesen