Fodor's Expert Review Palazzina G

Modern design fans may swoon at the sight of this Philippe Starck-designed hotel, which sits next to contemporary art museum Palazzo Grassi—perfect for soaking up lots of style in one go. It’s a bit removed from the main tourist fray, though boats and a bridge (the Ponte dell’Accademia) are right nearby, making it super simple to still see all the sights.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Guests who prefer more of a traditional Venetian style will feel out of place here, as Palazzina G is anything but.

room

The 16 ultra-modern rooms and six suite apartments are not for the shy, with mirrors covering many of the cream-colored walls. Whimsical Philippe Starck fixtures (carnival mask lampshades, metal tables and stools, brightly colored bedspreads) and Fornasetti chairs (in a nose and mouth pattern) are lots of fun. Some rooms have spacious private terraces with Venice rooftop views, while others look out over the Grand Canal.

YOU SHOULD KNOW While air conditioning is available (and often needed during sweltering Venice summers), it can only be controlled at the front desk, and not having the temperature at your fingertips could be an annoyance to some.

bathroom

Sleek cream-colored marble bathrooms include either tubs or showers.

lobby

The look is warm and masculine, with brick-lined walls and a fabulous Murano glass chandelier. It’s not really a place to hang—but if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a celebrity or two en route to a party.

dining

Pg’s Restaurant whips up traditional Italian specialties like pasta, meat, and fish dishes with a twist for lunch and dinner in an over-the-top Philippe Starck-designed space lined with Romanesque columns.

drinking

Champagne lovers can sip their weight in bubbly at the cozy Krug Lounge.

The Krug Terrace opens during the summer months, perfect for drinks and nibbles in a romantic and quiet outdoor space.