Fodor's Expert Review Palazzo Abadessa

Spending the night here is like staying in a 16^th-century mansion, with all the luxuriousness that implies. Think wonderful ceiling frescoes, antique furniture, authentic paintings, rich fabrics, and tons of chandeliers. It’s in the peaceful Cannaregio district, away from Venice’s hustle-and-bustle but still within walking or boating distance to the main sights.

One of the best parts of Palazzo Abadessa is its charming and lush private garden, where you can have breakfast or (complimentary) afternoon tea, or just chill with a good book.

room

Each of the 15 guest rooms is unique, and all are richly decorated with silk wallpaper, high ceilings (many with frescoes), chandeliers, and antique mirrors. Yes, you will feel like a king or queen returning to your royal palace.

Some of the rooms have lovely canal views, so be sure to ask (and prepare to pay a bit more) if you’d like one.

bathroom

Bathrooms can be on the small side, and come with either a shower or a combo tub/shower (except for suites, where separate shower and tub are standard).

YOU SHOULD KNOW The bathrooms are a bit disappointingly plain compared to the regal quality of the rooms.

lobby

Palazzo Abadessa’s lobby is gorgeous, with marble floors, luxe carpets, beamed ceilings, and stained glass windows. But it’s more for admiring than for hanging out; try the garden instead if the weather’s good, or one of the pretty sitting rooms if it’s not.

dining

There’s no restaurant at Palazzo Abadessa, though rates include a tasty buffet breakfast served in the lovely breakfast rooms or outside in the garden.