Fodor's Expert Review Palazzo Barbarigo

Art deco lovers will swoon at the Palazzo Barbarigo, a romantic haven of black-and-red décor not found elsewhere in Venice. The location is prime, directly on the Grand Canal but in the quieter area of San Polo, just across the canal from San Marco.

Arriving by water taxi to the hotel’s waterfront entrance feels like something out of a fairy tale. (The entrance on the hotel’s other side is through a maze of dark, twisty streets—still interesting, if not as glamorous.)

room

The 18 rooms are decorated in moody red, black, and tan, with black four-poster beds and sleek furniture, along with touches of velvet in the chairs and lampshades. Rooms have either wood or black marble floors.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Only some of the Suites have Grand Canal views (others have views on the smaller Rio San Polo canal), so you’ll need to splurge if that’s what you’re looking for.

bathroom

Bathrooms are lined with tile or black marble; all are clean and modern, and have rain showers.

YOU SHOULD KNOW None of the bathrooms have bathtubs.

lobby

Like the rest of the hotel, the lobby is a study in black and red, with black marble floors, red velvet chairs, and lots of mirrors. It doesn’t really feel like a place to hang out, so try the small library with 16^th-century beamed ceilings or the deck overlooking the Grand Canal for more inviting options.

dining

Palazzo Barbarigo doesn’t have its own restaurant, but does serve a complimentary breakfast in the lush breakfast room (all black velvet chairs and red velvet curtains). And breakfast is served till as late as you want, so go ahead—sleep in.

drinking

The large second-floor bar—open only to guests—is a real treat, with black-and-red velvet chairs (surprise!) and a fireplace inside, plus a terrace outside, perfect for a cocktail overlooking the Grand Canal.