Hotel Metropole
N. Italy: Veneto: Venice
This comfortable and friendly hotel facing directly on the Grand Canal may possibly have the largest courtyard garden of any hotel in Venice. It is a wonderful place to have a meal, listen to music (played year round, indoors in winter) or just relax during the warm weather months. The hotel is chock full of antiques from the extensive (more than 2,000 pieces) collection of the owner. The antique screwdriver collection in the lobby is just one that is impressive.

Many guestrooms have antique furnishings, and the "Angel's Room," a junior suite, consists of a very large room with views of the garden and a small canal, four marble columns surrounding the king size bed, with angels and cherubs completing the decor. The very special "White Fortuny" junior suite has a breathtaking terrace overlooking the lagoon. All accommodations are fully equipped with modern amenities, and families can be accommodated in connecting rooms. In fact, the Metropole is a wonderful, relaxed hotel for families. A collection of rubber boots in different sizes is kept in a glass case in the lobby for the convenience of hotel guests in the event of "high water" in Venice.

The hotel's Met restaurant, located in a former chapel where Vivaldi once performed, is run by Michelin star awarded Chef Corrado Fasolato. Serving unique Venetian cuisine, dinner at the Met is not to be missed. In the summer guests can enjoy dinning in the hotel's beautiful jasmine laden garden; a nice oasis from Venices hustle and bustle. The sumptuous baroque "Salone degli Specchi", decorated with drapes and an antique mirrored ceiling, is where guests can enjoy afternoon tea. A dozen of special teas are available along with delicious home made pastries. Guests may also enjoy a variety of cocktails and a great selection of whiskeys at the Zodiaco Bar. There is a canal entrance where water taxis can deliver clients directly to the hotel. The hotel has a high ratio of staff to guests as personal service is very important here, and the staff is exceedingly accommodating.

NOTE: SAN ZACCARIA is the closest public boat stop.