Review of San Cassiano-Ca'Favretto, by Vanessa Kaoukji

San Cassiano-Ca'Favretto holds a dominating position on the Grand Canal exactly opposite the Ca' d'Oro. Built in the 14th-century and once home to the Venetian painter Giacomo Favretto, this luxury hotel now displays it antiques with pride.

The facilities

The main lobby at this luxury hotel is quite dark, but admirers of Gothic architecture will find it impressive and far beyond what most people would expect from a three-star hotel. There is a small outdoor veranda on the ground floor that overhangs the canal, but it is long and narrow so if you don't mind sitting in a row facing the canal it can be a nice place to have a drink in the evening. The San Cassiano-Ca'Favretto is a warm cosy haven in the winter and a dark cool retreat from the heat in the summer. Take a private water taxi from the airport and step off the boat straight into this luxury hotel's lobby - perfect for those fur-trim coat, high-heeled, black-and-white-movie moments.

The rooms

The 36 rooms at this luxury hotel vary from quite plain and small to spacious and stately. Most rooms feature wooden beams and all walls are painted with warm dark colours, the best being number 322. This is a junior suite on the top floor with thick wooden beams and an impressive view over the Grand Canal. Room 323 has a side canal view but the benefit of a small balcony with rooftop views.