Review of Ca Maria Adele, by Matt Morley

Perfectly positioned at the Piazza San Marco end of the Dorsoduro district, Ca Maria Adele benefits from a city centre location while being just enough off the tourist trail to ensure a more residential, dare one say it, almost 'local' feel.

Two townhouses have been combined to create this bijou 10-room, 2-suite property that has more than a hint of Venetian wonderland about it. Space is at a premium and some of the stairs are remarkably steep but the friendly service, opulent décor and tranquil waterfront location more than make up for such minor inconveniences.

A louche ground-floor lounge serves as both library and check-in area, with each guest welcomed by a glass of prosecco and a scented towel while their bags are taken upstairs. A sedately decorated breakfast room helps ease guests into their day, as does the view of the pearly white Salute Church across the canal.

Aside from that, communal areas are limited to an unexpected Moroccan-themed rooftop terrace, ideal for a relaxing aperitivo after a long day exploring the city on foot. Sportier guests meanwhile can access a gym close by and of course nothing beats an early morning run along Venice's misty canals.

Five Deluxe rooms are essentially contemporary in style yet benefit from a number of classical Venetian touches that help inject colour and personality, such as damask wall coverings and Murano glass. Bathrooms are on the small side throughout the property but the five 'concept rooms' and two upper-level suites remain hard to resist.

From the evocative sculptures of the Moors Room, to the chic Chinese furniture of the Oriental Room and the seductively dark tones of the Sala Noire, the owners have mined their city's rich history and artfully woven five of the key themes into their décor selection. The suites are slightly less exuberant design-wise yet gain in floor space thanks to their living areas and outdoor balcony.