Grand Hotel Duchi D'Aosta by Matthew Barker

Sedate waterfront charmer overlooking the Adriatic. Hushed, elegantly clubby interiors with neoclassic trimmings and antique furnishings. Small enough to feel exclusive, large enough to carry an air of Grand Dame old-school efficiency. 53 rooms (two suites).

Hotel Attractions: Famed Harry’s Bar. Harry’s Grill offers regional cuisine (more goulash than gnocchi). Sporty types may feel hard done by, but the hotel can arrange bookings with nearby facilities (including the Podriciano Golf Club).

Local Attractions: A Hapsburg port city - of Italy but only just warming to the idea of being Italian. The piazza itself houses the town hall at one end (dating from 1877), the Lloyd Trestino palace, the Mazzoleni fountain and the baroque Palazzo Pitteri. The Museo Morpurgo and Civico Museo Sartorio boast collections of extravagant neoclassical objets d’art. Italy’s coffee capital (best downed at the Tommaseo, the art deco Caffe San Marco, or Caffe degli Specchi, on the hotel’s doorstep) and a top spot for central European-style cakes. Hasn’t got a great tradition of restaurants, but do try a rebechin, a local snack made up of pork, sausages, hot Prague ham and tripe. Robust wine region.