Hotel Gabrielli Sandwirth by Jamie Dunford Wood

This large group hotel of 190 rooms would not be worth a second glance if it were not for three things. First, its position on the riva – busy, noisy, but in the thick of things with lagoon views. Second, the charming garden and roof terrace. And third, and this is purely down to personal taste, a certain shabby traditional 50s Italian charm, where the barman still sports a moustache and wide kipper ties and the reception staff treat every guest from a defensive position – awaiting, nay expecting, the complaint that the air-con does not function or the shower curtain is ripped. So if you don’t mind about traditional Italian breakfasts, waiters whose other car is a Porsche, loud Canadians and the odd ripped curtain, then come here to be amused - you will certainly appreciate the rates.