Perched on the bustling Riva degli Schiavoni promenade, this elegant time capsule has been welcoming the curious and discerning since 1853, with a guest book that includes one Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (who composed bits of his Symphony No. 4 within these very walls). Step through the historic façade and discover a world where Venice doesn't end at the threshold – it seeps in with the ever-changing light that plays across the lagoon, filtering through windows to illuminate interiors that are at once cultured salon and private retreat. Just a gondolier's call from San Marco, yet a world away from the tourist throngs, this is the insider's gateway to the authentic floating city that casual visitors rarely glimpse.
The ground floor beckons with its LPV Bar – a discreet spot for a perfectly mixed Bellini – while the Do Leoni Restaurant serves cuisine that attracts discerning locals and visitors alike. Here, fresh Venetian dishes arrive as miniature works of art, served either in the bright dining room or on the lagoon-front terrace where the world drifts by like a dream. Between April and September, the rooftop 'altana' becomes perhaps the most exclusive dining spot in the city, available for private bookings complete with a picnic hamper bursting with delectable treats.
Each of the 52 rooms and suites offers a unique personality – no cookie-cutter design here. The Venetian materials may be opulent (think brocade, silk, prized wood and marble), but the effect remains light, intimate and playful. Motifs borrowed from historic Veneto villas waltz over the walls and dance across floors, while jewel-toned fabrics add dramatic flair. The most coveted accommodations feature balconies overlooking the lagoon, where you can sip morning coffee while watching Venice awaken. All rooms come equipped with modern comforts including free Wi-Fi, minibars and LCD TVs, though you'll likely find yourself drawn to the windows and that mesmerising Venetian light that has captivated artists for centuries.
The light. Oh, the light! From the sun-dappled lagoon by day to the moonlight path traced across the water by night, the ever-shifting luminescence creates a hypnotic spectacle from almost every vantage point.
Book the traditional wooden 'altana' roof terrace for exclusive use between April and September. It's one of the highest 'turrets' in the city, offering 360° views and the perfect spot to enjoy a wicker hamper picnic as Venice unfolds beneath you.
While the restaurant and bar are wheelchair accessible via lift, there are no specifically adapted rooms for guests with mobility needs.
A slowly sinking city where gondolas glide along a labyrinth of enchanting canals.
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