Venice's Dorsoduro district is the city's arty, quieter side that the Venetians prefer to keep for themselves. And right at its southern tip, where the Grand Canal opens into St Mark's Basin, sits this top-tier palazzo with one of the most enviable waterfront positions in the city. Built in 1892 for the Genovese family on the site of a medieval monastery, its Gothic facade now conceals boldly contemporary and fabulous interiors. With the Peggy Guggenheim Collection next door and the Basilica della Salute as a neighbour, the location alone is worth the visit... But the food and the staff seal the deal.
Each of the 50 rooms is individually styled with rich reds, elaborate wallpapers and gold-leaf bathrooms designed to look like unwrapped candy wrappers (a quirky touch you'll either adore or raise an eyebrow at). The real treasures are the canal-facing suites, several of which have Juliet balconies and soaring, centuries-old wooden ceilings. The bi-level suites offer 180-degree panoramas across to St Mark's, while the Presidential Suite has genuine gold-leaf finishes and sleeps up to six. Minibars, air-con and Wi-Fi are standard.
Sipping a spritz on the canalside terrace as vaporetti and gondolas drift past at sunset.
Bag a table on the tiny outdoor deck at Antinoo's for dinner. There are only a handful and they are absolutely worth snapping up.
The bold, contemporary interiors won't appeal to those seeking a classic Venetian look. The courtyard-facing rooms also lack the canal views that make the pricier suites sing.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Sina Centurion Palace can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Italy trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Italy trips featuring Sina Centurion Palace or get advice and suggestions from one of our Italy specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Sina Centurion Palace start from around $290, or US$290, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A slowly sinking city where gondolas glide along a labyrinth of enchanting canals.
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