Hotel Metropole
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?Escape from the tourist-packed lagoon-side Riva degli Schiavoni into the Metropole’s shadowy salon, and wait for your eyes to adjust: There are burnished mirrors on the ceiling, crimson drapery, potted palms, and plush, deep sofas. What's the backstory?Generations of the Beggiato family have run this independent hotel, and their idiosyncratic collections of antique fans, handbags, corkscrews, and nutcrackers are dotted around public spaces. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?There are huge variations in the 67 rooms and suites. Up on the roof, one gold-hued Lagoon View Suite has its own charming terrace overlooking the water. A shimmering mosaic fountain features in the Damasco Suite, which has its own hammam. Overlooking a side canal, Executive Suites are marvelously Gothic. Compared to these, the Classic Suites can feel cramped and a little banal, and those near the kitchens can be noisy. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?Wi-fi is free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?The Metropole’s Met restaurant holds one Michelin star, thanks to the creativity of chef Luca Veritti, who deftly blends local specialities with international touches. In fine weather, the leafy, frondy garden courtyard is a fun place for aperitivi or a meal, including the buffet breakfast, a generous spread of fresh and homemade goodies. For excellent cocktails, head to the Oriental Bar. And the service?Though generally friendly and competent, service can be bit quirky, much like the hotel. What type of travelers will you find here?A variegated bunch of travelers, which blends perfectly with the hotel's idiosyncratic vibe. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?The Riva degli Schiavoni, which stretches east along the lagoon from the Doge’s Palace, is as scenic as it is overrun by tourists. Which makes it a strange place for a string of top hotels. The joy is stepping inside and leaving the crush behind you, then looking out from your privileged perch across one of the world’s finest views. Any other hotel features worth noting?The Oriental Bar showcases exquisite goods produced by Venetian designers and artisans in a rolling series of exhibitions. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?If quirky is your thing, you’ll feel perfectly at home here. And prices are low compared to other five-star hotels in Venice." - Anne Hanley
