Palazzo Abadessa, Venice, Italy - Explore & Book

"Step back in time. Surrounded by gorgeous antiques, paintings, superb authentic ceilings, damask walls and marquetry floors, you'll feel like an honoured guest of a historic Venetian family as you're warmly welcomed by the palazzo's charming staff.Tucked away down the snug Calle Priuli alleyway, in the bohemian Cannaregio quarter, fronted by a secret walled garden, this was the private mansion of the Priuli family of Doges, and dates to the late 16th-century. The Rossis bought it in 1975 as their home and, after a quarter century of loving restoration - seeking out the perfect period detail, the finest pieces of furniture - opened it as an intimate hotel. Marisa (as she is known) grew up in a Palladian villa "surrounded by beautiful history", then ran several factories in Vicenza, inviting clients to the Abadessa (the 'Mother Superior') for weekend breaks. Now she, and her son Simone, love welcoming cultured folk from all over the world to stay in their elegant palazzo hotel. Highs The location: beside a quiet canal, with the option of coming and going by private water taxi from the palace’s own red-carpeted jetty, only a 15-minute walk from the airport waterbus, and 3 minutes to the Ca'D'Oro vaporetto stopThe huge ground floor ballroom with tall stained glass windows to the jetty; and the equally grand 'piano nobile' above, connected by a unique horseshoe staircaseThe sumptuous bedrooms, with authentic 17th-century frescoes, 18th-century furniture, silk-lined walls and massive Murano-glass chandeliersNothing is too much trouble for the staff, as we reaffirmed on a recent visitThe large walled garden where you can enjoy breakfast Lows Breakfast is the only in-house meal, though they can order in for parties and conferencesThe property focuses squarely on its heritage, some will prefer more contemporary surroundingsSome of the rooms are small and low-ceilingedOnly a few of the rooms have bathtubs, though all have ensuite showers" - Cathy Teesdale