Hotel Metropole

THIS CULT BOUTIQUE HOTEL overlooks the Venetian lagoon a mere gondola glide from St Mark’s Square. A kissing chair in the foyer is just a taste of the romance-laden interiors within The Metropole. Rich dark wood, glittering art nouveau chandeliers, gilded mirrors, bronze cherubs, precious velvets, sensual silks, and original antiques grace every nook.

Built on the site of the church where Vivaldi once composed and performed, you can still walk in the great composer’s footsteps on The Metropole's old stone spiral staircase. Sip an aperitivo in the hotel's fetching Salone degli Specchi, ensconced in plush red velvet with views of the Grand Canal glinting in antique mirrors and Murano glass.

You may well rub shoulders with a galaxy of glitterati who have made The Met restaurant their home from home. Gifted young chef Corrado Fasolato cooks up a creative storm here with his innovative take on the traditional. Be daring: try sturgeon tartare or lobster ravioli with wasabi sauce. Nibble on pastries during the famous candlelit, incense-perfumed afternoon tea.

Blissful Bar Zodiaco

Bedrooms come with crisp linen, down pillows, soft silks, Etro toiletries and incense. All are different: ours had a mahogany four-poster and deep cerise wall coverings together with a mosaic-tiled bathroom with fab rainfall shower.

Bliss out amid the Bar Zodiaco’s antique cushions, silks, and incense with a glass of prosecco. Or explore The Metropole's perfumed garden set around a fountain-splashed courtyard – magical by candlelight.

© Room for Romance