Nolinski Venezia, Venice

Right in the heart of the designer shopping district, with nearby shops including Dolce and Gabbana, Armani and Saint Laurent, this is as central as it gets.

You're only a few canals away from St Mark's Square and La Fenice opera house.

By plane: London to Venice takes 2 hours, after which, it's an hour to the hotel via airport boat or water taxi. Book flights to Venice.

Formerly a stock exchange building, the hotel combines Italian Art Nouveau style with modernism. The restaurant is housed in the circular trading hall, a dramatic setting, while at the library bar you can sip an aperitif amongst 4,000 books.

Staff are courteous and friendly. Facilities include a small spa (with treatments by La Colline), a rooftop pool, restaurant and library bar.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms and suites are impeccably designed by French Italian duo Lecoadic-Scotto. Each room is different in architecture - paying homage to the original building - while furniture is Art Deco and chandeliers come from nearby Murano.

Room types: Classic, Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite, Master Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, air conditioning, TV, safe, free Wi-Fi

Feast upon leisurely lunches of calamari or carpaccio washed down with creative cocktails. Two Michelin-starred Chef Philip Chronopoulos delivers with a host of delicious tastes and flavours. The John Dory with garlic and lemon potatoes is full of flavour.

Il Caffè: courtyard restaurant, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. All-day dining, open daily.

Palais Royal Restaurant: fine dining, modern European cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, Wed-Fri for dinner.