Hotel Review: Ca' di Dio, Venice

Ca' di Dio sits proudly on the Riva degli Schiavoni in the Castello district, just a short walk from St Mark's Square, at the entrance to the Arsenale area, which is also known as the Contemporary Art District, as it's the location of the famous Biennale art exhibition. The hotel is equidistant between Giardini della Biennale and St Mark's Square, which are both a 12-minute walk away.

By plane: direct flights to Venice from London take 2 hours. Take an airport boat (1 hour 20 minutes) to reach the hotel, or a water taxi. Book flights to Venice.

The building began life as a palace in the 13th century and was once a place for pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. Now it's been reimagined as a luxury hotel. Three inner courtyards provide secluded places to relax in summer, while the lobby and library feature artisan items such as Murano glass chandeliers and Venetian fabrics.

Service goes above and beyond. Mention that you need more coffee capsules and they are delivered to your room in minutes; if an item is missing from the breakfast buffet it is swiftly replenished. Facilities include a fitness centre and spa offering treatments with Merchant of Venice products.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Garden
• Gym
• Spa
• Free Wi-Fi

Suites and Deluxe rooms are well-spaced out along wide corridors and all have the same high-end Italian furniture, including a pouffe made from Venetian fabric and mouth-blown lamps. Minibars come with complimentary soft drinks that are readily replenished.

Room types: Deluxe Room, Junior Suite, Premium Junior Suite, Lagoon View Junior Suite, Executive Suite, Canal View Executive Suite, Lagoon View Suite, Rooftop Terrace Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

There is a glamorous buzz in Alchemia bar where the talented bartenders will mix your favourite cocktail and add an inventive twist. In the smart restaurant VERO, which overlooks the waterfront, typical local dishes are skillfully reinterpreted, while respecting the seasonality of the ingredients plucked from the private garden in the courtyard.

VERO Restaurant: innovative twists on local specialities. Open Tue-Sun for dinner and Fri-Sun for lunch and dinner. Mains from €39.

Alchemia Bar: drinks and cocktails. Open daily 11am till midnight.