Minutes from the iconic St. Mark’s Square, Hotel Metropole, Venezia offers a family-owned and character-filled accommodation option in one of the world’s great tourist cities.

It’s difficult to find a building in Venice without a story to tell, and the building that houses Hotel Metropole, Venezia has a particularly fascinating yarn to spin. The site once played host to music lessons from Vivaldi, while it was Sigmund Freud’s hotel of choice during a 19th century visit to Venice. The outbreak of World War II saw the site converted into a military hospital, before a local family purchased it, creating an authentically Venetian hotel in 1968.

Under the loving stewardship of the Beggiato family, Hotel Metropole has crafted a unique hotel experience overlooking Bacino di San Marco. Within, an oriental vibe compliments the family’s own collection of artworks and antiques across the 67 guest rooms and common spaces. Each room fosters a particular look and feel, while amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi Internet come as standard. The beautiful bathrooms prove a particular highlight, each arrayed in marble or glittering mosaics, with luxurious Gilchrist & Soames amenities.

Michelin Star dining lives at Hotel Metropole in the shape of The Met Restaurant. This fascinating dining venue is presided over by chef Luca Veritti, who playfully mingles staple Italian dishes with some innovative flourishes. Elsewhere, there’s a buffet breakfast served in the verdant garden courtyard each morning, while The Oriental Bar proves a mesmerizing venue for a cocktail or light meal.