The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
With handblown chandeliers, sumptuous textiles, and sweeping canal views, this grande dame (whose history dates from 1525, when it was built as the residence of the prominent Gritti family) represents aristocratic Venetian living at its best. Although renovations have been done since the palace became a hotel in the 19th century, many original architectural details remain, including wooden ceilings, patterned flooring, and—depending on the room category—flourishes like 18th-century Murano wall lamps, silk damask Rubelli fabrics, and traditional Venetian stucco. If you enjoy executive chef Alberto Fol's locally influenced menus at one of the Grand Canal–view restaurants, you can enjoy a Chef's Table experience with the master himself. The Gritti Epicurean School hosts cooking classes and wine tastings. The treatments at the Gritti Spa -- Sisley Paris incorporate the Italian-made line's aromatic scents, each named after a different region of the country.