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A palazzo designed by the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio in 1500 houses Venice’s newest hotel, the sister property of the Hotel Bauer, in central Venice. A spa is slated to open in June.

CONTRIBUTOR’S NOTE: I recently stayed at the Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa, which lately opened on the island of Giudecca. The hotel has a lot going for it, namely the building itself, and the peaceful, picturesque location, near the Cipriani and next door to Elton John’s simple, Gothic-style yellow house. Overall, however, the property was experiencing teething problems when I was there. The rooms need better soundproofing (we could hear the people outside on the quay, in the hallways and in neighboring rooms), and the staff was not on the ball (we received no newspapers during our stay despite repeated requests, and the concierge didn’t know basic information, such as that the Palazzo Grassi was closed in April, which we discovered the hard way). If you book a suite, make sure you ask for one that has windows on the bedroom level; number 127 is well –laid out. Also, the hotel’s shuttle service to the main island doesn’t run all day, which we found to be a major nuisance. Having said all that, if I couldn’t get into the Cipriani, I would opt to stay here because I love the location. Venice can be intense, and it’s nice to escape to this quiet island at the end of the day. ~ELENA BOWES

The newest luxury palazzo hotel to open in Venice, Ca’ Sagredo faces the Grand Canal and boasts frescoes by Tiepolo. The forty-two-room hotel is a masterpiece of a renovation, which may be why it has already become the place for foreigners who have bought their own palazzos or piano nobile apartments to stay while doing their renovation work. Couples may move in for weeks while overseeing construction, all the while gathering decorating ideas from their surroundings. The grandness of the place makes a stay here feel like an overnight in a museum, which will thrill some and leave others a bit cold. Certainly, its grand public rooms are perfect for large parties or weddings if you want an over-the-top setting. The palace dates from the 15th century and was enhanced through the centuries by many of the great artists. Antiques and the finest silks adorn the suites. The hotel’s biggest disadvantage is its location near the Rialto market for those who prefer to be closer to the restaurants, shops and museums near San Marco and Accademia. Service has improved since its first days, and opening rates are still in effect. Rooms from 450 euro.