Ca’ Maria Adele is a fantastic and long awaited addition to the mediocre choice of small design hotels in Venice. Unlike others which we shall not name, it has managed to successfully combine a mixture of 17th century Venetian and modern design. Situated in a historic 16th century palazzo, with wonderful views over the church of Santa Maria della Salute, the hotel is just a quick hop by vaporetto to the hustle and bustle of Piazza San Marco.
Run by two brothers from Murano (check out the huge photograph in the breakfast room of the largest chandelier in the world which was made by their grand father) the interior of the hotel has its own unique style.
There are nine “normal” rooms and seven are deluxe doubles – all of a good size with yellow damasque walls, plasma TV’s and well-equipped bathrooms. Our favourite of these is room 332 which has fabulous views over the Salute and a lovely timber beamed ceiling.
If you have a larger budget it is worth spending the money on one of the five “concept” rooms inspired by the history of Venice. From the unforgettable and decadent “Sala Noir” with its vast black chandelier and purple walls to the elegance of the “Sala Orientale” with delicate Chinese fabrics and antiques, we doubt you will find anything similar in the rest of the city.
There is a small outdoor terrace for taking tea in the afternoon, and the brothers are happy to suggest local restaurants in the neighbourhood which is one of the few parts of the city to still be inhabited mainly by Venetians.