Small Boutique hotels in VENICE

Venice is extraordinary. An aerial view of this north Italian city reveals several islands situated in a vast saltwater lagoon. Each island is entirely covered in buildings; natural rivers and grid-based canals replace what, in any normal city, would be streets and roads. Which begs the questions: Where is the land? What are all these historic structures standing upon?

The mud flats and marshes were originally settled by fishermen but with the advent of sea trade Venice became an important port of call, and by the 13th Century was the richest city in Europe. The result today is a beautiful, unique city; this means visitors far outnumber residents, but with good reason.

The historic heart of Venice is found in the southern loop of the Canal Grande around the Piazza San Marco. The impressive sights include St Mark's Basilica and Campanile, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Here also are found the designer boutiques, small luxury hotels, chic restaurants and elegant cafes of picture postcard Venice.

Although this sestiere is an obligatory part of any trip to Venice, many of the boutique hotels are located in equally beautiful but less imposing areas, such as the picturesque Dorsoduro, home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Accademia art gallery and the stunning Santa Maria della Salute.