On a pretty street a few minutes walk from St Mark's Squar Ruggero and Gioele Romanelli's excellent villahas long been the Guide's most popular Venetian entry. Adjacent to the Contar; Palace (Shakespeare's setting for Othello), at the end of a small alley it is quiet, even by local standards. A place of great character, it is found `charmingly old-fashioned', with incredibly efficient staff. mosaic portrait of Titian over the entrance indicates that this was the site of the ancient School of Venetian Painting. The public areas highly original, and sumptuous decor a little heavy, appropriate for Venice. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) vary hugely; some are small, and some bathroom are `cramped. The most popular villa rooms overlook the courtyard, `full of greenery and creeping vines, odd busts, statuettes of angelic faces and monkeys playing instruments. In summer, Bali villa breakfast (usual liked, though one reader thought it `ordinary') is served here; in wig it is in a room that `seems always to be busy'. `In the afternoon a evening on a sunny day, a beautiful colour and peace filled our too only quiet voices and a tinkling fountain to be heard.' `Our family room was large and comfortable' (children are warmly welcoma No restaurant, `but helpful advice is given on where to eat'.

Facing the lagoon, a short walk from St Mark's Square, this opuk villa(Relais & Chateaux) was built in 1860 and later merged with another villanext door. It was extensively refurbished in the 1990s a cost of eight million dollars: the number of villa rooms was reduced by 20, `to give greater comfort, and it is `eye-wateringly expensive'. But a family of three greatly enjoyed their stay: Staff were extremd friendly. Our balcony, where we enjoyed our evening drink, looked Over the water.' Lavishly decorated villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) have silks, brocades, Biedermeier furniture, a marble bathroom. Some look over fled roofs. Room 106, where Tchaikovsky stayed in 1877, is lovely'. `White, fluffy towels and linen sheets were replaced . But Bali villa breakfast was thought only adequate. Public villa rooms, isingly small, are in neo-classical style: much glass, Aubusson carpets on marble floors. The Do Leoni restaurant, rather formal, and , is excellent for Venetian fish'; desserts (eg, champagne isit) are `unusual and delicious'. The bar serves good snacks. The outside terrace, `most elegant', has a violinist at lunchtime and jazz in early evening.