You can't beat this setting in Venice, the sybaratic "Queen of the Adriatic." Looking out onto St. Mark's Basin, just a few steps away from the Doges' Palace-- the magnificent residence of the city's one-time rulers-- and the Bridge of Sighs, Londra Palace is smack dab in the middle of the Riva waterfront. Boasting no fewer than a hundred windows looking out on the lagoon of Venice, Londra Palace offers unparalleled views from the Salute Basilica to the island of Giudecca. The urban landscape here is dotted with Gothic spires, Renaissance palaces, and galleries brimming with works by Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto and Canaletto. Like the sensual city where it makes its home, Londra Palace is full of aesthetic delights.

The bar is full of Murano glass, the award-winning restaurant has beautiful views of the Lagoon, and the floors throughout the hotel feature Venetian mosaics. The 53 guest rooms blend the best of the past and present: Biedermeier furniture and antiques juxtaposed with all the latest technology. Be sure to book a Deluxe Room or Junior Suite for the water views. You may have missed the annual Carnevale in February (what a bacchanal!), but Venice has a plethora of permanent attractions and seasonal festivals, like the Biennale modern art festival in June and film festival in August.