Looking for a dose of romance? Desperately needing a fall break? High-tail it to Venice where Hotel Gritti Palace offers rooms right on the Grand Canal, so you can open your windows to awe-inspiring views of the Santa Maria delle Salute Church, Punta della Salute and beyond. Occupying a prime piece of real estate since it was built in 1525 as a residence of Doge Andrea Gritti, the palace hotel lets guests experience the Venetian grand life. Think Murano glass chandeliers and gold-trimmed ceilings in the 91 individually-decorated rooms. That's not all. The hotel offers cooking lessons with the Club del Doge Executive Chef and tours of authentic Venice by foot, boat, or helicopter. Take advantage of the "Autumn Days in Venice" package and get 30 percent off if you stay three nights or longer. Book by November 8th and stay all the way through January 31st , 2010. Rates start from 204 euros.