After Floods in Venice Reach Five Feet, Life Returns to Normal

National Geographic documented the high floodwaters outside the Doge's Palace (pictured at right) in Venice's Piazza San Marco on December 1, 2008. Check out the submerged cafe tables, seeming to float in the currents. Venetians didn't seem to be bothered; local gondoliers sipped wine and ate a meal, despite the water lapping at the tablecloth. Tourists weren't deterred from sight-seeing, either. Life quickly returned to normal after the "Acqua Alta." In fact, there was no impact on hotel guests at properties like Hotel Gritti Palace, the Starwood Luxury Collection hotel overlooking Grand Canal. Hotel Gritti Palace assures visitors that "despite the event that occurred in Venice on December 1st, our hotels are open for business, and the event has not impacted our guests in any way. Contrary to inaccurate media reports, life in Venice returned to normal almost as soon as the tide waters receded. We look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful city."