Grand and very expensive, this 95-room Venice institution is located on the Giudecca, a five-minute trip from St. Marco on the hotel’s private launch.  The hotel is particularly appealing in the summer and during high tourist seasons as it offers an olympic size pool, a tennis court and a wonderfully indulgent lunch far far from the crowds.  A wonderful buffet breakfast is included with the room.  The downside is that sometimes  the service isn’t up to the setting.