A real discovery, this very special place opened in October 2004. Oltre Il Giardino, (named after Hemingways book of the same title) is a unique country-house hotel in the centre of Venice, just a stones throw from the Frari church and bustling residential area of San Polo. Previously owned by Alma Mahler, the composer's widow who lived there in the 1920's, the rustic Venetian abode has now been turned into an exclusive but homely retreat by the elegant Franco-Venetian Alessandra Arduini Zambelli and is run by her charming son Lorenzo.
Guests enter via an unassuming door at the end of a fondamenta, into a delightful garden overlooked by the hotel, a three-story brick faced villa. The interior is a clever mix of antique furniture, Edwardian portraits, contemporary rugs, and a vast array of tasteful clutter. The six bedrooms vary in size, style and price; the two largest (Turquoise and Green) are the most expensive but have views over the garden and are lovely and spacious. Bathrooms are up to date with jacuzzi, fluffy robes and Bulgari products. We would be very happy to sleep in any of the rooms which are all spacious in comparison to some of Venice's five star hotels.
Breakfast is a delicious home-made affair that takes place in the garden during the summer months, or otherwise in the cosy drawing room that looks out onto the garden and adjoining canal.
More hotels... |
|
