Overlooking the lagoon and with spectacular views over San Giorgio Island, the five-star Metro- pole Hotel is just a short walk from the Biennale d’Arte, Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace. The Metropole, originally a palazzo dating back to 1500, has been a stylish hotel since 1895. Where Antonio Vivaldi once taught music, today, guests sip their Bellinis. Over the years, famous celebrities from the worlds of music, art, science and fashion have made the Metropole their residence in Venice. Sigmund Freud was stirred by its beauty and Thomas Mann took a room for himself and his brother while writing Death in Venice. Today’s guests are no less illustrious and have included Zucchero, Patty Smith, and Annie Lennox. It was also where, some years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful Contessa Marta Marzotto during the annual Christmas party organised by the hotel’s flamboyant, third-generation owner, Gloria Beggiato, who has so successfully overseen the modernisation and restyling of the rooms and public spaces with sophistication and originality. She has also added the Metropole’s Spa, an intimate and relaxing alcove of calm with a wonderful, heated swimming pool. The Beggiato family are passionate collectors and the hotel serves as a showcase for their treasures where you will discover an impressive collection of fine art and antiques. The Metropole beguiles and delights. It has pride of place in the historic city and, as one of the very few private hotels with a five-star rating, it offers every guest a genuinely warm welcome.