The most convenient luxury hotel in Venice lies directly across the Grand Canal from the train station, a captivating 15th-century palazzo adjacent to an ancient gondola workshop (seriously). History aside, this is a very plush choice, with rooms decorated in a traditional neoclassical Venetian style, with gold leaf, antique furniture, red carpets, silk tapestries, and aging Murano glass and chandeliers, but also LCD satellite TVs and decent Wi-Fi. With the soothing nighttime views across the water it’s certainly a romantic choice, and the staff are definitely worth singling out—friendly and very helpful. There is an elevator, just in case you were wondering.