One of the most famous luxury hotels in the world, situated right on the Grand Canal, the Gritti Palace is housed in a peerlessly elegant 16th-century palazzo which was the residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti. The hotel’s atmosphere of traditional Venetian luxury is apparent as soon as you step into the spacious lobby. It features marble floors, crystal chandeliers and a wooden elevator. The sitting area, composed of comfortable easy chairs and coffee tables, is enriched by paintings depicting past visitors like The Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Princess Grace of Monaco. The guestrooms vary slightly in size due to the age of the building, but all are fairly spacious. Some are decorated in the elegant Liberty style with antique furniture and a beautiful view of St. Maria del Giglio Square. Others are in the 18th-century Venetian style - with original glassware and hand painted furniture - and overlook a small narrow canal. The hotel’s Club del Doge restaurant and Bar Longhi offer culinary delights and enchanting views of the canal and city. Fresh local ingredients and Venetian tradition are elaborated upon in the executive chef's famous recipes.