The Monaco & Grand Canal Hotel is housed in a building that dates from the 16th century and has been home to the French Ambassador among other dignitaries. It was eventually rented to the Venetian state as a public gaming room - a casino - in 1638. Since then it has undergone a number of refurbishments, the last of which was completed in 2004. An eclectic mix of modern and old, this property has a classy, contemporary feel to it, enhanced by the elegance of history. The large lobby area has glass curtain walls throughout offering a decorative privacy that is also light and unobtrusive. An abundance of oversized sofas, small tables and easy chairs in this area give guests the chance to relax, read the daily newspapers on offer or make use of the Internet terminal. The inner courtyard has a glass lift taking you from the lobby area to the guestrooms. The hotel was once two buildings and these connect only in the lobby area and on the third floor. There is an amazing lounge area on the first floor of the older building, towards the rear. This room is often used when there are conferences on in the hotel and is a spectacular piece of art. Highly decorated, it was once a theatre, then part of the casino where Casanova worked. It is now used as a haven for those who can appreciate its splendour.