Bloom & Settimo Cielo Guest House

Relax on the roof terrace away from the throng, and watch the setting sun. Immediately below is a library-salon, its fridge stocked with complimentary prosecco.

This immaculate residenza stands opposite Santo Stefano church and its restaurant-lined ‘campo’ (the city squares of Venice are sheer delight) but no need to set off for breakfast: a generous continental buffet is laid out here. As for the bedrooms, they lie on the ‘Settimo Cielo’ (second) and ‘Bloom’ (third) floors, a heady mix of modern minimalism and Venetian baroque. Splash out on the largest if you can.

Head for St Mark’s Basilica; or Calle delle Botteghe for intriguing small shops. Almost everything is within a ten-minute stroll, and that includes Cantine del Vino Gia Schiavi, a traditional ‘cicchetti’ bar by the San Trovaso Canal where the tapas are exquisite.