A palm-filled courtyard entrance opens into this charming boutique hotel with a laid back, understated vibe; the ideal base for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience in Venice. Located in the quieter neighbourhood of Dorsoduro, Il Palazzo Experimental’s terrazzo floors and marble accents were borne out of Dorothée Meilichzon’s flare for Italian design. At the rear of the property, a secret garden leads down to the hotel’s pontoon on Canal della Giudecca and, whilst local restaurants are two-a-penny, if you want to stay in then the hotel’s Ristorante Adriatica serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a nod to seasonal, coastal dishes.