An intimate escape – albeit one with lots of edge – from traditional Venice, where tactile interiors create a snap-happy space in the quiet, cool locale of Dorsoduro. After sipping (and snacking) at the nearby cicchetti bars (we’re looking at you Al Squero), this colourful crashpad from the Experimental Group is a pretty jazzy play on the senses for returning fans of the brand and young couples who know that the service still meets the expectation of a nice hotel. 32 rooms and suites are stuffed with curvy headboards, striped linens and marble accents (thanks to pal Dorothée Meilichzon), plus it all nods to Venice's nautical history. With food so good in the city, we’re pretty amazed their canalside Ristorante Adriatica lives up to the Venetian hype.