Tucked away on a quiet street next to a little canal, the San Marco Palace is a tranquil retreat 70 metres from St Mark's Square and 350 metres from the shopping areas around Rialto Bridge.

The nearest airport is Venice Marco Polo, 13 kilometres from the Piazzale Roma, Venice's only entry point by car.

Guests relax on red leather banquettes in the small lobby with its dark wood panelling and Murano glass chandeliers, and plan their days with the aid of concierges who offer tour advice and restaurant recommendations. Complimentary newspapers and wireless Internet access are available in the lobby and breakfast room. Room service, serving coffee and drinks, is available around the clock from a partner hotel 10 metres away.

Guests of San Marco Palace can enjoy a American buffet breakfast each morning in the dark wood panelled dining room with marble floor, gold table linens and drapes, Murano glass chandeliers, damask wall insets, and views of the narrow canal in front of the hotel.

The Lido, a slender, 11 kilometre long island facing the Adriatic Sea lies a 15 minute water bus ride east of historical Venice's centre. In summer it becomes the city's playground, when beaches and water sports draw visitors and Venetians alike. Year round, visitors rent bicycles to explore the island, take horseback rides, and play golf, tennis, and volleyball. Deep sea fishing is available in the Adriatic Sea.

San Marco Palace offers 26 guestrooms and suites spread over six storeys. All feature clean, bright décor with dark wood trim, wooden floors, and contemporary Venetian style furniture.

Furnishings include dining sets and desks. Amenities include satellite television, safes, minibars, and dial up Internet connections; a turndown service is also provided. Tiled bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, heated towel rails, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.

Tucked away near the hotel is the Museum of Erotic Art, a popular attraction for visitors who can locate it. It's visible to the right at the end of the short street on which the hotel is located.