Hyatt Centric Murano Venice

The grand Gare Hotel, as the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice used to be called, was the first hotel to open on the island of Murano, famous for its centuries-old glass-making tradition. But that’s not even the most interesting historic fact about the place. The hotel was built within the old walls of a former kiln — and before that, going all the way back to the fourteenth century, the building was a church. Everywhere you look in the public spaces, the building’s unique backstory shines through. The storied palazzo is filled with the island’s signature glass ornamentation, not least in the opulent chandeliers overhead. Where things get more modern is in the hundred and eighteen guest rooms, with a subdued color palette, Venini lighting, parquet floors, spacious baths and all the standard amenities.

Still, it’s the hotel’s traditional features that really make it memorable — the elegant bar and restaurant overlooking a lovely Venetian-style courtyard, an arched ceiling calling to mind the building’s original functions, a local artisan teaching guests how to make beaded necklaces during a glass-making class. The old magic of the island still lives here, yet it’s also plenty convenient, especially since the hotel offers a private (and complimentary) shuttle service along the lagoon to Venice’s train station or airport. Another added bonus: you’ll have a great travel story to share at a future dinner party when someone compliments your new Murano napkin rings.