What to expect: A busy conference and business-traveller hotel, Boscolo Hotel Leon D'Oro also attracts leisure travellers seeking ready access to the city centre and to the train station. The spacious lobby has a marble floor and pillars, and features Murano-glass chandeliers, potted plants, and a parquet-floor conversation area furnished with overstuffed green couches.

Amenity highlights: During the June-August outdoor opera season, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus from the hotel to The Arena, returning to the hotel after performances. Open from mid-morning to late night for snacks and cocktails, the lobby bar-lounge serves as the hotel's social hub, with guests relaxing in green and red tufted leather club chairs.

Insider tip: Between the hotel's west side and a busy eight-lane street is an artificial river. Outside the entrance, the hotel has planted shrubs and installed fountains on the river's banks and suspended other fountains over the river. Fountains are turned on in early morning and late afternoon. The best time for viewing is shortly before dusk, when the sun's last rays add sparkle to the sprays.