Blessed peace in Venice...

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Venice lies a precious gem. The Best Western Premier Hotel Sant'Elena sits on the site of a convent that used to belong to the Sisters of Mantellate. The religious order, which includes nuns devoted entirely to prayer, knows a thing or two about tranquillity.

The hotel's heritage of serenity continues to make its presence felt today. When you enter through the front door you pass under two angels holding the emblem of the order (the letters S and M for Servants of Mary). The church "Servi di Maria" still remains next to the hotel. Some members of the staff were students here, when the convent was an academy. In the centre of the hotel, the cloister that used to welcome the sisters in quiet reflection has been replaced by a superb courtyard garden. The austerity of the cloister has been replaced by quiet elegance. It is the perfect place to wind down over a glass of Spritz, a typically Venetian cocktail, after a long day exploring the city's historic streets, churches and canals.

From your seat in your garden you can see the restaurant, Valentine's. Reserved for guests, it offers traditional Venetian cuisine with strong Mediterranean influences. Cast your eyes around a little more and you will see that some of the guest rooms overlook the courtyard. All the rooms offer wonderful views, whether of the garden, the lagoon or monuments such as the Church of the Salute.

Throughout the hotel, Italian elegance with modern design mixes harmoniously with the convent's original architecture. Take a moment to admire the pure lines of the hotel's open spaces, with their understated fabrics and furnishings. Or descend to the lobby on the central spiral staircase with its smooth marble steps.

The hotel takes its name from the Isola di Sant'Elena, the island on which it is located. Situated on the eastern shore of the lagoon, the island is one of the city's most verdant and serene districts. It is where many of the city's inhabitants live, which gives it a distinctly authentic and unhurried feel. Wandering to the hotel through the narrow calli, you will be treated to the tolling of the bells of San Marco. The crowds, however, are nowhere to be seen.

This makes it easy to forget that you are just a short walk from the Piazza San Marco or a quick Vaporetto ride from the glassblowers of Murano. The walk into the heart of Venice takes you along the Riva degli Schiavoni, one of the city's most picturesque promenades. Leave early and watch the sun rise over the city, before the crowds appear.

The Best Western Premier Hotel Sant'Elena is also just a stone's throw from the Parco delle Rimembranze gardens, home to the pavilions of the Venice Biennale, the world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibition. In fact, it is the closest hotel to the Biennale's main venue, which is only fitting since the Best Western Premier Hotel Sant'Elena is as much a sanctuary from the ordinary as the Biennale is as a celebration of the extraordinary.

Best Western Premier Hotel Sant'Elena

Calle Buccari 10, Venezia, Venice, Italy - I-30132

Phone: +39 (0)41 2717811 Fax: +39 (0)41 2771569