Tropicana Resort and Casino

This 17th-century villa, expanded in the 19th century, once served as guest quarters for the noble Contarini family of Venice. Today it is run with refined gusto by the Dal Corso family, who provide fresh fruit and flowers in your room and a highly polished professional courtesy. All rooms overlook the large, pine-shaded lawn and are soundproofed against the noise of passing cars. "Standard" rooms, on the smaller side of medium, have rugs scattered over wood floors and tasteful built-in units. "Deluxe" rooms are larger (except for no. 218, which is a cozy lovers nook with a spacious terrace), with more interesting antiques and richer fabrics, and are more frequently blessed with balconies. "Junior suites" are larger still, and feature double sinks. The salons downstairs are appropriately furnished in the manner of a rich country villa, with chessboards fronting fireplaces and plush armchairs. In fine weather you can take breakfast on the brick terrace where the clipped grass of the lawn laps at its edges.The Dal Corsos have finally opened their new Brenta hotel in Mira, about 5 minutes away. Villa Franceschi (Via Don Minzoni 28, Mira Porte, Venezia; tel. 041-426-6531; fax 041-560-8996; www.villafranceschi.com), in the late-16th-century Villa Palladiana, features 27 guest rooms (mostly junior suites), lush gardens, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. Grand doubles run 225€ ($259); deluxe superior doubles are 255€ ($293); junior suites cost 285€ ($328); and suites run 320€ ($368). Facilities: Frescoed Venetian/fish restaurant across the street; bar; bike rental; concierge; tour desk; room service (24-hr.); laundry service; nonsmoking rooms Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Total Rooms:

19

Rooms:

19 units

Price

199€ ($229) standard double; 228€ ($262) deluxe double; 253€ ($291) jr. suite. Rates often discounted in slower periods and low season. Breakfast included, P

Credit Cards Accepted

AE, DC, MC, V

Directions

Public bus stop with half-hourly service to Venice, 15km (9 1/4 miles) away, is a 5-min. walk

Area

on the Venice side of Mira

Parking

Parking free

Hours

Daily 7a-7p

Information by Frommers