A wonderfully ornate spiral staircase dominates this small hotel in the heart of Lisbon’s hotel district. A decorative stained-glass skylight scatters shards of light onto the salmon-pink walls lined with chandeliers. Originally built as a palace in 1886, the hotel is a listed building and many features remain intact. The only new addition is a mural of Lisbon which fills the entrance. Unfortunately, for security reasons, guests are no longer able to use the stairwell and have to make do with a stuffy matchbox lift instead. Rooms are pleasant, although the matching curtains and bedspread combination can be a little overwhelming, and carpets branded with the grotesque company insignia can make you feel as if you’re sleeping in a cereal packet. Attic rooms on the third floor all have sloping ceilings and can only be described as ‘cosy’ (and probably best avoided if you’re over 5ft 3in). Parking is available at the rear of the building. Despite a charming and picturesque shell, style-wise, Veneza is lacking in substance. A unique building, nonetheless.