In the 1930s the splendid sixteenth-century former home of the Marcello family of doges became a hotel reserved for the diplomatic corps in the Serenissima, with rooms on the first floor, while the ground floor had a wine store and tavern. It opened to the public after the Second World War but maintained all the charm and unique style of its rooms and furnishings. Together with ambassadors and consuls, it gave hospitality to the Queen of Belgium and to Robert De Niro. With a ravishing little garden in the building.