New Hotels in Italy, California Target the Luxury Traveler

Two intimate Italian villas, one in Venice, Italy, and one thousands of miles away in (surprise) Paso Robles, Calif., have opened with the same goal: to attract the luxury traveler.

In Venice, the 14-room Palazzo Sant’ Angelo Sul Canal Grande is one of the city’s few hotels with its main entrance on the Grand Canal and a private boat dock for guests. Built as a three-story, private palazzo in the 1940s, it was converted into a hotel by Italy’s Sina Hotels company, a spokeswoman said.

Rooms, decorated in 18th century style with red and gold silk wall coverings, have modern technology: dataports, fax machines and satellite TV. Marble bathrooms include spa tubs.

The hotel is at San Marco 3488-3489. Room rates begin at about $210 (or $180 if booked on the Internet). (800) 448-8355, www.palazzosantangelo.com.

In Paso Robles, the eight-room Villa Toscana, which owners say is modeled after an Italian estate, opened this weekend at Martin & Weyrich Winery Estate Vineyards. Rooms include spa tubs, sitting rooms and balconies with views of the vineyards and countryside, plus beds outfitted with 700-thread count Italian linens. The largest is 3,500 square feet, with two bedrooms.

As one would expect in wine country, food is a major focus. There is a private restaurant on site, exclusive to guests. Room rates, from $320 to $1,600, include full breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres and a bottle of wine upon arrival. (805) 238-5600, www.myvillatoscana.com.