balconies, which recall the history of Bianca Cappello, has been added a second palace, equally large and imposing, but one built on purpose for a hotel. This second building is modern--modern in all its details, as we shall see in due course. The exterior of these two palaces, of which the architecture presents a remarkable contrast, can be admired in the following engraving. The building to the right of the spectator is the modern Palace, that on the left the ancient Dandolo Palace--each splendid in its own style--and the one in the distance is the famous Palace of the Doges. To describe the interior of these two handsome edifices is very difficult, but the accompanying engraving, which represents the _Atrium_ of the Palazzo Dandolo, with its magnificent ducal staircase, will give some idea of their beauty. Around this Atrium are a number of fine halls and offices, with the water-gate opening on to a side canal with a marble landing-stage for the gondolas. Near to the water-gate is the _Railway Office_ (a convenience possessed by no other hotel in Venice), where tickets can be taken and luggage be registered without any trouble to the traveler. Next this is the luggage office. Opposite the land entrance is the _Porter's Lodge_, where one or more porters are always to be found at the disposition of travelers. On the left hand is a _Post Office_ with, for the greater security of all correspondence, a Government letter-box; and close by, the _Bureau of the Hotel_, with offices for the _cashier_, for _money changing_, and for _Bank business_. Opposite the grand stairs is a luxurious _Smoking Room_, its walls hung with rich material, and furnished in Oriental comfort and style, with an _American Bar_ leading out of it. Next it, are two spacious _Reading and Writing Rooms_, containing the principal newspapers and illustrated publications of the world. [Illustration: READING ROOM] On the right hand of the main door is a large _Public Drawing Room,_ style of 1700, with handsome stucco-work, and gilt furniture covered with rich stuffs, with the hangings and wall-coverings all _en suite_. This room alone would repay a visit to the hotel. Some idea can be formed of it from the following engravings, though, of course, the full effect of its richness and color is lost. In the two palaces there are a number of other such drawing-rooms, besides a concert hall, ballroom, music room and billiard room, &c. There are also bath rooms and douche baths on every floor. On the ground floor are the