Hotel debuts in Murano
The first hotel has opened on the Venetian island of Murano, the heart of the city’s glass-making industry. LaGare Hotel Venezia was built in a glass furnace dating back to the 14th century. There are 118 bedrooms, and a restaurant and bar opening on to a courtyard, which serves some of the best beverages around. Look out for lamps and chandeliers designed by Venini, Murano’s famous glass maker, and take a private tour of the glassworks.
With its canals and narrow streets, Murano offers a peaceful and atmospheric escape from crowded St Mark’s Square, which can be reached on a complimentary speedboat shuttle. Doubles approx Dh730 B&B; visit lagarehotelvenezia.com.
Laura Ashley opens branded hotel
Laura Ashley has opened its first branded hotel, Laura Ashley The Manor, decorated with its own fabrics and products. It’s not all paisley patterns and pink flowers, though, at the Hertfordshire Tudor revival property, 17km from London in Elstree. The hotel’s 49 rooms have discreet modern bloom and check curtains, grey sofas, neutral walls and carpets. From Dh850 for a standard room; visit lauraashleyhotels.com.
Museum of Jordan showcases 1.5 million years of history
A new Museum of Jordan has opened in Amman’s Ra’s Al’ayn Area, covering 1.5 million years of the country’s history, starting from the Paleolithic period, and with 2,000 artefacts including 4,500-year-old pottery, and a recreation of ancient cave dwellings; visit jordanmuseum.jo/en