Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta

Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta has no golf course and no golf services: to play, book directly with the club.

Golf Club Trieste stands at Padriciano, on the Karst plateau of Trieste. It has 18 holes at par 70, slightly undulating ground and some views of the sea. From the men's white tees the course measures 5,810 metres. It is regarded as the first club in Friuli Venezia Giulia and dates from the 1950s.

There is also a driving range and a practice area, open every day except Tuesday.

The hotel traces its roots to 1300 and the Hospitium Magnum, a private hotel with stabling. Between 1608 and 1662 it hosted Archduchess Maria Magdalena of Austria and Duke Federico Gonzaga. In 1727 the city built the Osteria Grande, renamed Locanda Grande in 1765: three years later, in 1768, the German archaeologist Johann Joachim Winckelmann was murdered there. Among its 18th-century guests the site names Nelson, Lady Hamilton, Casanova, Goldoni and the emperors Joseph II and Leopold II.

The Locanda Grande was demolished in 1847. The present building is the Hotel Garni built in 1872-1873 by engineers Geiringer and Righetti; in 1908 it was called Hotel Vanoli and it has carried its present name since 1973. The facade has Corinthian pilasters, floral friezes and a balustrade with statues representing Trieste and Mercury.

Rooms come in six categories, from the 20-26 m² Superior to the 62 m² James Joyce Suite, with two bathrooms and a Habsburg-inspired living area. In between come the Deluxe (23-35 m²), the Junior Suite (31-35 m²), the Wellness Suite (38-43 m²) and the Prestige Suite with view at 42 m², all for two guests.

Harry's Bistrò offers cooking between «tradition and creativity». Breakfast runs 7 to 10.30 am, lunch 12 to 2 pm Friday to Sunday and dinner 7 to 10 pm. Harry's Bar overlooks the square and focuses on classic cocktails and mixology.

The Duchi Damare Spa, described as a «secret retreat» in the city centre, offers massages and treatments inspired by the Adriatic Sea and Central Europe's thermal tradition, using Bakel products. Room service runs 24 hours a day. Bistro tables can be booked through The Fork.

• An 18th-century murder. In 1768 Winckelmann was murdered in the Locanda Grande, which stood here.
• A suite for Joyce. The largest suite, 62 m², is dedicated to James Joyce.
• Minibar included. According to the hotel the minibar is complimentary.
• A recent name. The present name dates from 1973; in 1908 the hotel was called Vanoli.

The hotel is at Piazza Unità d'Italia 2, which it calls «Europe's most beautiful sea-view square». Parking, with valet service, is available by reservation. The site also presents Duchi Maris, luxury apartments at the Portopiccolo marina.