Nancy Drew #65
	Mystery of the Winged Lion

Nancy, Bess and George stay at the Hotel Gritti Palace, which is a real five-star Sheraton in Venice (Campo San Maria del Giglio, 2467, 30124 Venice). Its advertisement explains:

In the heart of Venice, its terrace overlooking the grand Canal, the XV century palace of the Doge Gritti is now one of the world's truly celebrated hotels, The Gritti Palace. Handsome public rooms are expressions of the hotel's distinguished elegance as well as reflections of its guest's highest standards. During the summer, private launches provide transportation to and from the Lido. Additional privileges include access to private beaches and pools on the Lido, to the Golf Club Venezia and special conditions on sports facilities. From the grandest of suites to the most intimate of single rooms, all the accomodations are distinguished by the luxury and charm that are the hallmarks of a stay at the Gritti palace.

The boys are stranded one evening in the Lido, and pool their money to stay at the deluxe and world-renown Excelsior Hotel.

The charms of Venice's Lido, from the casino to its exclusive private beaches, are legendary. Plan an inspired visit when The Westin Excelsior, Venice Lido, opens its doors for another season of bustling activity and dolce far niente. Overlooking the beach just a short boat ride from Piazza San Marco, the hotel spotlights Venetian cuisine at its three restaurants, and ivory stucco and crystal chandeliers create an atmosphere of refinement throughout. Lounge by the pool, refine your tennis game on the clay courts, and enjoy water sports from parasailing to water skiing. Recently renovated rooms at The Westin Excelsior, Venice Lido, have been sumptuously decorated in Iberian-Mauresque style and offer welcome comforts and thoughtful amenities including in-room refreshment centers. Accommodations offer magnificent views of the sea, lagoon or the city, and suites offer more spacious living areas overlooking the beach.

These are some Italian words and phrases that we learn during the story: 

grazie - thank you
polizia - police
Artistico Vetro - artistic glass
Questura Centrale - ?
Si - yes
calli - small streets
signorina - miss
Quadriga - 4 horse statues on basilica
duchessa - duchess
palazzo - palace
sottoportego - underground passageway
vaporetto - water bus
Che cosa sta succedendo qui? - What's going on here?
Non capisco - I don't understand
Che cosa dice? - What is she saying?
fondamento - street that runs along the canal
chiuso - closed
signora - mrs./maam
uno momento - one moment
scusi - excuse me
capito - I understand(?)
prego - pleasesenza dubbio - by all means
Che cosac'é che non funziona con questa porta? - What's the matter with this door?
Chi c'é lí? - Who's there?
Siamo in tre - three of us
Bloccatio - locked
Per favore aiuteteci - please help
molto bene - very well
gettone - token
due - two
motoscafo
traghetto - short ride across canal by gondola
arrivederci - goodbye
pensione - pension