Venice is a celebrated city built in the middle of a shallow lagoon, spread out in more than 100 little islands, in the northeast part of Italy. It is, without question, one of the most impressive sights in Europe renowned for its awe-inspiring landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco among other unique attractions that are perched along canals and inter-connected by bridges. As such, this singular city has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Likewise, Venice is renowned for its world-class events like the Venetian Carnival and the Venice Biennale that adds to the city’s everlasting allure and cultural significance. This lagoon city has played host to millions of tourists lured by its extraordinary artistic heritage and architectural marvels that have endured for centuries. Venice is truly a masterpiece worth visiting in this lifetime.
Read on: We have curated a list of the most exemplary and luxurious hotels in Venice in order to make it easier for you to find your dream spot within the city’s storied waterways. Below are chic and charming stays in the “The Floating City” so you may be able to enrich and treat your senses to dream-like wonder.
#1. Aman Venice
The Aman Venice has set the bar a notch higher in the luxury hotel scene in the much-celebrate city of Venice, Italy. It is a Venetian gem on the fabled banks of the Grand Canal quietly tucked in the San Polo district and within minutes of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s square.
The Aman Venice is your intimate abode with only twenty-four rooms to guarantee your privacy and the grand lifestyle you seek in the most stunning of locations. Here, you will marvel in its gorgeous Grand Canal garden to savor the venetian weather while having your breakfast served al fresco style. In essence, it is the only hotel in the Grand Canal that has a water-facing garden: a calming patch of green oasis in a city afloat within a lagoon. It also has a beautiful terrace overlooking the roofs of Venice ideal for some cocktails and savories.
If you wish to venture out, you can sail onboard the hotel’s private boat at sunset and explore the many hidden treasures of the lagoon. Suffice to say, the Aman Venice offers you a refined lifestyle experience that elevates your spirit to the peak of luxury. After all, it is the Aman state of mind and being that has made it a household name among the travelling elites turned Aman-junkies who are willing to pay a premium on privacy and sense of peace.
#2. Sina Centurion Palace
The Sina Centurion Palace is a stately neo-gothic palace nestled along the Grand Canal in the artistic center of the island known as Dorsoduro. It is a tranquil district popular among art lovers and creative travelers that appreciate visiting galleries and artists’ studios. As such, it is the ideal jumping point to explore the many wonders of the lagoon and waterways.
From the boutique hotel, the Peggy Guggenheim museum is just a five-minute leisurely walk while the Accademia is also nearby. Likewise, the popular St. Mark’s Square can be reached via the water bus or a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Here, you will appreciate the stylish yet contemporary approach of the hotel’s design ethos that evokes Venetian artistic elegance.
There is also a permanent exhibition of contemporary art works from around the world on display in its indoor courtyard and reception lounge. Essentially, it is home to fifty well-appointed guestrooms and suites that are modern and thoughtfully designed to maximize the use of space, high ceilings and natural light.
Conversely, the spacious rooms are individually designed to highlight Italian craftsmanship and style while the Sina Centurion Palace’s Presidential Suite offers remarkable views of the Grand Canal.
#3. San Clemente Palace Kempinski
The San Clemente Palace Kempinski is set on a private island of San Clemente in the middle of the Venetian lagoon. It is reachable via a 10-minute boat ride or water taxi across the water from Piazza San Marco. In essence, it is a luxury getaway within the floating city with its own 11th century church, sprawling private gardens and waterfront.
The Hotel is the ideal choice if you are seeking for tranquility in a city that is usually tourist-laden. The boutique property exudes an understated elegance and a sober tone while the main building houses the majority of the guestrooms and suites with some private villas quietly nestled around the gardens. In stark contrast with other hotels in Venice, San Clemente Palace gives you the advantage of space with its wide corridors and high ceilings. Essentially, it is home to 129 rooms and 61 suites that affords you the luxury of the island’s sense of space.
Likewise, the spacious guestrooms are adorned with classic Venetian-style antiquated furnishings and ornate wooden decors. To satisfy your taste buds, the fine dining Acquerollo restaurant features refined Venetian gastronomy. The restaurant is perched on the island’s waterfront and offers breathtaking views of San Marco beyond.
#4. JW Marriot Venice Resort and Spa
The JW Marriot Venice Resort and Spa is located on its own island called Isola delle Rose just across from the central lagoon of Venice, Italy. It is a private island filled with lush greenery interwoven with pathways, canals and groves that affords you with serene environment within its 12 hectares of sprawling grounds and park.
The resort property is only accessible via boat and as such a complimentary 15-minute water shuttle service is provided for in-house guests. Essentially, the resort features spacious guestrooms, a rooftop pool deck, four on-site restaurants and a gorgeous spa offering relaxing beauty and body treatments. This 266-room resort property offers guestrooms and suites that are spacious with contemporary design aesthetics as well as modern conveniences to make your stay a pleasant experience.
Moreover, its beautifully-appointed suites have plunge pools and private gardens while its villas can accommodate up to seven guests complete with its own private swimming pool. Satisfy your cravings in its rooftop restaurant called La Sagra while you enjoy wonderful views of Venice across the lagoon.
If you wish to explore outside the island, the JW Marriot Venice Resort and Spa is a boat ride away to Piazza San Marco which can be accessed via the resort’s shuttle service that goes back and forth every 30 minutes.
#5. Hotel Metropole Venice
The Hotel Metropole Venice is a five-star hotel located along the prestigious and bustling district of lagoon-facing Riva degli Schiavoni promenade. The Hotel is easily accessible and the famous St. Mark’s square is a short walk away. Likewise, the Hotel has a private water entrance if you are arriving via water taxi to give you direct access into the premises.
The Hotel features decadent interiors with Asian-inspired undertones that transport you into another place in time. Upon entry, savor the aroma of black pepper that permeates the Belle Epoque parlor and common areas adored with exotic treasures. Essentially, many of the sixty-seven rooms and suites have been updated over the past few years adorned with beautifully-curated furnishings and antiques – from 18th century pieces to Art Deco and interesting items from Asia.
The Hotel Metropole also has a garden courtyard where buffet breakfast is served al fresco style when the weather permits. Rich in history, the Hotel Metropole’s Oriental Bar was once the formal chapel where Vivaldi used to teach music to the orphans, presently it is where you can savor the enduring tradition of high tea within a beautiful setting conducive for meaningful conversations.
#6. Hotel Londra Palace
The Hotel Londra Palace is located in the bustling neighborhood of Riva Degli Schiavoni and the famous St. Mark’s Square is nearby. It is nestled across the San Giorgio Maggiore and Santa Maria della Salute churches and is in close proximity to Venice’s popular landmarks.
The Hotel Londra Palace evokes a beautiful neo-classical façade while its interiors create a late 19th century atmosphere with walls that are adorned with gold leaf and a reception desk embellished with a replica of 16th century work of art illustrating the lagoon of Venice. The Hotel is home to fifty-three rooms and suites that are well-appointed and designed with crisp and elegant decorations aligned with its 19th century aesthetics.
Likewise, the rooms and suites feature views of the city or the San Marco basin so we recommend that you book a room with a terrace in order for you to fully savor the scenic atmosphere. To satisfy your carvings, the Hotel Londra Palace serves exquisite Venetian classic dishes in its Do Leoni Restaurant that is patronized by locals and international guests alike.
#7. The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel
The Gritti Palace is part of the prestigious Luxury Collection Hotel and is nestled along the Grand Canal. It is the ideal jumping point to explore the many wonders of the city such as the Gallerie dell’Accademia or the Guggenheim gallery. As such, water taxis pull up at the hotel’s private jetty which gives you the convenience to easily explore the neighborhood and nearby attractions.
As you enter the palace, you will definitely appreciate the artworks, antiques and gorgeous Murano glass chandeliers that adorn its interiors. Suffice to say, the interiors are elegantly curated to create a classic tone with a timeless appeal so you can fully immerse in all its glory. Likewise, the hotel offers 24-hour room service and a concierge that can assist you with all your needs or when you need to arrange or book at restaurants, exhibitions and performance at the nearby La Fenice opera house.
Essentially, the Gritti Palace is home to eighty-two guestrooms and suites that are lavish and have different period design elements that include antiques, frescoes, paintings and rich fabrics. Here, you can simply relax in the lap of luxury and expect to be pampered by the hotel’s cordial staff.
#8. Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice
The Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel is a five-star resort property that offers awe-inspiring views across the Venetian lagoon. Its exclusive setting at the eastern end of the Guidecca island provides you with a calm oasis away from the center of Venice’s bustling and tourist-filled attractions.
The Belmond Cipriani features an Olympic-sized swimming pool that is filtered with seawater, sprawling grounds, and a Michelin-starred Oro restaurant that is reserved for elegant dining. You will also appreciate the elegant interiors that seamlessly marries traditional and contemporary design details. Additionally, the overall style is enhanced by Venetian accent pieces of Murano glass, antiquated furniture and artworks that highlight images of Venice’s inspiring lagoon.
Essentially, it is home to ninety-six rooms and suites that feature balconies in each room so you can fully enjoy the picturesque views of San Marco, the gardens or the lagoon. Likewise, the spacious rooms exude the feeling of elegance with its classic Venetian décor and subdued color palette.
#9. Bauer Palazzo
The Bauer Palazzo is in a prime location right at heart of Venice’s major tourist attractions. The Hotel is nestled directly on the Grand Canal where you can witness gondolas floating by as seen from its large ground floor windows. As such, the famous St. Mark’s Square is a convenient leisurely walk from the hotel.
This 119-room hotel features Art Deco design influences as evident in its grand lobby adorned with gold accents and chandeliers. This design ethos extends to its well-appointed guestrooms and suites that are enhanced by its high-ceilings and spacious en suite bathrooms.
Here, you can expect a charming and professional service from its staff who takes pride in the Venetian art of hospitality. As such, you are encouraged to personalize your stay by choosing from a variety of packages which include guided art and architecture tours by local experts as well as food and wine experiences.
A stay at the Bauer Palazzo will definitely enrich your Venetian holiday.
#10. Baglioni Hotel Luna
The Baglioni Hotel Luna is located at the Giardinetti that stands between St. Mark’s Square and the lagoon. It is overlooking the park and sits across the water to San Giorgio Maggiore.
The Hotel affords you with the convenience of being in close proximity to the city’s flagship store of top fashion brands and upscale shopping. In fact, it is the closest hotel to St. Mark’s Square and boasts of a private canal for an amazing arrival and departure experience.
Here, you will appreciate the rich Venetian design touch points as highlighted by the brilliant Murano chandeliers and lavish fabric-covered walls. Essentially, it is home to 104 well-appointed rooms and suites that are equipped with all the modern conveniences to ensure that your stay will be a pleasant experience.
Meanwhile, an upgrade to a suite will accord you with more space and better views during your stay in Venice. To satisfy your cravings, dining at the award-wining Canova restaurant is recommended for its sumptuous sampling of Venetian dishes and international favorites.
#11. Ai Reali di Venezia
The Ai Reali di Venezia is a charming turn-of-the-century boutique hotel that was once a private residence of an illustrious Venetian family. After an extensive refurbishment journey, it has maintained its esteemed stature throughout the years to become one of the most preferred boutique hotels in Venice for travelers who seek the authenticity of staying in a lavish abode of an aristocratic family.
In essence, it offers an immersive experiential stay in one of its thirty-seven luxurious guestrooms adorned with Venetian-style furnishings of antiques, intricately painted ceilings, Murano chandeliers and rich fabric draperies. Meanwhile, Ai Reali di Venezia’s central location along the Grand Canal affords you with the convenience of being a few minutes away by foot from the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza San Marco among other key attractions of the floating city.
After a day of gallivanting, you can indulge yourself in the spa that features a small pool with hydro-massage, Turkish bath with sauna and steam rooms, aromatic shower and an ice waterfall to soothe your senses.
#12. The St. Regis Venice
The St. Regis Venice is situated along one of the most sought-after locations of the Grand Canal fronting the St. Mark’s Square. The Hotel is nestled across the Grand Canal from the Basillica of Santa Maria della Salute and San Giorgio Maggiore making it an ideal venue during your stay in Venice.
Essentially, the St. Regis hotel is home to 130 well-appointed guestrooms and suites that are contemporary in design and created to achieve utmost guest comfort while affording you with stunning views of the city’s fabled architectural landmarks.
Moreover, the Hotel features a spa where you can avail of relaxing spa treatments after a day of exploring the city’s many attractions. A gym with Technogym equipment is also available for 24 hours for in-house guests.
To satisfy your fancy for good food, the hotel has a trendy Gio’s Restaurant and Terrace with a curated menu offering in season Venetian and Italian specialties.
#13. Novecento Boutique Hotel
The Novecento Boutique Hotel is ideally nestled in a quiet corner that is just off the bustling street leading to Piazza San Marco.
This unique property is tucked in a quiet alley that features its own tranquil courtyard. It is home to nine bedrooms that vary in size but are utterly comfortable and beautifully curated in a rich and earthy palette to achieve a homey ambiance. Likewise, a stay in this small boutique hotel includes breakfast that is served in the living room or in the charming little courtyard.
As such, the service is intimate given its small nature and the staff members are always available when you need assistance. Even if you are right by the Academia-St. Mark route, it provides a tranquil respite from the busy street. Suffice to say, this boutique hotel is your secret oasis to escape Venice’s crowds.
#14. Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel
The Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel is quite away from where the action is in the heart of Venice. Nonetheless, the hotel is ideally located in the Santa Croce district which is near the station and the airport shuttle boat.
If you are the type of traveler who enjoy navigating alleys then you will definitely enjoy the 30-minute stroll from the hotel to San Marco quite enticing. The Palazzo Venart evokes a classic Venetian feeling with its rich color tones, lavish furnishing and thoughtful attention to details.
Essentially, it is home to eighteen guestrooms with a design ethos that is aligned with its Venetian heritage. Here, you will appreciate the original wall or ceiling frescoes, terrazzo floorings and use of rich fabrics and lush color palettes. Most importantly, the service at Palazzo Venart is professional and warm given the intimate setting.
#15. Ca Maria Adele
The Ca Maria Adele is charmingly nestled behind the church of Santa Maria della Salute and perched in the quiet and secluded art district in the south of Venice.
This turn-of-the-century boutique hotel has its own private water entrance which is a short water taxi ride to the Salute boat stop and to Piazza San Marco. It is ideally tucked away from the crowds but easily accessible from the Grand Canal and many art galleries are within walking distance. Additionally, the Hotel is stylishly designed to achieve an intimate and welcoming ambiance.
Essentially, this upscale boutique hotel is home to twelve thematic guestrooms that are individually styled and curated to offer guests a unique experience unlike any other. As such, complimentary daily breakfast is included in the room rate as well as a glass of Prosecco and drinks which you can enjoy at the hotel’s Moroccan-style terrace.