Venetian Dreams: A Guide to the Most Enchanting Luxury Hotels in Venice
Venetian Dreams: A Guide to the Most Enchanting Luxury Hotels in Venice
Venice
Welcome to Venice, the magical city built on water. A labyrinth of canals, historic palaces, and romantic gondolas, Venice is a destination unlike any other. From the grandeur of St. Mark’s Square to the hidden corners of Cannaregio, this guide to the best luxury hotels in Venice reveals the city’s most enchanting and opulent palaces.
Welcome to Venice: The Magical City on Water
Welcome to Venice, the magical and utterly unique city built on water. A captivating labyrinth of winding canals, magnificent historic palaces, and romantic, serenading gondolas, Venice is a destination unlike any other in the world, a true fairytale brought to life. From the breathtaking grandeur of St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge to the quiet, hidden corners of the Cannaregio and Castello districts, this comprehensive guide to the best luxury hotels in Venice will reveal the city’s most enchanting, historic, and opulent palace hotels for an unforgettable Italian dream.
1. The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Place: Arguably the most legendary and opulent hotel in Venice, this former 15th-century noble palace is located on the Grand Canal with breathtaking views. The Gritti Palace is a true masterpiece of Venetian heritage, filled with priceless antiques and Murano glass. It offers an unparalleled experience of historic grandeur and impeccable, timeless service.
My Top Pick: The magnificent Riva Yacht experience, allowing you to explore the Venetian lagoon in the most glamorous and iconic style imaginable on the water.
1. The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel: A Venetian Legend
The Place: Arguably the most legendary and opulent hotel in all of Venice, The Gritti Palace is housed in a former 15th-century noble palace for the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti. Perfectly located on the most beautiful stretch of the Grand Canal, it offers breathtaking views of the Santa Maria della Salute church. The hotel is a true masterpiece of Venetian heritage, filled with priceless antiques, historic paintings, and magnificent Murano glass chandeliers, offering an unparalleled experience of historic grandeur.
My Top Pick: The magnificent Riva Yacht experience is the ultimate Venetian indulgence. It allows you to explore the hidden corners of the Venetian lagoon in the most glamorous and iconic style imaginable, aboard a beautiful, classic wooden Riva speedboat.
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2. Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice
The Place: A legendary and exclusive resort located on the tranquil tip of Giudecca Island, offering a serene escape from the crowds. The Cipriani is renowned for its magnificent, Olympic-sized swimming pool, its beautiful private gardens, and its timeless, glamorous atmosphere. It provides a true resort experience with stunning lagoon views and impeccable service.
My Top Pick: The magnificent, heated, Olympic-sized saltwater swimming pool, the only one of its kind in central Venice, is a true oasis of tranquility.
2. Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice: A Serene Island Escape
The Place: A legendary and deeply exclusive resort, the Cipriani is located on the tranquil and beautiful tip of Giudecca Island, offering a serene and glamorous escape from the bustling crowds of the main city. The Cipriani is renowned for its magnificent, Olympic-sized swimming pool (the only one of its kind in central Venice), its beautiful and extensive private Casanova gardens, and its timeless, sophisticated, and glamorous atmosphere. It provides a true resort experience.
My Top Pick: The magnificent, heated, Olympic-sized saltwater swimming pool is a true oasis of tranquility and the social heart of the hotel. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and provides the perfect, glamorous setting for ultimate relaxation.
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3. The St. Regis Venice
The Place: A stunning hotel comprised of five interconnected historic palaces, with a prime location on the Grand Canal offering spectacular views. The hotel masterfully blends its historic heritage with a chic, avant-garde, and contemporary design. It features a beautiful Italianate garden, a luxurious spa, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a modern landmark.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s magnificent and serene Italianate garden, which offers a beautiful and rare green space for relaxation with direct Grand Canal frontage.
3. The St. Regis Venice: Avant-Garde Style on the Grand Canal
The Place: A stunning hotel comprised of five interconnected historic Venetian palaces, The St. Regis boasts a prime location on the Grand Canal, offering spectacular and direct views of the Santa Maria della Salute church. The hotel masterfully blends its rich and protected historic heritage with a chic, avant-garde, and sophisticated contemporary interior design. It features a beautiful and rare Italianate garden, a luxurious spa, and a vibrant, modern atmosphere, making it a new city landmark.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s magnificent and serene private Italianate garden, which is one of the largest in Venice, offers a beautiful and incredibly rare green space for relaxation and al fresco dining, with direct and stunning Grand Canal frontage.
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4. Aman Venice
The Place: An incredibly opulent and exclusive hotel housed in the magnificent 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli on the Grand Canal. The Aman Venice is a true work of art, featuring breathtaking original Tiepolo frescoes and magnificent Rococo interiors. It offers an unparalleled level of privacy, discreet luxury, and the serene, minimalist aesthetic of the Aman brand.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s two magnificent and rare private gardens, one of which fronts the Grand Canal, offer an incredibly serene and exclusive outdoor experience.
4. Aman Venice: A Palace of Unrivaled Opulence
The Place: An incredibly opulent and highly exclusive hotel, the Aman Venice is housed in the magnificent 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli, one of the grandest and most historically significant private palaces on the Grand Canal. The hotel is a true work of art, featuring breathtaking, original Tiepolo frescoes, magnificent Rococo interiors, and gilded ceilings. It offers an unparalleled level of privacy, discreet, intuitive luxury, and the serene, minimalist aesthetic that is the signature of the Aman brand.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s two magnificent and incredibly rare private gardens, one of which fronts directly onto the Grand Canal, offer an unbelievably serene and exclusive outdoor experience, providing a tranquil and hidden oasis in the heart of the city.
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5. Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Place: A legendary and historic hotel comprised of three interconnected palaces, located just steps from St. Mark’s Square on the Riva degli Schiavoni. The hotel is famous for its magnificent and opulent Byzantine-Gothic lobby in the original 14th-century palace. It offers a deeply historic and grand experience with breathtaking lagoon views from its rooftop.
My Top Pick: The spectacular rooftop restaurant, Terrazza Danieli, which offers some of the most breathtaking and iconic panoramic views of the lagoon and the city.
5. Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel: A Byzantine Masterpiece
The Place: A legendary and deeply historic hotel, the Hotel Danieli is comprised of three beautifully interconnected palaces, located just a few steps from St. Mark’s Square on the Riva degli Schiavoni. The hotel is world-famous for its magnificent and incredibly opulent Byzantine-Gothic lobby, which is located in the original 14th-century Dandolo Palace and features soaring ceilings and golden staircases. It offers a deeply historic and grand experience with breathtaking lagoon views.
My Top Pick: The spectacular rooftop restaurant, Terrazza Danieli, offers some of the most breathtaking, romantic, and iconic panoramic views of the entire Venetian lagoon, the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, and the city’s magnificent skyline.
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6. Ca’ di Dio
The Place: A new and incredibly stylish hotel housed in a beautifully restored 13th-century ecclesiastical compound, located in the authentic Castello district. The hotel’s design, by the renowned Patricia Urquiola, masterfully blends Venetian heritage with a sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic. It offers a serene and luxurious escape away from the main tourist crowds.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s magnificent and serene internal courtyards, which provide a beautiful and tranquil oasis for guests to relax in with a good book.
6. Ca’ di Dio: A Contemporary Haven of Serenity
The Place: A new and incredibly stylish hotel, Ca’ di Dio is housed in a beautifully and sensitively restored 13th-century ecclesiastical compound, located in the authentic and artistic Castello district, at the entrance to the Arsenale. The hotel’s stunning design, by the renowned Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola, masterfully blends Venetian heritage and materials with a sophisticated, serene, and contemporary aesthetic. It offers a tranquil and deeply luxurious escape away from the main tourist crowds.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s magnificent and serene internal courtyards, which are a key feature of the design, provide a beautiful and deeply tranquil oasis for guests to relax with a good book or enjoy a quiet drink.
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7. The Venice Venice Hotel
The Place: A vibrant and avant-garde new hotel housed in the magnificent 13th-century Byzantine-style Palazzo Ca’ da Mosto on the Grand Canal. The hotel is a bold tribute to post-modern art and design, with each space featuring unique, gallery-worthy contemporary art. It offers a unique, creative, and energetic experience in the heart of the city.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s spectacular and sprawling ground-floor ‘concept store’ and restaurant, which opens directly onto the Grand Canal, is a vibrant and exciting hub.
7. The Venice Venice Hotel: A Post-Modern Art Palace
The Place: A vibrant and truly avant-garde new hotel, The Venice Venice is housed in the magnificent 13th-century Byzantine-style Palazzo Ca’ da Mosto, one of the oldest palaces on the Grand Canal. The hotel is a bold and immersive tribute to post-modern art and design, with each space featuring unique, gallery-worthy contemporary art and design pieces. It offers a unique, creative, and energetic experience in the heart of the Rialto district.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s spectacular and sprawling ground-floor ‘concept store’ and restaurant, which opens directly onto the Grand Canal with its own private water entrance, is a vibrant and exciting hub of art, fashion, food, and culture.
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8. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
The Place: A magnificent and expansive resort located on its own private island, Isola delle Rose, offering a true sanctuary of peace and wellness. The hotel is set within beautiful, lush gardens and olive groves and features a spectacular rooftop pool with 360-degree views. It provides a unique, self-contained resort experience for its guests.
My Top Pick: The spectacular rooftop swimming pool and its surrounding terrace, which offer the most breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic views of the Venetian lagoon and city.
8. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa: A Private Island Retreat
The Place: A magnificent and expansive resort located on its own beautiful private island, the Isola delle Rose, offering a true sanctuary of peace, space, and wellness just a short and scenic boat ride from St. Mark’s Square. The hotel is set within beautiful, lush gardens and historic olive groves and features a spectacular rooftop pool with 360-degree views, a world-class spa, and multiple restaurants, providing a unique and self-contained resort experience.
My Top Pick: The spectacular rooftop swimming pool and its surrounding terrace, located on top of the main hotel building, offer the most breathtaking, uninterrupted, 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Venetian lagoon and the distant, iconic city skyline.
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9. San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice
The Place: A magnificent and serene resort located on its own private island, the island of San Clemente. This former monastery has been transformed into a luxurious hotel set within a centuries-old park. It offers a tranquil and exclusive escape with a spectacular swimming pool, a golf course, and a beautiful historic church for guests.
My Top Pick: The magnificent and large outdoor swimming pool, which is set within the island’s historic park, provides a truly serene and exclusive resort experience.
9. San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice: An Exclusive Island Sanctuary
The Place: A magnificent and deeply serene resort, the San Clemente Palace is located on its own beautiful and exclusive private island, the island of San Clemente. This former 12th-century monastery has been transformed into a luxurious and elegant hotel, set within a centuries-old private park. It offers a tranquil and highly exclusive escape with a spectacular swimming pool, a pitch-and-putt golf course, and a beautiful and historic 12th-century church on its grounds.
My Top Pick: The magnificent and very large outdoor swimming pool, which is set within the island’s historic and verdant park, is surrounded by comfortable cabanas and provides a truly serene, exclusive, and deeply relaxing resort experience for guests.
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10. Baglioni Hotel Luna
The Place: A beautiful and historic hotel with an unbeatable location, just a few steps from St. Mark’s Square. The hotel is housed in a magnificent historic building and is renowned for its opulent, classic Venetian decor, including original frescoes by students of Tiepolo. It offers a deeply romantic and luxurious experience for its guests.
My Top Pick: The magnificent Marco Polo Ballroom, with its incredible, original 18th-century frescoes, is one of the most beautiful and historic rooms in all of Venice.
10. Baglioni Hotel Luna: A Gem by St. Mark’s Square
The Place: A beautiful and deeply historic hotel, the Baglioni Hotel Luna boasts an unbeatable and highly sought-after location, just a few steps away from the magnificent St. Mark’s Square. The hotel is housed in a magnificent historic building and is renowned for its opulent, classic Venetian decor, including breathtaking, original 18th-century frescoes by students of the great master, Tiepolo, in its main ballroom. It offers a deeply romantic and classically luxurious experience.
My Top Pick: The magnificent Marco Polo Ballroom, with its incredible, authentic, and beautifully preserved original 18th-century frescoes by the school of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, is one of the most beautiful and historic rooms in all of Venice.
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Bonus: Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort
A legendary and iconic Moorish-style palace hotel located on the beautiful Lido beach, offering a unique and glamorous seaside experience. This historic hotel, the birthplace of the Venice Film Festival, is renowned for its grand scale, its private beach with iconic cabanas, and its timeless, elegant atmosphere, providing a true escape from the city.
Bonus: Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort: A Beachfront Palace of Dreams
The Place: A legendary and iconic Moorish-style palace hotel, the Hotel Excelsior is located on the beautiful and sandy shores of the Venice Lido, offering a unique and glamorous seaside experience just a short boat ride from the city. This historic hotel, the famous birthplace of the Venice Film Festival, is renowned for its grand scale, its magnificent private beach with iconic and exclusive white cabanas, and its timeless, elegant atmosphere, providing a true and glamorous escape.
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Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Venice for your trip:
- For ultimate historic grandeur on the Grand Canal: The magnificent The Gritti Palace is an undisputed icon of Venetian opulence.
- For a serene, resort-style escape: Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, or the private island resorts of JW Marriott and San Clemente Palace Kempinski are perfect.
- For avant-garde design and a social scene: The St. Regis Venice or the new The Venice Venice Hotel are fantastic choices.
- For unparalleled privacy and exclusivity: The magnificent and discreet Aman Venice is in a class of its own.
Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Venice for your trip:
- For ultimate historic grandeur on the Grand Canal: The magnificent and truly legendary The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel is an undisputed icon of classic Venetian opulence.
- For a serene, resort-style escape: The iconic Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, or the magnificent private island resorts of JW Marriott and San Clemente Palace Kempinski are perfect choices.
- For avant-garde design and a social scene: The beautifully renovated The St. Regis Venice or the bold and artistic new The Venice Venice Hotel are fantastic choices.
- For unparalleled privacy and exclusivity: The magnificent and deeply discreet Aman Venice, housed in a private palazzo, is in a class of its own and offers an unforgettable experience.
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Travel Guides: Venice, Italy
A stay at a luxury hotel is the perfect start to your Venetian adventure. To make the most of your trip, here is a travel guide that complements the article on luxury hotels in Venice.
1. Best Time to Visit Venice
- Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-October): These are the best times to visit Venice. The weather is pleasant, the city is beautiful, and the crowds are slightly smaller than in the peak of summer.
- Carnival & Biennale: For a unique and magical experience, visit during the world-famous Carnival of Venice in February. The city also hosts major international art and architecture festivals (the Biennale) on alternating years, which are a huge draw for art lovers.
- Summer & Winter: Summer (July-August) can be hot, humid, and very crowded. Winter offers a more atmospheric and tranquil experience with far fewer tourists, though it can be cold and damp.
1. When to Go?
- Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-October): These are the best times to visit, with pleasant weather and slightly fewer crowds than in summer.
- Carnival: For a unique and magical experience, visit during the famous Carnival of Venice in February.
- Biennale: The city hosts major international art and architecture festivals on alternating years, which are a huge draw.
2. Getting Around Venice
- Walking: The best and most rewarding way to explore the magical city of Venice is to get lost on foot in its incredible labyrinth of narrow streets (‘calli’) and canals.
- Vaporetto (Water Bus): The public water bus system (ACTV) is the main form of public transport in Venice and is essential for longer journeys or for traveling along the Grand Canal.
- Gondola & Water Taxis: Take a romantic and iconic gondola ride for the classic Venetian experience. For a more glamorous and direct journey, a sleek, private water taxi is the ultimate indulgence.
2. Getting Around Venice
- Walking: The best way to explore Venice is to get lost on foot in its labyrinth of streets and canals.
- Vaporetto: The public water bus system is the main form of public transport and is essential for longer journeys.
- Gondola & Water Taxis: Take a romantic gondola ride for the classic experience, or a sleek water taxi for a more glamorous and direct journey.
3. Must-See Sights
- St. Mark’s Square and Basilica (Piazza e Basilica di San Marco): The magnificent and historic main square of Venice, home to the breathtaking, golden-mosaiced St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale): The historic and opulent seat of Venetian power for centuries, a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture that is connected to its former prison by the famous Bridge of Sighs.
- Rialto Bridge and Market (Ponte di Rialto): The oldest and most famous bridge that spans the Grand Canal, leading to the bustling and historic Rialto food market.
- Grand Canal (Canal Grande): Take a vaporetto ride (Line 1) down the S-shaped main waterway to admire the magnificent and decaying palaces that line its banks.
3. Must-See Sights
- St. Mark’s Square and Basilica: The magnificent main square of Venice, home to the breathtaking, golden-mosaiced St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale): The historic seat of Venetian power, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
- Rialto Bridge and Market: The oldest and most famous bridge over the Grand Canal, leading to the bustling and historic Rialto food market.
- Grand Canal: Take a vaporetto ride down the S-shaped main waterway to admire the magnificent palaces that line its banks.
4. Unique Experiences
- Visit the islands of Murano and Burano: Take a boat trip out into the lagoon to see the world-famous glass-blowing workshops of Murano and the incredibly picturesque, brightly colored fishermen’s houses of Burano.
- Get lost in the backstreets: The real magic of Venice is found by wandering away from the main tourist routes and discovering quiet canals, hidden squares (‘campi’), and beautiful, peaceful corners.
- Attend a classical music concert: Experience the beautiful music of the Venetian composer Vivaldi in a historic church for a truly atmospheric and unforgettable evening performance.
- Enjoy a ‘Cicchetti’ crawl: Do as the Venetians do and visit the local ‘bacari’ (traditional wine bars) to enjoy ‘cicchetti’ (small, delicious snacks, similar to tapas) and a glass of local wine (‘un’ombra’).
4. Unique Experiences
- Visit the islands of Murano and Burano: Take a boat trip to see the famous glass-blowing workshops of Murano and the brightly colored fishermen’s houses of Burano.
- Get lost in the backstreets: The real magic of Venice is found by wandering away from the main tourist routes and discovering quiet canals and hidden squares.
- Attend a classical music concert: Experience the music of Vivaldi in a historic church for a truly atmospheric evening.
- Enjoy a ‘Cicchetti’ crawl: Visit the local ‘bacari’ (wine bars) to enjoy ‘cicchetti’ (small snacks, similar to tapas) and a glass of local wine.
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