When people think of Venice, they think of the vast system of canals that are lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. While they are an iconic sight, the city has a lot more to offer. Just like its world-famous Carnevale, Venice thrives on mystery and awe, from the central square of Piazza San Marco and St. Mark’s Basilica to the secret passageways of the Gothic Palazzo Ducale.

Whatever type of traveler you are, trust me when I say that Venice will put a spell on you. As you can imagine, Venice is full of luxury hotels that reflect its rich history, so to help you choose the best of the best, we’ve put together a list of our personal recommendations of the best luxurious hotels in the area.

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Quick Info:

Location: 5-minutes walk from Saint Mark’s Square, San Marco Mercerie
Amenities: Business Center
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Le maschere, serving both Italian and international cuisine
Price Range: $250- 2200

Located in the heart of Venice, Splendid Venice Hotel is situated between Rialto Bridge and San Marco Square. Just a stone throw away from great shops and local bars and restaurants, you really can’t get a better central location that this. Set on the canal in the Mercerie area of Venice, the hotel is complete with a gondolier at the doorstep and a private pier. Splendid Venice has a charming mix of a typical Venetian style meets modern living, which extends to the elegant rooms and even the gourmet restaurant.

Guests can start off the morning with a delicious American buffet and spend the evening feasting on local Venetian or fresh seafood dishes. The food is a particular highlight of this hotel, together with the trendy bar complete with a retractable glass roof.

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Pesaro Palace

Quick Info:

Location: 5-minute walk from Rialto Bridge, Calle Ca’ D’Oro
Amenities: Garden
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Breakfast Room | Bar
Price Range: $320- 500

Pesaro Palace just screams luxury. Set in a 15th-century building on the Grand Canal, the hotel is perfectly placed for the water bus or for walking to all of Venice’s sites. Just be aware that walking in this city will more than likely be an adventure! As well as a spot on location, the luxury also extends to the hotel interiors. The Venetian-style rooms at the hotel are very grand, with huge comfortable beds, rich finishings, classic furniture and marble bathrooms.

With views of the canal all the way to the breakfast hall, you will be graced with extravagance everywhere you go. There is a continental breakfast that is laid out daily here and the staff are known for giving excellent local recommendations for everything. It is also a great base for those who want to explore nearby areas like the beaches of Venice Italy which are short day trips away.

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Hotel Rialto

Quick Info:

Location: 650 yards from Saint Mark’s Square, Riva del Ferro
Amenities: Terrace
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Breakfast Room
Price Range: $140- 770

Location, location, location, that and the service are praised when you hear about this hotel. As you can guess from the name, Hotel Rialto is located in front of Rialto Bridge so benefits from amazing views from its rooms. Just a 5-minute walk from St Marco Piazza, guests can also enjoy the shops and restaurants that are in proximity, including the use of the train station and night line that are nearby. Offering beautiful traditionally furnished or modern rooms, a panoramic terrace, and breakfast room, wherever you are in the hotel you can admire stunning views of the bridge and the canal. If you’re looking for a hotel that ticks all your boxes for a relaxing and lavish stay, Hotel Rialto is the perfect choice while in Venice.

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Hotel Danieli

Quick Info:

Location: 200 yards from Saint Mark’s Square, Riva degli Schiavoni
Amenities: Fitness Center | Terrace
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Breakfast Room | Bar | Restaurant
Price Range: $330- 3000

Hotel Danieli is an award-winning Luxury Collection Hotel that is made up of three separate buildings, dating back to the 14th, 19th and 20th centuries, all connected by covered bridges. If that doesn’t already wow you, this classic Venice hotel also offers a picturesque restaurant on the 4th floor, a delicious breakfast with rooftop views and spacious rooms that overlook the Venice Lagoon. If you’re still not convinced, the grand elegance of the interiors and their fine furnishings will. There’s a reason why this hotel is so popular in Venice, which has something to do with the opulent residence and exquisite food.

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Aqua Palace

Quick Info:

Location: 3-minute walk from Piazza San Marco, Calle Della Malvasia
Amenities: n/a
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Breakfast Room
Price Range: $200- 330

One thing that stands out about the Aqua Palace is their exceptional customer service. It is truly unique, with guests noting how special they were made to feel from walking in the doors to checking out. Little touches such as the whole staff remembering your birthday and offering you complimentary drinks to fetching umbrellas for you when it rains; the staff here are friendly and go above and beyond to help you have the best experience in Venice. As well as outstanding service, the hotel has a prime location in the Castello Quarter of the city and offers sophisticated and elegant rooms with canal views. If you’re looking for attentiveness and luxury without having to pay thousands for it, this is our top pick in Venice.

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Palace Bonvecchiati

Quick Info:

Location: 250 yards from Saint Mark’s Square, San Marco
Amenities: Sauna | Hot Tub | Fitness Center | Terrace | Golf Course
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Breakfast Room | Bar | Restaurant
Price Range: $340- 450

Location? Check. Service? Check. Food? Double check! At the Palace Bonvecchiati, the staff are very friendly and eager to please, so expect an impeccable service from check in all the way to your turn down service. Although set in a traditional Venetian building, the hotel itself looks more like a modern art gallery complete with contemporary decor and bold colors. The same goes for the elegant rooms where some feature pieces of art. Facilities at the hotel include a top of the art fitness center and spa on the top floor, as well as a gourmet Italian restaurant at the partner hotel next door. If you’re looking for a superior all round experience in a central location, look no further than this hotel.

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Hotel Bonvecchiati

Quick Info:

Location: 5-minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square, Calle Goldoni
Amenities: Sauna | Hot Tub | Fitness Center | Terrace
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: La Terrazza offers Venetian, classic Italian and international cuisine
Price Range: $300- 380

Everything about Hotel Bonvecchiati spells Venice, from its classic decor to watching the morning traffic of gondolas and supply boats over breakfast. Sounds perfect right? Well, this surrealistic experience is unique to Venice. This classy hotel doesn’t stop there either, it also provides you with a private pier, a smart fitness center, a charming terrace and a modern restaurant serving Italian and international cuisine with fine wine. Offering a charming mix of traditional Venetian and modern rooms, all of them come with classic furniture, Murano lighting, a big marble bathroom and all the small amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel. If you’re looking for a simple elegance at a more affordable price, you need to consider this stunning hotel.

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Royal San Marco

Quick Info:

Location: 3-minute walk from the Basilica, San Marco
Amenities: n/a
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: La Colomba restaurant, which is also a popular venue for international art exhibitions
Price Range: $80- 1400

What stands out about the Royal San Marco Hotel is its refined elegance. Set in one of the finest ancient buildings in Venice, the elegance of this charming hotel is seen everywhere from its fine décor and antique furnishings made from lavish materials. With just as tasteful decoration in the spacious rooms, guests are made to feel like royalty. As well as its ambiance, the hotel also scores major points for location. Situated behind the city’s most famous square on a characteristic narrow street, this hotel gets the benefit of proximity to the Rialto Bridge and Basilica and the quietness of being located off the main square. Start your morning with a delicious breakfast buffet, followed by exploring the narrow streets and traditional Venetian shops, and finish off at the hotel’s prestigious La Colomba restaurant.

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San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice

Quick Info:

Location: Isola Di San Clemente
Amenities: Massage | Fitness Center | Garden | Golf Course | Tennis Court | Kid’s Club
Pool: Outdoor pool (seasonal)
Restaurants: 3 gourmet restaurants serving a variety of Italian and Mediterranean dishes
Price Range: $380- 2800

Want to be whisked away to a private island in Venice, where there is no city noise only peace and tranquility? I’m guessing you don’t believe that it is possible but it is; San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice is located on its own exclusive island. Set in a historic building surrounded by gardens and a lake, this magical location offers everything and more than what you would expect from a five-star hotel. Complete with two bars, three gourmet restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool and terrace overlooking the lagoon, the words amazing and paradise might come to mind, and that’s before I even mention the tennis courts and golf course. Offering elegant rooms, impeccable food and a free shuttle boat to St Mark’s Square, it’s unbelievable how you can be so relaxed and detached from a city that is just next door. A perfect choice for couples or just a bit of me time, this peaceful island has some amazing sunsets.

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UNA Hotel Venezia

Quick Info:

Location: 5-minute walk from Rialto Bridge, Ruga Do Pozzi
Amenities: n/a
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Breakfast Room
Price Range: $140- 330

Located in a lovely quiet area in the Cannaregio district, it’s surprising just how peaceful it is in UNA Hotel Venezia as it is still quite central. Set near the grand canal, the hotel is just a walk away from St Marks Square, Rialto Bridge, and fantastic local restaurants. If you need help in deciding where to eat, the staff at UNA Hotel Venezia have some great recommendations and can help you make a reservation for anything from food and theater tickets to airport transfers. Full of traditional charm and elegance, the hotel offers stunning decor, elegant rooms and a buffet breakfast together with complimentary snacks and wine in the early evening. Another highlight of this hotel is that they feature an exclusive Pillow Wow menu! It’s amazing that you can choose your own pillow and benefit from these facilities to ensure a fantastic night’s sleep.

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Hotel Ai Reali

Quick Info:

Location: 450 yards from Piazza San Marco, Campo della Fava
Amenities: Sauna | Hot Tub | Spa & Wellness Center | Fitness Center | Garden
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Breakfast Room | Bar | Restaurant
Price Range: $260- 1000

Just a short walk from the main attractions in Venice, Hotel Ai Reali is a luxury hotel offering modern elegant rooms and an exceptional spa and fitness center. The hotel is simply stunning, offering a grand elegance from the lobby to the rooms; the rooms at the hotel are first-class, with Venetian wallpapers, wooden floors, and a modern bathroom with a giant tub and heated floors. Common areas such as the bar also offer lavish furnishings, such as chandeliers and rugs, complete with a first-class pianist and singer. With an ideal location, a charming garden and a quality breakfast to start the day, Hotel Ai Reali is a great choice while in Venice.

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The Westin Europa & Regina

Quick Info:

Location: 5-minute walk from St. Mark’s Basilica, San Marco
Amenities: Massage | Fitness Center | Terrace
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Onsite restaurant serving traditional dishes from the Veneto region
Price Range: $300- 1240

Love to shop? Well, at the Westin Europa & Regina, you are right in the heart of the shopping district in St. Mark’s Square. This extravagant five-star hotel also offers a traditional Venetian style with modern features. Offering lavish marble interiors, luxurious rooms, and a stunning restaurant serving traditional dishes from the Veneto region, this hotel has won over many hearts for its luxury. Sit out on the terrace bar with breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and watch the sun go down, or head inside to the elegant wine bar to sample the region. Whatever you like to do and whatever type of traveler you are, you’re guaranteed to have the best time here in the heart of Venice.

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The Gritti Palace

Quick Info:

Location: 5-minute walk from La Fenice Opera House, Campo S.Maria Del Giglio
Amenities: Massge | Spa & Wellness Center | Terrace | Golf Course
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Two restaurants serving traditional Italian cuisine
Price Range: $630- 2700

The Gritti Palace is legendary for very good reasons: it’s gorgeous, the location is terrific and the staff are a credit to the hotel, making it stand out among even the world-famous five-star hotels. Set in a restored former noble residence on Venice’s Grand Canal, the building itself is full of history and extravagance before you even enter. When you do though, expect expensive antiques, Murano glass chandeliers, and luxurious rooms with marble bathrooms. The rooms also offer stunning views of the canal or the city, including buildings such as the La Fenice Opera House which is just a short walk away. Offering excellent food made from fresh ingredients at the market, a first-class spa and pristine golf course, you can expect the best quality for everything at The Gritti Palace.

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JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

Quick Info:

Location: 15-minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square, Isola delle Rose
Amenities: Sauna | Spa & Wellness Center | Fitness Center | Terrace | Garden | Watersport Facilities | Bicycle Rental | Kid’s Club
Pool: Yes
Restaurants: Four restaurants serving Italian and international cuisine
Price Range: $240- 4500

If you’re looking to skip the crowds and stay outside of the city, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is an ideal choice. Another hotel on its own private island, this five-star hotel offers a spa, a rooftop pool, lush gardens, a 19th-century church, watersport facilities and four restaurant options. Yes that’s a lot of food options! An extremely modern hotel, this new establishment offers exceptional onsite facilities and a regular free boat to and from the center of Venice. With amazing food and big modern rooms with views of the Venetian lagoon, this hotel is the perfect choice for a quiet retreat in Venice.

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Sina Centurion Palace

Quick Info:

Location: Next to the Basilica of Chiesa of Santa Maria della Salute, Dorsoduro
Amenities: Massage | Fitness Center | Garden
Pool: n/a
Restaurants: Antinoo’s Restaurant offers gourmet Italian cuisine
Price Range: $250- 690

For travelers interested in art and museums, the Sina Centurion Palace is for you. Located next to the Basilica of Chiesa of Santa Maria della Salute, the hotel is slightly away from the center but also from the crowds. Right in the historic district, the hotel offers beautiful architecture and contemporary interiors combined with original décor. As the hotel has been artistically refurbished, guests can benefit from elegantly decorated rooms, some with canal views. Furthermore, facilities include a modern fitness center, a gourmet restaurant and a private courtyard perfect for drinks in the evening. Here you can rely on the staff to sort everything for you, from organizing day trips and dinners to recommending wine pairings with your dishes.

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While the choices for luxurious hotels in Venice are plentiful, it doesn’t mean that each establishment is worthy of the title. Hopefully, this carefully curated list will help you choose the best from the best, whether you choose based on their location, amenities, decor, or level of service.


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