My Favorite Hotels in Venice
• 5-star: Gritti Palace
• 4-star: Santa Croce Boutique
• 3-star: La Residenza
• For couples: Egò the Silk Road
• For families: Bisanzio
• Near train station: Venice Times
Venice Hotels – My Advice
- Where to Stay in Venice: San Marco (best for first timers, home of Venice’s most iconic sights) • Dorsoduro (museums and palaces, good cheap food, local vibe) • Cannaregio (where most Venetians live, authentic vibe and dining, near the train station) • San Polo (small, historic district packed with art, churches, and a centuries-old food market) • Santa Croce (least touristy area, a transportation hub in its western half and modern musuems and family-run restaurants in its eastern half) • Castello (most family-friendly area, very quiet, spacious, with botanical gardens and a historic naval shipyard) • Giudecca (low key, artsy area with excellent city views and gorgeous churches).
- Booking.com – My favorite site for booking Venice hotels.
- My Favorite Tours in Venice: Legendary Venice (3 hours/skip the line) • Venice at Sunset (Food & Wine) (3 hours) • Venice in a Day (7.5 hours/skip the line)
The 21 Best Hotels in Venice, Italy
1. Gritti Palace – San Marco
Hotel phone: +39 041 794611
Fabulous hotel set along the Grand Canal in a beautifully restored palazzo, featuring lavishly furnished, spacious, Venetian fantasy-like rooms and suites with high ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers, antiques, splendid marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, balconies (some), and mini-bars. Upgraded rooms have hand-painted ceilings, restored mirrors, heritage headboards, and top-notch views. Suites add living areas, entertainment systems and upgraded suites add wet bars, art books, walk-in closets, powder rooms, hand-painted harpsichords, frescoes, and private rooftop terraces with jacuzzis, depending on the category. The Hemingway Presidential suite has Ernest Hemingway’s own club chair.2. The St. Regis Venice – San Marco
Hotel phone: +39 041 240 0001
Housed in a group of four historic buildings, this outstanding 5-star hotel near Piazza San Marco has a remarkable location to watch the boats and activity of the Grand Canal. The hotel has a top-notch bar, restaurant, spa, and exercise room. Water taxi provides direct access from the airport or train station directly to the front steps of the hotel.3. Ca’di Dio – Castello
Hotel phone: +39 041 098 0238
Elegant and contemporary 5-star in the quieter Castello sestiere. Two garden courtyards, a fitness center, reading room, on-site bar, and two notable restaurants complement this historic property located adjacent to the Arsenale (home to Venice’s Art Biennale). Rooms are simply and tastefully furnished, stocked with high-end amenities. The Quadruple Suite accommodates a family of four; the Altana Suite boasts a rooftop terrace with a 360-degree view of San Giorgio and the Lagoon. All an easy 10-minute walk along the Grand Canal to St. Marks.4. Santa Croce Boutique Hotel – Santa Croce
Hotel phone: +39 041 740112
A tranquil oasis in a quiet pocket of bustling Venice. Rooms and suites are ultra elegant, dressed around sophisticated themes (like Secret Gardens and Stones of Venice) and featuring bespoke accents like hand-pained murals and silk-shaded chandeliers. A spacious garden courtyard is the perfect setting to enjoy their excellent breakfast or an afternoon aperitif. Walk 10 minutes to the train, 15 minutes to the Rialto Bridge.5. Aman – San Polo
Hotel phone: +39 041 270 7333
Exclusive 5-star enclave on the Grand Canal. Surrounded by private gardens, this sumptiously-restored historic palazzo offers opulent chambers and apartments that feature distinctive elements like 18th-century frescoes, gilded doors, and silk wall coverings; many with Grand Canal views. The fouth-floor apartment has 3 bedrooms and private elevator entrance. A beautiful bar, fantastic fine dining restaurant, and wellness spa are all on site.6. Cipriani – Giudecca
Hotel phone: +39 041 240801
Tranquil, classic Venetian-charm hotel located on Giudecca Island, a short boat ride away from the city center, with charming rooms and suites with mini-bars, bathtubs, balconies/terraces, and spectacular garden & vineyard and lagoon views. Upgraded Palazzetto rooms add kitchenettes, private butler services, and views of St. Mark’s square. Poolside suites have direct access to the pool and the top-end Palladio suites have floor-to-ceiling windows with outstanding views, jacuzzis, and plunge pools on the private terraces. The hotel has an excellent Olympic-size, outdoor, seawater swimming pool and a Michelin-star restaurant.7. Ca Maria Adele – Dorsoduro
Hotel phone: +39 041 520 3078
Small, 12-room, stunning boutique hotel with an intimate, romantic vibe, set in the peaceful art quarter, featuring exquisitely designed, concept rooms (Room of moors, Noir rooms, and more) and suites, with damask walls, balconies (some), marble fireplaces, Palladian floors, black Murano glass chandeliers, and mini-bars, depending on the type. Suites have a more contemporary feel and add seating areas and terraces (some), with the top-end suite sporting illuminated vases on wooden beams, and a chromotherapy whirlpool right in front of the bed.8. Al Ponte Antico – Cannaregio
Hotel phone: +39 041 241 1944
Splendid, small hotel facing the Grand Canal, located in a central location, featuring large, classic Venetian-style rooms and suites with brocade, tapestries, bathtubs/showers, mini-bars and Grand Canal & Rialto bridge views (some). Suites add seating areas and the top-end suite has a lovely patio that’s directly on the Grand Canal. The hotel’s terrace facing the Rialto Bridge is popular for its fantastic views.9. Londra Palace – Castello
Hotel phone: +39 041 520 0533
A short walk away from St. Mark’s square, this Illustrious, small, historic hotel has individually decorated, vibrantly colored rooms and suites with fabric-covered walls, lots of natural light, Biedermeier furniture, carpeted floors, marble bathtubs, mini-bars and superb city/San Marco Basin views. Upgraded rooms have balconies (some), some suites add balconies, terraces and top-end suites add living rooms and hydromassage baths.10. Novecento Boutique Hotel – San Marco
Hotel phone: +39 041 241 3765
Exceptional boutique property tucked quietly into the super central San Marco sestiere. Warm and welcoming, and dressed in a unique blend of Mediterranean and Oriental design, the nine guest rooms here are chock-full of hand-picked textiles and treasures from around the globe. The theme continues in the hotels common areas, which include a stylish and cozy breakfast room and living room (with honesty bar).11. All’Angelo Art Hotel – San Marco
Hotel phone: +39 041 520 9299
Comfortable, good-value hotel located just around the corner from Piazza San Marco. Rooms and suites offer views of the canal or the basilica domes, and range from simple singles to spacious suites that sleep three. An excellent breakfast is served on site, and the lobby bar provides a good selection of drinks and snacks. Easy water taxi access via the hotel’s canal entrance.12. Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience – Cannaregio
Hotel phone: +39 041 098 6298
This beautiful and romantic 16th-century restored palazzo sits on an arterial canal, a quick and easy walk to the train station. In guest suites and throughout the hotel, original period frescoes and stuccoes are complimented by elegant neoclassical decor that evokes a sense of stepping back in time. The hotel’s exceptional fine dining restaurant has a seasonal menu centering on creative seafood and vegetarian dishes.13. Egò Boutique Hotel The Silk Road – San Marco
Hotel phone: +39 041 639 9882
Luxurious boutique hotel in a prime location near the Rialto Bridge, with a vaporetto stop just out front. Rooms are ornately dressed in period style, mixing luxe details (like silk paneling and original Baroque cielings) with modern conveniences. Breakfast is served in a beautiful room overlooking the Grand Canal.14. Palazzo Nani Venice – Cannaregio
Hotel phone: +39 041 884 2200
Sumptuous Radisson Collection property incorporating modern styling into a beautiful historic property. All guests in the 52 rooms and suites enjoy access to the hotel’s fitness center, peaceful garden courtyard, and on-site restaurant and bar; four ground level rooms are handicapped accessible. Great location near the Venetian Ghetto, with a water transit station just in front offering easy access to the airport and around the city.15. Corte di Gabriela – San Marco
Hotel phone: +39 041 523 5077
Luxury boutique hotel with a fantastic central San Marco location. An oasis of quiet and calm in the midst of tourist frenzy, service is impeccable here, and decor is a pleasing mix of elegantly traditional and modern. Gourmet breakfasts are served daily in the interior courtyard, and are simply wonderful.16. Sina Centurion Palace – Dorsoduro
Hotel phone: +39 041 34281
Overlooking the Grand Canal and housed in a 19th century Palazzo, this hotel features distinctive, boldly-colored rooms and suites, with plush contemporary interiors & Venetian touches, wood-beam ceilings, burnished gold leaf in bathrooms and mini-bars. Suites add sitting areas; some suites are bi-level, some have bathtubs. Quiet Dorsoduro location, a quick vaporetto ride to bustling San Marco.17. Baglioni Hotel Luna – San Marco
Hotel phone: +39 041 528 9840
Close to St Mark’s Square, this well located, grand Venetian-style hotel, has luxe, tastefully decorated rooms and suites with silk brocade wall linings, wood floors, Murano chandeliers, marble bathrooms and mini-bars. Entry-level suites have sitting areas and lagoon views (some) and upgraded suites add living rooms, French beds, very spacious furnished terraces, antique furniture (from private collections) and more bedrooms depending on the category.18. Arcadia – Cannaregio
Hotel phone: +39 041 717355
Pleasant, 17-room, good-value boutique hotel set in a 17th century building, having immaculate rooms and one suite category, and featuring a mix of classic and modern elements, wooden floors, and mini-bars. Surrounding area is vibrant with plenty of shops and restaurants and hotel is close to the historic Jewish ghetto and train station.19. B&B San Marco – Castello
Hotel phone: +39 041 5227589
This family-owned and run bed and breakfast offers a taste of real Venetian homelife. Its three guest rooms are spacious and comfortable; one features an en-suite bath, two others share a bathroom. Live-in hosts Alice and Marco are exceptionally warm and welcoming, eager to introduce you to less-touristed parts of the city. Fresh coffee and pastries are provided every morning. Central, yet quiet, canalside location.20. Bisanzio – Castello
Hotel phone: +39 041 520 3100
Located in the heart of Venice, this hotel is a short walk from Saint Mark’s Square and offers elegant accommodations in a 16th-century Venetian palazzo. Family-friendly loft suites, designed with parquet floors and exposed beams, and superior rooms with private terraces are available. Their quaint nearby apartments, complete with full kitchens, are ideal for families seeking a home-like experience. Nestled on a quiet side street near the canal, the hotel is a stone’s throw from water taxis and top attractions.21. Nani Mocenigo Palace – Dorsoduro
Hotel phone: +39 041 5227589
A beautiful old palazzo, done up in traditional Venetian design. Accommodations range from cozy economy rooms to family apartments that sleep five; all are elegantly furnished and feature marble bathrooms. Their ground-floor bar/cafe offers tranquil garden courtyard seating. Convenient location near waterbus stops and the Squero di San Travaso gondola serviceyard in the Dorsoduro sestiere.San Marco
The oldest sestiere (district) in Venice, San Marco is the historic hub of the city, filled with Venice’s most recognizable landmarks such as the Basilica San Marco and Palazzo Ducale, side-by-side in the Piazza San Marco. The cafes on either side of the square each have live bands playing classical music on their al fresco dining patios. There are two large gondola service stations (servizio gondole) and several smaller ones crisscrossing through the neighborhood. The iconic Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) connects San Marco to San Polo across the Grand Canal, while the picturesque Ponte dell’Accademia connects San Marco to Dorsoduro. Though an absolutely stunning area, San Marco is also the busiest, most touristy, and has the most expensive restaurants, especially in the piazza.
The Best Hotels in San Marco
- Gritti Palace • Hotel phone: +39 041 794611
- The St. Regis Venice • Hotel phone: +39 041 240 0001
- Novecento Boutique Hotel • Hotel phone: +39 041 241 3765
- Egò Boutique The Silk Road • Hotel phone: +39 041 639 9882
- Baglioni Hotel Luna • Hotel phone: +39 041 528 9840
- All’Angelo Art Hotel • Hotel phone: +39 041 520 9299
- Corte di Gabriela • Hotel phone: +39 041 523 5077
The Best Restaurants in San Marco
- Ai Mercanti (inventive Venetian flavors in a casual setting)
- Bistrot de Venise (wine-centric Venetian menu mixing classical and modern dishes)
Dorsoduro
Offering a lively blend of top sights and local life, Dorsoduro brims with high art, historic palaces, and frescoed churches. Top attractions here include the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Church of San Sebastiano, and the Ca’Rezzonico palace. Casual restaurants, spirited bacari (wine bars), and a bustling produce market make this an ideal home base for foodies. Dorsoduro is the best sestiere for nightlife in Venice with its pocket of bars around Campo San Margherita buzzing with activity. Bars here tend to skew younger than in the rest of the city due to the university here.
The Best Hotels in Dorsoduro
- Ca Maria Adele • Hotel phone: +39 041 520 3078
- Sina Centurion Palace • Hotel phone: +39 041 34281
- Nani Mocenigo Palace • Hotel phone: +39 041 520 0145
The Best Restaurants in Dorsoduro
- Pasticceria Tonolo (rich pastries since 1886, best tiramisu year-round, best frittelle during Carnival)
- Cantine del Vino già Schiavi (AKA Al Bottegon, local favorite for cicchetti and wine, a little chaotic and a lot of fun)
- Cafè Noir (wonderful, cheap cocktails, wine, and sandwiches with an artsy, young vibe)
Cannaregio
Best known as the site of the world’s first Jewish Ghetto established in 1516, Cannaregio was formerly an industrial area and is now where the majority of Venetians live. Rich in history, sights include the Museo Ebraico (Jewish Museum), Baroque synagogues, Renaissance churches, and ornate palaces. Its location near the train station makes this an excellent base for day trips to nearby cities, like Verona, Bologna, Padua, and more. Romantic, authentic, atmospheric, and filled with great, affordable restaurants.
The Best Hotels in Cannaregio
- Al Ponte Antico • Hotel phone: +39 041 241 1944
- Arcadia Boutique Hotel • Hotel phone: +39 041 717355
- Ca’ Bonfadini • Hotel phone: +39 041 098 6298
- Palazzo Nani Venice • Hotel phone: +39 041 884 2200
The Best Restaurants in Cannaregio
- Osteria Ai Promessi Sposi (casual spot for Venetian dining and cicchetti)
- Taverna al Remer (Venice’s best happy hour hangout plus delicious dinners in the evening)
- Torrefazione Cannaregio (best coffee shop in Venice)
- Bacaro del Gelato (best gelato shop in Venice)
San Polo
Compact, vibrant neighborhood brimming with picturesque churches, excellent restaurants, and the Rialto Market – selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood for almost 1000 years. Major attractions here include San Giacomo di Rialto (believed to be Venice’s oldest church, but the actual date of construction is unknown), the Scuola Grande di San Rocco (housing gorgeous paintings by Tintoretto), and the Basilica dei Frari (filled with some of Titian’s greatest works). A clutch of small cocktail, wine, and cicchetti bars ring its main piazza, Campo San Polo, along with a handful of great restaurants and local flavor.
The Best Hotels in San Polo
- Aman • Hotel phone: +39 041 270 7333
The Best Restaurants in San Polo
- Ristorante San Silvestro (best restaurant in Venice, elegant dining focusing on local seafood and updated versions of classic dishes)
- Antico Forno (best pizza in Venice)
- All’Arco (casual, hole-in-the-wall bacaro for fantastic local wine and cicchetti)
Castello
The largest, most family-friendly sestiere, Castello offers a quiet retreat from the city’s crowds while remaining walkable to Venice’s most beloved sights. This neighborhood is situated around the Arsenale di Venezia, a historic shipyard, and includes the botanical gardens, the 15th-century Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni (with artwork by Carpaccio), and several relaxed piazzas. Some of Venice’s most important churches are here, including the Zanipoli (25 doges are entombed here), San Zaccaria (Gothic-Renaissance architecture and artwork by Bellini, Tintoretto, and more), and Santa Maria Formosa church and square.
The Best Hotels in Castello
- Londra Palace • Hotel phone: +39 041 520 0533
- Ca’ di Dio • Hotel phone: +39 041 098 0238
- Bisanzio • Hotel phone: +39 041 520 3100
- B&B San Marco • Hotel phone: +39 347 244 2237
The Best Restaurants in Castello
- Ai Do Archi (intimate, casual osteria, great pasta and risotto, lots of vegetarian options)
- I Tre Mercanti (not really a restaurant but a gourmet Italian grocery store known for their delicious tiramisu, made fresh every hour)
Santa Croce
Despite its location including the bus station, cruise ship port, and major vaporetto hub, Santa Croce is the least touristy of Venice’s sestieri. Most of Santa Croce’s hotels and attractions are in the eastern half of the neighborhood; highlights include Ca’ Corner della Regina (a Baroque palace), San Giacomo dell’Orio church (filled with medieval, Renaissance, and Mannerist art), and Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art (masterpieces by Klimt and Zuloaga, Venetian art from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the Oriental Art Museum on the top floor). Restaurants here tend to be unpretentious, family-run osterie and bacari, including two of the top spots for cicchetti in the city, Arcicchetti Bakaro and Cantina Arnaldi. Santa Croce is just a short walk to the nightlife of nearby San Polo and the best-known sights of the city.
The Best Hotels in Santa Croce
- Santa Croce Boutique Hotel • Hotel phone: +39 041 740112
The Best Restaurants in Santa Croce
- Arciccheti Bakaro (best spot for cicchetti)
- Cantina Arnaldi (best bar in Venice, great wine and cocktails)
Giudecca
Giudecca is Venice’s unofficial seventh sestiere located across the Venetian Lagoon south of Dorsoduro and San Marco. Throughout the centuries this series of islands has been a prison island for aristocratic rebels, a retreat for nobles, a military and manufacturing hub, and today home to artists and independent boutiques. This relaxed neighborhood offers stunning views of the city from its north-facing hotels, restaurants, and bars. Historic churches here include San Giorgio Maggiore and Il Redentore, both designed by Palladio with artwork by Tintoretto and the Bassanos (Jacopo, Francesco, and Leandro). Several vaporetti connect Giudecca to San Marco and Dorsoduro.
The Best Hotels in Giudecca
- Cipriani • Hotel phone: +39 041 240801
The Best Restaurants in Giudecca
- Trattoria ai Cacciatori (a standby for Venetian comfort food for over 40 years)
- Majer (bakery by day, chic waterfront dining by night, grilled meats are the specialty)
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
Curious if you’ve stayed at the JW Marriot Venice. Looks like a great luxury option for families. Thanks for the input!
The Venice Marriott is a wonderful property. It’s on a separate island about 20 minutes from St Marks Square with the free hotel water taxi. The rooftop pool and view are awesome.
Hi,
My husband and I arrive in Venice by train from Florence for 3 nights and have a flight out of Venice at 5:30am. We’re looking for a 4 or 5 star hotel and not sure whether to stay closer to the airport or closer to the main part of Venice. What would you recommend? Also what do you think the best way to get to the airport would be at that time of the morning?
Thanks :)
I recommend staying in central Venice. No need to stay near the airport. The quickest easiest way to the Venice airport is by water taxi which will pick you up right from your hotel and take you straight to the airport (luggage and all). Fun and easy!
Hi Dave
Do you have any recommendations for restaurants in Venice? Will be there for 2 days and 2 nights. Dinner and lunch spots. Looking for the best possible experiences in 2 days not necessariliy most expensive but budget is not in an issue if those are your top recommendations. Also what would be your top 2 recommendations for after dinner drinks/bars. Love your site, have followed your advice in Mykonos, Santorini, Phuket, and Koh Samui so far.
Thanks
Hidden in the heart of the San Polo neighbourhood, Antiche Carampane is an old-school family-run restaurant renowned for its fabulous seafood. Another good bet is Ai Mercanti, a smart, intimate restaurant serving seasonal cuisine near Piazza San Marco. Venice is famous for its gourmet bar snacks called cicheti. Like tapas these are served in eateries across the city. A good spot to try them is All’Arco (Calle dell’Ochialer 436), a traditional osteria near the Rialto market. For a drink, Harry’s Bar (Calle Vallaresso 1323) is one of the city’s historic haunts. The Bellini cocktail was invented there and Ernest Hemingway was one of its early customers. For magical views over the Grand Canal, try the summer terrace of the Bar Longhi in the luxurious Hotel Gritti Palace (one of our favorite places to stay).
Hi Dave,
I’ve been following you the past few months as we prepare for our first trip to Greece! (2 couples) Staying at Inn Athens for 2 nights (end of September), then flying to Mykonos for 3 nights. Having trouble choosing a place, what are your thoughts on Rocabella, Boheme, or the renovated Myconian Korali? Then taking ferry to Santorini, want to stay on the Caldera in Oia, so many choice there as well! Have a Blue Dome Villa on hold but wondering if hotel is better option. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Kori
The Mykonos Rocabella is the most luxurious of those hotels but somewhat remote and isolated (fine if you rent a car or don’t need to explore the island). Mykonos Boheme would be my choice. As to villa or hotel, I prefer the service and attention of a hotel but Bluedome Cavehouse in Oia (if that’s the one you’re referring to) has a great location and views.
Dave,
What are your thoughts on hotels Continental, Principe and B4 Bellini? How would you rank them? Arriving by train and have luggage. 3 vs 4 nights in Venice? There seems to be some event on June 4? Prices are up and fewer rooms.
Many thanks!
Bruce
Booking hotels early for Venice is more important than Rome and Florence. All 3 hotels are well located close to train station and airport express bus. Porters at the train station will carry your luggage to the hotel if you need help. Central Venice is an enjoyable 25 minute walk.
Hi Dave- I was wondering what you thought of Hotel Antiche Figure.
Thanks!
Teressa
Great hotel and convenient location. It’s a short walk from the train station and right on the Grand Canal. Some people are put off by it’s location near the train station (thinking it might be a little seedy but that’s not the case at all). It’s an easy and interesting 20 minute walk to central Venice (e.g. St Marks Square).
Can you recommend a 4 or 5 star hotel for an older couple with limited mobility. We can walk but not too far (say, 2 or 3 city blocks), so would like to be fairly central. A few stairs are OK but not more than that. Does anything come to mind? I think a hotel with a good restaurant or something just out the door would serve us well.
The Suisse Splendid should fit the bill. It has an elevator and is only a short walk to St Marks’ Square, the heart of the city. It can be reached directly by water taxi with its private landing stage. (It also has a gorgeous rooftop terrace.) It has its own canal-view bar and restaurant, though there are plenty of other choices in the vicinity.
However you might enjoy a stay just out of the centre on a peaceful island at the JW Marriott hotel. It is very spacious and has an elevator. And very importantly it has a shuttle launch service to St Mark’s Square so you can reach the city centre easily (and with little walking). Naturally if you stay there you can dine at one of the hotel restaurants.
Hope this is helpful
We would like to take a water taxi in Venice – not so much to get around but more for the experience. Any tips for doing this? A good scenic route you recommend? And buying tickets, is it straight-forward? Are there day passes? Different companies?
Thanks!
A. D.
There are several water taxi companies in Venice – with almost identical prices. The best route to request is the Grand Canal – cruising down it you can admire the magnificent waterfront facades of the palaces that are not visible from the street. People used to enter the palaces from the water. The taxi companies do Grand Canal excursions (as well as small canal routes) and you can book directly on their web sites (click on Excursions). Otherwise phone them once you’re in Venice.
http://www.motoscafivenezia.it/eng/
You may also enjoy the Grand Canal by water taxi as an organised group tour – approx 1hr long and more economical. (Book here.)
Day passes are available but only for the water buses – public transport. Line No.1 is the most popular route and runs all the way down the Grand Canal but the boats can get very crowded. (Info here and a good visitor guide here.)
My husband and I will be in Venice for 4 days as part of our honeymoon. We’d love to take an Italian cooking lesson. Preferably one-day. Not too serious but good quality. Any suggestions?
You might like to contact Enrica Rocca; she has a cooking school in Venice (with full and half-day courses) and a good reputation.
Otherwise, there is the one day cooking class at osteria Ai Assassini. And the Marriott hotel (on its own island) which runs cooking lessons at its Sapori Cooking Academy.
Trying to decide between Cipriani, Gritti Palace, or Danieli Hotel – all look wonderful. Any big differences? Location and walking to the main sights? Access to water taxis (which is how we’ll be arriving from the airport)?
The Cipriani is on a separate island (Giudecca) – but it has its own shuttle launch that takes 5 minutes over the water to St Marks Square and the city centre and main sights. It’s very laidback and has an outdoor swimming pool. The Gritti is on the Grand Canal (wow) with a waterside terrace restaurant. On the whole it is rather formal. Only 5 minutes on foot to St Mark’s Square. The Danieli is alongside St Marks Square and looks over the water. Lovely rooftop restaurant. Fairly relaxed atmosphere. All three have water taxi access.
Are there some good beaches near Venice that are easy to get to? Also, what hotel has the nicest pool? And are there any public swimming pools that are outdoors with bar/restaurant?
Venice has its own beach – the Lido, which is a 15min ferry trip from St Marks Square, then 5min on foot. Most of the beach is organised in that you can rent a beach cabana for the day, and have access to showers, toilets – and café/restaurants. (Most Venetian families rent huts for the whole summer). There are several free beach areas where you can just spread out your towel but they tend to get a bit grubby and crowded.
Hotels with swimming pools: the best is probably the new Marriott on its own island – as well as a common pool, there are several suites with their own pools. The renowned Cipriani is closer to the city centre, but the pool’s not nearly as nice. The Molino Stucky Hilton has a marvellous rooftop pool with great views.
There are no public outdoor pools in town.
We (my husband and I, mid-forties) have 5 days in Venice in May. We’re now starting to think this might be too long. Are there any worthwhile day trips from Venice?
Tori
5 days is definitely not too much for exploring wonderful Venice as you can spend a day out on the lagoon visiting islands such as Murano, Burano, and Torcello. However worthwhile day trips by train are to Padova for Giotto and the old university and Verona for the Roman arena and Romeo and Juliet house.
Thank you for all this great info. So helpful.
Really having a hard time figuring out where to stay in Venice. I just can’t get my head around the areas and neighborhoods. Any advice for a first time visitor to Venice who loves to walk and explore? What areas should I be looking at? Being around good local restaurants would be wonderful too (if they even exist in Venice).
Charla
Your confusion is common. Figuring out where to stay in Venice is not easy. Here’s a small map and a short guide to the best neighborhoods for the first time visitor.
Cannaregio: This area extends east from the bus and train stations and includes the main drag, Strada Nuova. Within 5 minutes on foot is Hotel Carlton which has rooms on the Grand Canal. Continuing east along Strada Nuova a bit further along is the marvellous Venetian palazzo Ca’ Sagredo (near Campo Santa Sofia). For restaurants it’s advisable to leave the main street and wander around back canals. Seek out the Fondamenta della Misericordia (a street) with the marvelous osteria Paradiso Perduto – but book ahead. Al fresco tables and live music with platters of seafood.Further along on adjoining Fondamenta degli Ormesini is Osteria al Timon, which specialises in snacks and excellent meat.
San Marco: Central and close to the big sights, but also tends to be a bit too noisy and crowded. Also takes longer to reach. Not a district I’d choose to stay in and full of very touristy restaurants.
San Polo/Santa Croce: On the opposite side of the Grand Canal to Cannaregio and extending as far as the Rialto market area and monumental bridge, this quieter area is a warren of narrow alleys linking neighbourhood squares. A lovely oasis of tranquillity close to the Frari church (a good landmark) is the hotel Oltre il Giardino. It’s a fair walk from the station and you’ll need a good map (or lots of patience) to find it. From there you can walk to plenty of good restos such as Antica Osteria Ruga Rialto, well-frequented by local people who drop in for a drink. But you can stay for dinner.
Castello: The far end of town including a large public park (Giardini), this is a good area to stay though it does mean adding on extra time to walk to the sights. There’s waterfront Hotel Bucintoro. Around the corner in Via Garibaldi are plenty of neighbourhood restaurants and cafés – though be aware that prices are hiked during the Biennale art and architecture exhibitions held nearby. At Trattoria Giorgione the jovial owner Lucio gets his guitar out and entertains customers.
Dorsoduro: This accounts for the vast swathe of the city running along the southwest edge of the Grand Canal and home to many art galleries. Not that fast to get to, but a lovely area with excellent accommodation such as Pensione Accademia Villa Maravege near the Accademia bridge. Also Ca’ Pisani. It’s not far out to the Giudecca canal waterfront and Lina D’Ombra restaurant with its exclusive terrace. In the vicinity is renowned Gelateria Da Nico – easy to find – just check out the people enjoying an ice cream cone.
We are looking at 2 hotels near the train station. We are in Venice for 2 nights in between trains from Milan and then to Rome. We’re thinking this will make train travel convenient but hope that it will be ok for seeing the sights. Don’t mind a bit of walking. Is this a good compromise or should we look at a hotel in a more central location.
Staying near the station is a good compromise as it means you don’t have to lug your bags too far. And to be honest, once you’ve walked out of the station buidling, the “sights” are Venice itself – and they’re all around you. Of course to get to central places like St Mark’s Square it’s then a 30 minute water bus ride along the Grand Canal or a good walk. Timing is hard to calculate for the walk as it depends how much you get lost and how many shops and cafés you stop at en route.
I will be in Venice for 2 nights as part of a mini-honeymoon to Italy. I wonder if you could recommend 2 or 3 romantic hotels and restaurants that would make for a special visit. Budget is not a concern. Would love places dripping with character and atmosphere. I don’t know Venice at all but I guess centrally located is what we would want.
Thanks,
Erika
My favourite romantic hotels are all on the Grand Canal. There’s Palazzo Barbarigo (Ramo Pisani e Barbarigo) four poster beds, velvet. The discretely opulent Bauer il Palazzo close to St Marks (Campo San Moisé). And if you prefer slightly less luxurious but with the atmosphere of a Venetian palazzo (frescoes, magnificent staircase, old library) go for the Ca’ Sagredo Palace (Campo Santa Sofia).
Romantic Restaurants:
• The MET near St Marks is Michelin starred and has a lovely garden (Riva degli Schiavoni, Castello 4149, tel 041 5240034)
• Lineadombra (Zattere, Ponte edll’Umiltà, Dorsoduro 19, tel 041 2411881) has a divine terrace over the water.
• Otherwise you could take a water taxi to the island of Torcello for the famed restaurant of Locanda Cipriani (tel 041 730150)
We have a short trip to Venice (just 2 nights and one full day). This is our first visit to Venice. We will take the train from Milan. Where would you suggest we stay with such little time but want to see the magic of Venice? Not so interested in museums or churches. Any favorite boutique hotels for atmosphere? (Budget not an issue.)
I’d suggest Ca’ Sagredo, a lovely old 15th century palace-hotel on the Grand Canal with plenty of frescoes and atmosphere. To get there entails a 10 minute ride by water taxi from the train station (just walk down the steps outside the station and you’ll find the water taxi ranks) and you’ll disembark at the hotel’s private landing stage. The palace is opposite the Rialto market. Do ask for a waterfront room so you can enjoy the comings and goings on the water.
Having a hard time figuring out where to stay in Venice? What areas are good for tourists? Are there bad or inconvenient areas? It looks like the main area is all connected by walkways, streets, and bridges. Is it accurate to say that if we’re on the main island then we’re walking distance to the main sights?
Thanks much
Barry
You’re right to say that if you’re staying on the main island the main sights are within walking distance as everything is connected by bridges and traffic-less streets. The areas of Venice I’d call inconvenient are those a long way from public transport, especially if you’re only staying a couple of days. Once you’ve got off your plane/train/bus you don’t want to spend too much time dragging your luggage onto a water bus or along the street. (The exception is if you catch a water taxi you’ll get door-to-door service of course and help with your bags. You can get water taxis from both the train station and airport).
One of the most convenient areas is Cannaregio, especially for train travellers as you can probably walk to your accommodation. The Rialto and San Marco districts are more exciting but you’ll need to ride a water bus (from the train station). Dorsoduro is quieter if a little farther away, whereas Castello is at the far end of town. Avoid the Lido unless you desire a summer beach holiday.
Hello.
We arrive on a flight from London at the Venice Marco Polo airport. We are not great travelers and are looking for the fastest and easiest transportation to central Venice (our hotel is right in San Marco). What would the best way to get into Venice be? We are not concerned about the cost or whether it is boat, train, taxi, or bus – only need it to be quick and painless. Thank you. Richard.
By far the easiest – and the most exciting – way is to catch a water taxi across the lagoon. They’ll deliver you as close as possible to your hotel (often right to the door step or a 1 or 2 minute walk). If you prefer to book the water taxi in advance they’ll give you a convenient meeting point just outside of arrivals – but the pier is easy to find if you want to wait until your arrival to hire the boat.
Venice is the first stop of our trip (also doing Florence, Rome, and Naples) for our family of 5. Can you recommend a good pizza place in Venice?
Venice is not the place to get great pizza. There are no fires allowed on the island so wood stoves are not used to bake pizzas. The pizza is much better the farther south you go so wait until Rome or Naples.