Rising from the misty lagoon in a riot of color, form, and texture, the shimmering reflections of Venice’s waterways embody the essence of beauty. It’s a timeless place, a floating city steeped in a magical atmosphere of more than a thousand years of history. At each corner of the winding alleys, you expect to run into Marco Polo, back from the Orient with the latest silks and spices at yet another turn of a narrow canal. It’s a seductive backdrop to a luxury hotel experience.
We keep this list up-to-date throughout the year, checking on the news and vetting the properties we feature (listed here in no particular order) as new hotels launch and existing ones evolve.
*This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The guests of Aman Venice come here for exclusive experiences. The concierge can book a seat in Aman’s private box at the La Fenice opera, organize a chef-led shopping trip to the Rialto Market, and more.
Aman Venice is considered the most luxurious hotel in the city, and it’s generally listed in the “ultra-luxe” category. Amal and George Clooney had their wedding here, and it’s an item on the travel calendar of the wealthiest jet setters. Certainly, staying here feels like a rare privilege.
This exclusive hotel occupies the 16th-century Palazzo Papadopolion, located in a privileged spot on the Grand Canal, and it features two private gardens (with decades-old greenery) and a small rooftop. The property is filled with museum-quality treasures — original Tiepolo frescoes, authentic leather wall coverings, sumptuous chandeliers, and gilded ceilings. Aman’s twenty-four rooms and suites are individually designed and decorated with contemporary furniture, creating a nice contrast with the building’s heritage architecture.
Alternatively, book Aman Venice via
Tablet Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Aman Venice, Venice, Italy.
Photos (including the leading shot at the top of the article) © Aman Resorts
Travel+Style's favorite places to stay in the Eternal City
St. Regis Venice has one of the best addresses in the city, on the Grand Canal bank west of St. Mark’s square, with views across the city’s iconic landmarks. The hotel features an avant-garde style in modern interiors, with intelligent technology and top comfort in 130 guestrooms and 39 suites, many with private terraces. The hotel is perfectly set up for relaxation and socializing, with an Italianate garden, various dining and beverage options, Spa Suites, and fitness facilities. The outstanding St. Regis Butler service ensures every need is fulfilled. The excellent location places Piazza San Marco, art galleries, luxury boutiques, and the Teatro La Fenice a short stroll away.
Alternatively, book The St. Regis Venice via
Marriott Bonvoy | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The St. Regis Venice, Venice, Italy. Photos © Marriott International
Standing in an enviable spot on the lower stretch of the Grand Canal, this palazzo became a hotel in 1895 and has been regarded as one of Venice’s best addresses ever since.
The Gritti is not only one of Venice’s most renowned luxury hotels but a piece of living history, which began in the 15th century as the home of Duke Andrea Gritti.
Today it is a property with an intimate, homely atmosphere — and spectacular interiors. Original marble flooring, wooden ceilings, and Murano glass chandeliers evoke timeless grandeur, while antiques and oil paintings make each guest room unique and supremely elegant. One of the hotel’s standout features is the floating terrace on the Grand Canal, the best spot to socialize and sip an Aperol Spritz. The hotel has a classic Riva speedboat for charter and tours of the lagoon’s outer islands.
Alternatively, book The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel via
Marriott Bonvoy | Tablet Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice, Italy. Photos © Marriott International
In Venice, Cipriani is synonymous with extreme luxury. The hotel’s “high-net-worth” clientele come here for privacy, discreet service, and Michelin-starred dining. But the hotel has much more to offer. It has gorgeous grounds, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and 96 rooms in various categories steeped in Venetian style. The diverse dining options focus on classic Venetian cuisine, often with a contemporary twist. Located on Giudecca island, a quick hop on a boat from Piazza San Marco, the hotel enjoys sweeping views of the Venetian lagoon and the Doge’s Palace.
Alternatively, book Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice, Italy. Photos © Belmond
Your Guide to the Best Hotels in the Spanish Capital
Hotel Danieli is an iconic city landmark, a five-star grande dame occupying three buildings: the former 14th-century Doge palace (Palazzo Dandolo) and two 19th-century palazzos connected by canal bridges. The oldest parts make a huge impression with the beautifully preserved, spectacular Venetian Gothic architecture. The property’s rich heritage shapes the style of the sumptuous interiors, and the 204 stately guest rooms and suites showcase Venetian art and antiques. The traditional luxury fits the atmosphere of a glamorous salon for the elites. The property sits on Venice’s waterfront and features a rooftop dining terrace (of the Terrazza Danieli restaurant) with superb lagoon views. The location ensures easy access to Piazza San Marco.
Alternatively, book Hotel Danieli, Venice via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel Danieli, Venice, Italy. Photos © Hotel Danieli
“Johnny Depp stayed here for three months while filming The Tourist; Angelina Jolie is said to be a fan of the place, too.”
— from our review of Palazzina Grassi.
The French style guru Philippe Starck has many acclaimed hotel designs in his portfolio, and he made his mark in Venice in the superb, opulent hotel in a 16th-century Canal Grande house. Palazzina Grassi’s interiors distill Venice’s essence, contrasting tradition and modernity through a post-modern aesthetic.
Guests can arrive here on a vintage mahogany 1962 Celli speedboat — with the check-in taking place onboard — and docking to the private jetty, get the impression of coming to a private home. All this is designed to make them feel “temporarily Venetian,” adding to the hotel experience that stands in refreshing contrast to the “grande dames” of the Venice hotel scene.
Alternatively, book Palazzina Grassi via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Palazzina Grassi, Venice, Italy. Photos © Palazzina Grassi
The Venice Venice Hotel, located in a 13th-century palazzo along the Grand Canal, captivates with its modern interiors that celebrate the city’s avant-garde scene. Founded by Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo, the hotel stands as a cultural powerhouse adorned with art from the Arte Povera and Poesia Visiva movements. Serving as a creative hub, Venice M’Art on the ground floor seamlessly blends Venetian tradition with international urban culture. The hotel boasts 45 individually designed rooms, each with a unique theme, skillfully merging contemporary design with old-world charm. Culinary delights, a spa treatment room, and eco-friendly initiatives contribute to a holistic experience, capturing the vibrant spirit of Venice in a modern setting.
Alternatively, book The Venice Venice Hotel via
Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Venice Venice Hotel, Venice, Italy. Photos © The Venice Venice Hotel
Discover the top boutique hotels in the City of Lights
Bauer Palazzo is spread over two palazzos, one constructed in the 1940s with a lobby swathed in marble; the other is clad in 19th-century Gothic-style architecture. A vast mahogany check-in desk and grand staircase make a great first impression. The hotel captures the essence of a bygone era and provides a taste of 1930s glamour. The hotel’s 137 rooms & suites rooms and suites wow with a sense of spaciousness; some are decorated in traditional Venetian style, and others, including suites on the top floor, have contemporary decor. Throughout, the Palazzo’s interiors feature Murano chandeliers, ornate furnishings, gilt-framed mirrors, and carved stucco ceilings. The hotel has three terraces, including the restaurant-adjacent, offering views of the Grand Canal. The facilities include a wellness facility and an outdoor pool on the eighth floor. The bar is one of the top evening hangouts in Venice.
Alternatively, book Bauer Palazzo via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Bauer Palazzo, Venice, Italy. Photos © Bauer Palazzo
When it comes to feeling like a true Venetian, you can’t go more authentic than the Palazzo Cristo. It’s not a luxury hotel but an exclusive address with three spacious apartment suites in the heart of Venice on the Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo square. The suites are housed in a 13th-century palace, renovated and superbly decorated with no expense spared. The elegantly appointed interiors are clad in Carrara marble and travertine, furnished with sleek bespoke pieces, and finished with expertly crafted details. These self-catering apartments have a contemporary feel and offer all modern comforts. Venice’s oldest bakery and pastry shop, Rosa Salva, is just a short walk away.
Alternatively, book Palazzo Cristo via
Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Palazzo Cristo, Venice, Italy. Photos © Palazzo Cristo & Mr. TRIPPER
Il Palazzo Experimental brings a playful and fresh take on Venice’s hotel design, contrasting with the heavy, ornate aesthetic so common in the city.
Il Palazzo Experimental is a boutique hotel with 32 rooms and suites, with a location (on the Canal della Giudecca) that places it away from the crowds but close to the city center. The elegantly designed interiors have Art Deco themes, especially in the guest rooms. The top accommodation choice is the Zattere Junior Suite Canal View overlooking the Giudecca Canal. The hotel’s focal point is its ground-floor restaurant with a cocktail bar and the garden hidden at the back, a hub of activity with a trendy vibe.
Alternatively, book Il Palazzo Experimental via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Il Palazzo Experimental, Venice, Italy. Photos © Experimental Group
Baglioni Hotel Luna claims to be the oldest hotel in Venice, and it also is the most centrally located among the city’s luxury hotels. It does not sit on a Grand Canal frontage, though — instead, the hotel is located on a quiet side street off Piazza San Marco in a former palace dating back to the 12th century. Baglioni has over one hundred rooms & suites. All are tastefully decorated and feature gorgeous Venetian fabrics, elaborate stucco work, hand-painted frescoes, Murano glass chandeliers, and period furniture. The breakfast at Salone Marco Polo restaurant is served beneath a fabulous ceiling fresco, giving it a sense of place. A lovely rooftop terrace is perfect for sunset drinks.
Alternatively, book Baglioni Hotel Luna via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice, Italy. Photos © Baglioni Hotels
From Ottoman grand dames to uber-chic luxe newcomers
Ca’ di Dio is one of Venice’s most exciting five-star hotels. The hotel stands on the lagoon-facing Riva promenade near the Arsenale entrance and is housed on a site that can trace its history as far as 1272 AD. However, its medieval walls are infused with 21st-century aesthetic sensibility. The property transformed into a luxury hotel under the direction of the celebrity architect Patricia Urquiola, and today it rivals many top Venetian palazzos. The restoration of the property included converting an old chapel into a lavish hotel reception. The hotel has fifty-seven suites and nine deluxe rooms spread across three floors, with two suites sporting large roof terraces overlooking the San Marco Basin. Two leafy inner courtyards hide the Essentia Restaurant and the Alchemia Bar.
Alternatively, book Ca’ di Dio via
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Ca’ di Dio, Venice, Italy. Photos © VRetreats
The clean design of rooms and suites at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is a refreshing departure from the antiques-heavy themes, so typical for Venice hotels.
In Venice, space comes at a premium, and hotel rooms tend to be small. JW Marriott brings a welcome change, especially for families with children. The hotel is located on the grounds of a former hospital established in the 1900s on an artificial island (Isola delle Rose), a 20-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square.
It’s a large property with green lawns and sculpture gardens surrounded by willow and olive trees. The hotel has exceptional amenities, too. Guests can dine at four restaurants and enjoy the largest spa in Venice. Within the property grounds, a church is available for events and private ceremonies, and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and fantastic views over Venice is a destination on its own. The hotel’s 266 light-filled rooms and suites are set in a style that evokes a feeling of an elegant seaside resort.
Alternatively, book JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Marriott or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, Venice, Italy. Photos © Marriott International
Opening in the historical center of Venice, EVOK’s first Italian hotel occupies the former Chamber of Commerce, a few steps from St Mark’s Square. The hotel features 43 beautifully decorated rooms and suites, a spa, a café, a bar, and an excellent gourmet restaurant Palais Royal on the 3rd floor. There is a pool on the 5th floor, and La Colline Spa features a double treatment room. The Nolinski Venezia’s address is on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, a few steps from La Fenice theatre and the San Marco square, with High-end Italian designer shopping close by (Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Ferragamo…).
Alternatively, book Nolinski Venezia via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Nolinski Venezia by EVOK, Venice, Italy. Now Open. Photos © EVOK
Best of the best in Normandy
This five-star boutique hotel stands in a palace that was once a monastic institution with a Venetian gothic façade facing the Grand Canal. The traditionally artistic neighborhood in this part of Venice influences the hotel’s profile, with oft-changing exhibitions of contemporary artists in the internal courtyard and the reception lounge. The hotel has fifty rooms and suites; all are modern and palatial, with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. The contemporary interiors pay homage to Venetian elegance with refined wood details, bold colors, chrome elements, and a lot of glass. The rooms have either city views or look to the courtyard. Guests of the Presidential Suite enjoy excellent views of the Grand Canal.
Alternatively, book Sina Centurion Palace via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Sina Centurion Palace, Venice, Italy. Photos © Sina Hotels
The 16th-century palazzo was a gathering place for 18th-century noblemen, it also housed royalty, a notorious Venice warlord, and once the Pasha of Egypt.
Secretive access, illustrious history, and the atmosphere of a Casanova abode define the experience of Palazzo Venart. The hotel occupies a 16th-century Venetian palace on the Grand Canal. It can be accessed either via a private dock and garden or through a hard-to-find courtyard, making it feel like a private residence of a wealthy aristocrat.
That’s what it has been for most of its history — and the interior design draws from the rich heritage. The living spaces are decorated with gilded mirrors, precious antiques, tactile wallpapers, and silk curtains. The eighteen rooms, named after historical luminaries (Titian, Marco Polo, Lord Byron), feel modern without forgetting the golden age styles. They feature parquet floors, marble bathtubs, crystal chandeliers, authentic Venetian art — and four-poster beds draped in velvet. Located in the San Stae neighborhood (a 30-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square), the hotel is a destination for food enthusiasts, thanks to the restaurant helmed by a Michelin-starred chef.
Alternatively, book Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel, Venice, Italy. Photos © Palazzo Venart
Londra Palace calls itself the “ultimate Venetian insider’s hotel,” drawing from the history of cultured travelers (such as the Russian composer Tchaikovsky and the writer Jules Verne) visiting since 1853. Located a stone’s throw from Piazza San Marco, the hotel makes an impression as a stylish and welcoming Venetian home, a mix between an elegant salon and boutique pied-à-terre retreat. The hotel’s 52 rooms and suites are dressed in opulent materials (such as silk, brocade, expensive wood, and marble), but the result is a light, playful style. The hotel faces the San Marco basin from its address on Riva degli Schiavoni, close to St Mark’s Square. The views are particularly nice from the rooftop, which can be booked for a private dinner.
Alternatively, book Londra Palace Venezia via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Londra Palace Venezia, Venice, Italy. Photos © Londra Palace Venezia
Violino d’Oro, a five-star boutique hotel in Venice, invites guests to experience an intimate immersion into the city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Situated along the canals, just two minutes from Piazza San Marco, the hotel resides in a historic 17th-century building, boasting 32 uniquely designed rooms. A tribute to Venice’s cultural legacy, the design of Violino d’Oro seamlessly blends various artistic styles, from ancient to contemporary, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship in fabrics, glasswork, and original Venetian seminato floors. Il Piccolo, the in-house restaurant led by Executive Chef Stefano Santo, reimagines Venetian cuisine with a focus on plant-based meals, seasonality, and local ingredients. As an embodiment of the city’s rich history, vibrant present, and promising future, Violino d’Oro promises an authentic and sustainable Venetian experience.
Alternatively, book Hotel Violino D’Oro via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel Violino D’Oro, Venice, Italy. Photos © Hotel Violino D’Oro
Our 2024 guide to the top hotels on the island
The number of visitors coming to Venice every year to experience its magic is immense, and the hotel scene in and around the floating city is diverse and dynamic. Many hotels deserve at least a shout-out; check out the below as a worthy addition to the list of the best luxury hotels in Venice.
From historic grand dames to quaint canal-side townhouses
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
Disclosure: We may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 15/01/2024
