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 Venice Hotels
The secret of a successful interlude in Venice is to get lost. Leave behind the crowds around San Marco and the Rialto and wander away, along quiet canals and through dusty squares, pausing from time to time in churches to find a Bellini here, a Vivarini there, and in neighbourhood osterie and bacari for something to eat and drink. Then back to your hotel or guesthouse, where, if the spell is not to be broken, atmosphere counts for everything. Always at least try for a room with a view: you need to book well in advance for high season, and be prepared to pay extra for the privilege. Or consider a winter visit: the skies are often blue, the crowds dispersed, prices are low, and that perfect room with a view is far more likely to be yours. We have divided the pick of the city's accommodation into two lists: Hotels; and Guesthouses/B&Bs. If you require full facilities and services, you are probably better off in a hotel; if however you prefer something less hard on the pocket and more personal and in many cases atmospheric, then there are a handful of extremely charming guesthouses or b&bs from which to choose. They are all listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference.
 Reviews by Fiona Duncan |
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| Luxury: Elegant with unrivalled position and matchless views |
| Location: Castello, Riva degli Schiavoni, overlooking the lagoon |
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| Classier and better value than its neighbour, the Danieli, the Londra has good food in its restaurant and most bedrooms, with original paintings and Biedermeier furniture, have lagoon views. In the morning, heavy shutters keep them deliciously dark and quiet; open them and you lie in bed listening to the peaceful slap of waves on the Riva. Service is smooth and the twinkly-eyed concierge endears himself to everyone. |
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| Luxury: Character and warmth on the Riva |
| Location: Castello, Riva degli Schiavoni, overlooking the lagoon |
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| This endearing private hotel (the owner is a collector: everywhere are porcelain teapots, corkscrews, crucifixes, fans and much more) is a canny choice in winter, when the velvet-hung salone, its table heaped with cakes at tea-time, is at its most inviting; and in summer, when the shady garden comes into its own. Bedrooms are mainly traditional, some marvellously lavish. A characterful hotel that keeps up with the times with its chic Zodiac Bar and superb Met Restaurant: the only one in Venice with a Michelin star. |
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| Luxury: 16th-century palazzo, decorated with originality |
| Location: Dorsoduro, overlooking Santa Maria della Salute |
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| Most 'Venetian style' hotels in this city are identical, but here’s one with a difference. The 16th century palazzo is richly furnished, with plenty of damask, but plenty of originality too, especially in the five themed rooms, such as the decadent Sala Noir with its black chandelier. Standard rooms are all similar, all smart, with good bathrooms. There’s a small terrace and the hotel has fine views across to Salute. |
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| Luxury: Timeless palazzo hotel with a breathtakingly romantic restaurant |
| Location: San Marco, 2 minutes from St Mark’s Square |
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| The most romantic place to dine in Venice is, without doubt, the waterfront terrace of restaurant Pisis at the Bauer Hotel. By moonlight and candlelight, its setting is heart-stoppingly lovely. A recent addition to the luxury scene, this palazzo hotel has a timeless atmosphere, dedicated staff, gorgeous bedrooms (whether clothed in regal red or duck-egg-blue silk), a discreet spa (including rooftop Jacuzzi) and a large roof terrace for breakfast. |
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| Luxury: Venetian opulence in a grand palazzo |
| Location: On the Grand Canal between Ca d’Oro and the Rialto bridge |
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| Remarkable for the 16th-century listed Grand Canal palazzo it occupies as much as for its facilities and services, Ca’ Segredo is Venice’s newest five-star hotel. The building has undergone meticulous restoration and boasts magnificent stucco work, chandeliers, gilding, opulent fabrics and fabulous works of art by the likes of Tiepolo and Longhi. With its prime canal frontage, many of the 42 luxurious rooms and suites have gorgeous watery views. |
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| Luxury: Famous hotel, once the 15th century palazzo of Doge Andrea Gritti |
| Location: San Marco, on the Grand Canal, just off Campo Santa Maria del Giglio |
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| Of the three great hotels in Venice – the Danieli, the Cipriani and the Gritti – this is our favourite, and the one which most closely reflects the incomparable beauty of Venice. Of the eight exquisite Canal View suites, our favourite is the Hemingway, in restful shades of pale green. Service is immaculate and the atmosphere patrician, yet friendly. And, as Somerset Maugham pointed out, there are few greater pleasures than taking a drink on the terrace at sunset, the Salute opposite bathed in lovely colour. |
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| Luxury: The first designer hotel in Venice, and still our favourite |
| Location: Dorsoduro, between the Accademia and the Zattere |
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| The first of a new crop of contemporary hotels to blatantly fly in the face of Venetian hotel tradition, Ca’ Pisani may occupy the shell of a deep pink, 16th century palazzo, but inside it is cool, hip and undeniably chic: designer minimalist mixed with original features such as painted coffered ceilings, roof beams and marble floors, plus a collection of fine ‘30s and ‘40s beds, mirrors and wardrobes. Breakfast and light meals are served in the basement restaurant. |
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| Mid Price: Pensione converted with style and flair |
| Location: Dorsoduro, on the sunny Zattere, overlooking Giudecca |
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| Superb value, wonderful hotel. The owners have preserved the atmosphere of the simple pensione where Ruskin stayed, with a homely dining room and a kind welcome, plus the recent addition of a café/restaurant, La Piscina, on a fabulous floating terrace in front of the hotel. Bedrooms are calm and uncluttered; best are the four corner ones with views on two sides. And there’s an intimate altana (roof terrace), just for two. |
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| Mid Price: With the charm and feel of a private home |
| Location: On the Lido, set back from the seafront |
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| The longer we linger, the more we love this 150 year-old mock-Tyrolean building, former family home of the two sisters who own it. Public rooms and bedrooms are charmingly decorated with unusual objects, including rare Sicilian paintings on glass. Key staff are long-serving, adding to the sense of peaceful timelessness, especially in the baronial dining room, or on the wide terrace that encircles the hotel. |
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| Mid Price: Jewel-like with genuinely warm welcome |
| Location: San Marco, close to Piazza San Marco |
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| Push open a gate in Campo San Gallo and you are in a tiny, secret square. Step through the Orseolo's low-key front door and you might be in a compartment of the Orient Express: diminutive, elegant and richly coloured. But it’s the warmth of the young team that makes this hotel special. In the morning, Matteo cooks breakfast, Barbara serves and everyone chats. Best bedrooms have murals and canopied beds. |
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| Mid Price: Handsome 16th-century palazzo with lovely frescoed rooms |
| Location: Cannaregio, near Ca dOro and Rialto |
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| This fine 16th-century palazzo in atmospheric Cannaregio was the home of its owner, Marisa Rossi, who continues to create the feel of a grand house party amongst her guests. The splendid stuccoed and frescoed rooms are furnished with antiques, silks and Murano glass, while a magnificent first floor salone is reached by a rare (for Venice) double staircase, and a secret walled garden lies outside. The real thing. |
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| Mid Price: Delightful, traditional family run hotel with a charming garden |
| Location: San Marco, off the main route between Piazza San Marco and Accademia/Rialto |
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| Long one of our favourite hotels in Venice, the Flora continues to seduce its guests with its quiet charms. You only have to glimpse the garden to know why it is so sought after: creepers, fountains and flowering shrubs create an enchanting setting for breakfast, tea or drinks. Bedrooms vary in style and size; best are the corner rooms or garden rooms. The venerable hotel, with very friendly service, has been run for many years by the Romanelli family. |
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