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9 of the Best Hotels near Venice's San Marco

“The finest drawing-room in Europe” was how Napoleon summed up Piazza San Marco. Indeed, this central piazza of Venice is surrounded by some of the city’s finest treasures - the exotic Basilica di San Marco, its Campanile (known from a thousand postcards), the magnificent Doge’s Palace, the infamous Bridge of Sighs, a clutch of museums… to name just a few. So to choose one of the best hotels in San Marco is to be right at the heart of the action.

Piazza San MarcoFlickr user Raging Wire

But the Piazza, which opens out onto the waterfront, and the surrounding streets, canals and bridges - including the Rialto Bridge - of the San Marco district are stuffed with treasures: San Salvatore church with its Titian paintings, Fortuny Museum in its gorgeous palazzo, the Palazzo Grassi art museum, plus numerous small squares and markets. As a result, of course, it is the most tourist-congested place in the city!

9 of the Best Hotels near Venice's San Marco

Some of the Most Luxurious Hotels near San Marco

Gritti Palace

  • Right on the Riva degli Shiavoni, five minutes stroll from St Mark’s Square and with uninterrupted views across the lagoon, Hotel Londra Palace offers sleek bedrooms with original artwork and Biedermeier furnishings. Tchaikovsky was so enchanted with the setting, he wrote his Fourth Symphony here. An excellent people-watching spot, particularly from the restaurant terrace.
  • Two hotels that rival one another for both luxury and peerless views are the Gritti Palace and Bauer Il Palazzo. The world-renowned Gritti Palace, a former 15th-centruy Doge’s palace, has all the tradition, sumptuousness and flawless service that you would expect. An evening drink on the terrace gazing at the Santa Maria della Salute will stay long in the memory.
  • Others would argue that there is nothing so romantic as dining on the waterfront terrace of the Pisis restaurant of the nearby Bauer Il Palazzo, also with a faultless Grand Canal location. Bedrooms are rich, sumptuous and with a contemporary-lavish edge. There’s also a rooftop Jacuzzi.

Best mid range hotels

Bloom and Settimo Cielo

  • With its hidden roof terrace and chic, boutique-style bedrooms, Bloom & Settimo Cielo are two great-value, central Venice choices (B&Bs that share the same reception). Rooms are boldly coloured - expect purple, fuchsia, black-and-gold - and hung with rich fabrics, and the rooftop views terrific.
  • Tucked down a small street and with a whiff of the Orient about the decorations, the nine-bedroom Novecento is a lovely little romantic hideaway. Breakfast in the courtyard on sunny days..
  • There’s more exoticism to be found in AD Place, a B&B where rooms mix bold stripes, slinky fabrics and sultry colours with gilded mirrors and elaborate bedheads. There’s a gorgeously tiny rooftop terrace, too.

Some of the Best Value Hotels near San Marco

Hotel Flora

  • Tiny Gio & Gio is a steal. With rooms that are either bold and designer or hung with tapestries and oil paintings it is minutes from St Mark’s Square. Breakfast-only but plenty of eating places in all directions.
  • The family-run Hotel Flora charms and disarms. Rooms are traditional but light and fresh, and there’s a seductive garden; perfect for breakfasts and evening aperitifs. A good family choice, too.
  • Ca del Nobile is another good family choice. Just behind St Mark’s Square, its six airy rooms have exposed rafters and a mix of antique and classic furnishings.

If you’re going to stay in Venice, many would argue, then you have to be in the centre and this guide to the best hotels in San Marco points you in the right direction. If there's nothing here that fits the bill, then extend your search to include all our Venice recommendations, or contact a friendly guru for advice.

  • Gio & Gio Venice (Calle de le Ostreghe) 3 rooms from £191

    Local exploring  -  An authentic Venitian home set just five minutes from St Mark's Square. A great base to explore the city on foot
    Groups  -  With just three rooms this is a perfect option for groups wanting to rent the whole thing out
    Romantic Break  -  For couples, pick the Junior Suite for its canal views and Juliet balcony
    Sights nearby  -  Close to St Mark's Square, the Fenice Theatre and the Grand Canal
    Air conditioning

    An opulent, romantic, and traditional B&B very close to St. Mark's Square. Rooms and suites have tapestries, oil paintings and gigantic sink-into beds. A romantic choice that's ideal as a convenient base to explore the city from. See More

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  • Hotel Flora, Venice Venice 40 rooms from £307

    City Style  -  Centrally located 17th century hotel with damask tapestries and Murano chandeliers plus a beautiful courtyard garden
    Families  -  With family rooms, cots, changing tables, strollers and even a special kiddies afternoon tea included in the price!
    Hideaway  -  Spend a peaceful afternoon recovering from the tourist trail in the magical leafy garden sipping on cocktails
    Historic  -  The building was originally the School of Painting - frequented by Venetian artists
    Air conditioningGardenPet friendly
    Recommended by  -  Frommers

    Charming, traditional family run hotel with an enchanting garden and traditional feel. Classical rooms offer comfort and private bathrooms. The vast breakfast buffet is highly recommended as are cocktails in the leafy courtyard. Well suited to families, not far from the action. See More

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  • Ca del Nobile Venice 6 rooms from £172

    Local exploring  -  A Venetian residence, set just behind St. Mark's Square, meaning that many of the main attractions are within walking distance
    Short break  -  A simple but charming hotel that's centrally located making it a great option for a quick cultural getaway
    City Style  -  An 18th century palace with a stylish mix of traditional and modern decor
    Intimate  -  With just six guest rooms available this is an intimate city base
    Air conditioningPet friendly

    A small and comfortable B&B in the heart of Venice. Central yet quiet, two minutes walk from St. Mark’s Square and five from the Rialto. Chic rooms mix traditional and modern designs with wooden beams, vintage furniture, & exposed brick walls. Understated charm, perfect for a quick city break. See More

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  • Bloom & Settimo Cielo Venice 6 rooms from £146

    Local exploring  -  Located within walking distance from the Grand Canal and the Accademia museum among many other major sights
    Traditional  -  Much of the original style remains including traditional tapestries, gilded mirrors, and rich brocades
    City Style  -  This is an undeniably cool property mixing elegant Venitian style with chic contemporary design
    Views  -  Fantastic views over the city from Bloom's roof terrace where free prosecco is also offered!
    Air conditioningViews
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Gorgeous boutique B&Bs - one B&B on each floor, but they share the same reception. Similarly opulent bedrooms in striking colours with rich fabrics. The roof terrace is a very special outpost with views over Venice which can be accompanied by a bottle of complimentary prosecco! Stylish and romantic. See More

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  • Novecento, Venice Venice (Campo San Maurizio) 9 rooms from £165

    Romantic Break  -  This unique and charming hotel marries romance, style and unbeatable location to produce a perfect getaway for two.
    Local exploring  -  No better place in the world to wander, get lost and discover, just a short walk from St. Mark's Square.
    Artworks  -  Regular exhibitions featuring local and national artists.
    Local markets  -  Check out Rialto Market where you can get everything from artisan masks to the perfect cup of coffee.
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendly
    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Michelin Travel

    Seductive and chic b+b with oriental touches, very well located for shopping. Suits couples, dark and intimate, a short walk to the main sights. A breakfast fit for kings is served in the leafy courtyard. Quaint and utterly charming. See More

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  • AD Place Venice 12 rooms from £286

    Honeymoons  -  Special honeymoon packages are offered to newlyweds with everything thought of from in-room roses to romantic day trips
    Groups  -  Apartments sleeping up to four people make this a great choice for small groups
    Local exploring  -  Well placed on a canal by the La Fenice opera house, in the San Marco district
    Sights nearby  -  Stroll down to St Mark's Square and admire the architecture
    Air conditioningViews

    A charming B&B with a slight Casanova theme. Each room and suite extravagantly decked out in bright fabrics, gilt mirrors, funky chandeliers, some with four poster beds. The roof top is an excellent perch to view Venice from. Romantic but also family friendly. See More

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  • Hotel Londra Palace Venice 53 rooms from £534

    Writing a novel  -  Countless artists and authors have drawn inspiration from the hotel, including Tchaikovsky, who wrote his Fourth Symphony here
    Romantic Break  -  Sumptuous suites, spectacular views, chic dining and beds that are almost impossible to pull yourself out of
    City Style  -  Located on Promenade of Riva degli Schiavoni with Biedermeier style interiors and views of the Londra Palace
    Sights nearby  -  The famed Piazza San Marco is just around the corner, as is the Doge’s Palace
    Air conditioningRestaurantViewsNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Small Luxury Hotels, Michelin Travel, Relais & Chateaux, Fodors

    140 years of history meets 21st century luxury. Large, comfortable rooms enjoy views of St. Mark’s Basin. Foodies can indulge in the fine dining menu whilst interior design lovers will appreciate the lavish, Venetian decor. Centrally located, St. Mark's Square is but a five minute walk away. See More

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  • Gritti Palace Venice 82 rooms from £1289

    Designer Shopping  -  Just minutes from Calle Larga XXII Marzo, Venice's premier luxury shopping street, packed with designer boutiques
    Honeymoons  -  Magnificant suites with hand-blown chandeliers, fine fabrics and balconies overlooking Santa Maria della Salute
    Museums  -  Directly opposite the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, home to the famed Guggenheim Museum
    Literary  -  Hemingway and Somerset Maugham stayed here, amongst others.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantPet friendlyViews
    Recommended by  -  Frommers, Fodors

    Former 15th Century Doge's palace turned beautiful hotel for all. Classically styled rooms have views to die for and spectacular marble bathrooms. Tradition and elegance meet at the fine dining restaurant, with seating over the main canal. A romantic hotel with a great location. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Monday, 24th February 2020