Quite often, visiting iconic cities and landmarks can come with a sense of anti-climax caused by over-expectation. Not so with Venice, which is everything you have seen in photos and film, and plenty more besides.
With canals where streets should be, narrow alleyways, ornate palaces, fabulous churches and grand piazzas, everywhere you look is another photo opportunity. Thankfully, the majority of the city’s myriad hotels have been thoughtfully designed to blend in with their magnificent surroundings. Below, we’ve picked out some of the best 4-star options for you to choose from.
Palazzo Paruta
From €118/night
Nestled on a tranquil corner of Camp Sant’Angelo, this beautiful ornate hotel is a popular choice among those looking for something grand and gorgeous. Guest rooms are decorated with fine fabrics and antique furniture, as well as modern amenities including free wired internet, a minibar, and a satellite TV. Some also offer scenic views of the canal or the hotel’s pretty courtyard. A choice of hot or cold breakfasts are served each morning and free digital foreign and local newspapers are also provided. A number of renowned attractions, including Fenice Theatre, The Accademia and Piazza San Marco are all within easy reach.
Hotel Gabrielli
From €128
Antique furniture and eye-catching Murano glass lamps characterise this elegantly decorated hotel, which is situated along Riva degli Schiavoni, overlooking the lagoon. Guest rooms boast classic design with wooden floors and warm colours, while some feature marble bathrooms. Breakfasts are served each morning in a pretty courtyard and there’s also a picturesque rose garden and roof terrace, the latter ideal for sipping a refreshing drink from the hotel bar while enjoying views of the lagoon. There’s also an excellent on-site restaurant serving traditional Venetian cuisine. Attractions including Saint Mark’s Square and the Biennale Gardens are less than 10 minutes by foot, while there’s a water bus stop just a minute’s walk away, making it easy to explore the rest of Venice.
Hotel Ca’ dei Conti
From €177/night
Every visitor to Venice gravitates at some point to the iconic Saint Mark’s Square, and with it being located just 200 yards away, guests at Hotel Ca’ dei Conti can hardly avoid doing so even if they tried. Housed in an 18th century Venetian residence and originally belonging to an aristocratic family, the hotel resonates with history, with its former owners’ coat of arms still seen in the lobby’s marble floor, while antique furniture and Murano glass chandeliers are also dotted throughout. The elegance continues into the guest rooms, which are stylishly but tastefully furnished and feature amenities including a minibar, TV and a private bathroom with hairdryer. American breakfasts are served each morning, while bar drinks can be enjoyed on the hotel’s attractive private terrace.
Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia
From €301/night
This upscale hotel has a dash of Italian opulence about it, as seen in the gilded décor and marble bathrooms. It also oozes romance, with the beautiful Rialto Bridge just a couple of minutes’ walk away – perfect for an early evening stroll with that special someone. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a minibar and a flat-screen TV, with the spacious ornate bathrooms featuring free toiletries and a hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and there are a number of world class museums and restaurants virtually on your doorstep.
UNA Hotel Venezia
From €291/night
Nestled close to the famous Grand Canal in the tranquil district of Cannaregio, this hotel is ideally located for exploring Venice and its myriad of attractions. Guest rooms come with flat screen TVs, a luxurious Pillow menu featuring different shapes and materials, and free WiFi. Elsewhere in the hotel, buffet breakfasts are served each morning in the dining room and there’s also a separate lounge area where you can relax with a morning cappuccino or a pre-dinner aperitivo. There are water-bus stops just a few minutes’ walk away.