The historic center of Venice is divided into six sestiere, literally sixths or districts, each with its own character, attractions and unique vibe. One is the epicenter of modern art in Venice. The illustrious Rialto Bridge links two more. And all six formed the old Republic of Venice that once ruled the Adriatic Sea and was the playground of the legendary womanizer, Giacomo Casanova. So whether you’re looking for the vibrant heart of town, a quiet, romantic hideaway or a picturesque waterfront view, we have three of the best hotels in Venice to ensure your vacation is perfect!
Stay in the heart of historic Venice
If you like to be at the heart of the action, especially if you’re on a tight schedule and need everything on your doorstep, then the Hotel Londra Palace in the sestiere of Castello is the perfect place to lay your hat.
Its windows look out across St Mark’s Basin, with views of the sunlight glistening on the water. Its doors open directly onto the Riva degli Schiavoni waterside promenade from which the sumptuous Doge’s Palace, the golden St Mark’s Basilica and the world famous Piazza San Marco, the biggest square in the city, are all just 200 meters away. And as one of the historic hotels in Venice, it’s been welcoming travelers and tourists for 140 years so you can be sure of a classically elegant Venetian welcome.
An atmosphere of serenity and luxury awaits your arrival after a long flight. Each of this exquisite hotel’s 53 rooms is uniquely decorated with fine silks, brocades and stylish antique furniture that reflects Venice’s exotic history connecting Europe with the Far East via the silk route. And each window offers a wonderful view, whether it’s looking over the terracotta rooftops or across the lagoon. This sumptuous style, when subtly blended with the comfort and technology of modern life, makes the Hotel Londra Palace a tranquil haven from which to explore.
And given its fabulous location, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The legendary Arsenale shipyard that could build and fit out a ship in a day is a short, 10-minute walk east along the Riva waterfront. Turn west towards St Mark’s for the glorious seat of the Republic’s power and the glamour of Caffe Florian. Or dive into the labyrinthine streets and alleys of Castello, just off the promenade, for a taste of daily life in Venice where the locals still shop and pass the time of day at their neighborhood butchers, bakers and tiny coffee bars. This is the real city, where real people live, and it’s all on your doorstep.
After a long day of sightseeing, why not round it all off with some stunning sunset views from the Londra’s rooftop veranda bar – a rare find among the hotels in Venice – and an authentic Venetian aperitvo before dinner? And finally, a delicious dinner at the Al Covo restaurant, famous for its seafood cuisine. You couldn’t have a better stay or personal service unless you were a guest of the Doge himself!
Mix the old with the new at the Rialto Market
From the traditional style of the Londra, we take a short motor taxi ride up the Grand Canal to one of the most distinctly modern, minimalist hotels in Venice, the Hotel L’Orologio. Opened in 2014 in an old house on the banks of the Grand Canal, this wonderfully contemporary boutique hotel sits next to the oldest market in the city, the Rialto Market, juxtaposing the old with the new in the way only Venice can.
Its 43 rooms and suites, all with a watchmaker’s theme to match the hotel’s name (Clock Hotel), are chic and styled with a variety of designer effects. From black granite to pale marbles, or red quartz concrete to dark woods, this beautiful hotel offers a bespoke waterside haven from which to explore. As the city slowly awakes, you’ll be roused by the distant hum of delivery boats as they drop off fresh produce for the market. And after a hearty breakfast, you hardly have to walk ten steps before you are immersed in the city’s ancient history.
As you stroll along the canal bank, you are immediately plunged into Venice’s ancient Rialto district. It’s home to the city’s first church founded in 421 AD and has accommodated the main fish, fruit and vegetable market for over 700 years, once the heart of Venice’s exotic merchant trade in spices and silks upon which the city based its fortune. This was one of the very first areas of the historic city to be settled and is still as vibrant as ever. Just don’t forget to climb the Rialto Bridge for the most spectacularly scenic views down the Grand Canal.
And then head back to the Hotel L’Orologio for its fabulously modern home comforts, to rest, relax and recuperate to the sound of the Grand Canal lapping softly at the feet of your hotel. It’s the perfect combination of history and modernity, set in a city that never changes and yet is constantly changing. And even your four-legged doggy friends are welcomed at this hotel — perfetto!
Relax in a romantic hideaway
And finally, if you’re planning to whisk your partner off for a romantic getaway to the city of love, then the Ca’ Maria Adele Hotel is the ideal spot. And don’t just take our word for it – Conde Nast Traveller magazine declared it Europe’s most romantic hotel in 2011, so why not ask our friendly travel consultants to book you an unforgettable stay?
Nestled in a tranquil corner of the artistic Dorsoduro sestiere, the hotel has a uniquely laid-back Bohemian ambiance that combines luxurious damask fabrics, African woods, fur and Murano glass chandeliers with the original architecture of the 16th century palazzo. It stands on a little canal separating the narrow Punta della Dogana finger of land from the rest of the district. And although its nearest neighbor is the glorious church of Santa Maria della Salute, simply known as the Salute, whose dome at the mouth of the Grand Canal is iconic, the Ca’ Mari Adele hotel is tucked behind on a street used mainly by locals so the only other tourists you’re likely to encounter are lost ones. It’s truly a lovely, romantic spot.
From here you can explore the wonderful Peggy Guggenheim contemporary art museum, admiring works by masters including Jackson Pollack, Picasso and Magrit, to name just a few. Around the corner from the hotel is Francois Pinault’s beautifully dynamic art collection, housed in the old Customs House at the Punta della Dogana, surrounded on three sides by water. Or why not take a stroll through this artistic district, stopping off at some of the many little galleries opened by local artists? If you like art and a slower pace of life, Dorsoduro is ideal for you as it provides a serene antidote to the hustle and bustle of nearby St Mark’s Square.
Dorsoduro is also home to one of the last gondola workshops in Venice at San Trovaso. Or simply have a wander as there are lots of little streets, alleys and courtyards to explore and it’s easy to find a quiet spot to enjoy the mesmerizing, magical and eternally romantic atmosphere of Venice so you can share a kiss or special moment alone. Ultimately Ca’ Maria Adele is a wonderful location for an intimate getaway, surrounded by beauty, and it’s one of the best hotels in Venice for a special occasion or even a proposal that neither of you will ever forget!
Choosing the best hotels in Venice for you
Ultimately Venice is a wonderful city to explore on foot, strolling through its ancient streets, gliding along the Grand Canal or enjoying a gelato as you watch the world go by from the steps of the Salute, Rialto Bridge or the Doge’s Palace. And whether you want romance, history or contemporary living, we can help you choose from all the hotels in Venice, ensuring you have a truly unforgettable stay. You’ll create memories that will remain with you for a lifetime and, after a stay with us, a little bit of Venice will stay in your hearts forever. Leave us a comment with your favorite Venetian moments; in the meantime, all that’s left to decide is when to go, whether for the color of Carnival, the heat of summer or the magical, misty months of Winter. Buon viaggio!