We have scoured the city to find the best luxury hotels in Venice that are worth their not inconsiderable price. Some are heavily frescoed palazzi, others have dreamy views, while others are small and discreet with immaculate service - perfect for romance.
Flickr user barnyz
With its rich architecture, fabulous artwork and watery location, there is no shortage of luxury hotels in Venice. The trick is finding somewhere that really lives up to its price-tag. You can be overlooking the Grand Canal but be in a crumbling palazzo or have a frescoed bedroom but indifferent service. Or be on one of the islands but without a decent restaurant. And still be paying a small fortune.
Best Venice luxury hotels with a view
- In an enviable position on the Grand Canal waterfront, not far from the Rialto Bridge, the 14th-century Ca’ Sagredo has everything you would expect of a Venetian palazzo: frescoes, stucco work, gilded furniture and rich fabrics. For many, its stand-out attraction is its canal-side dining terrace.
- In one of the hottest spots 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: this is a hotel that knows how to do cool yet lavish. Perfect for watching the world go by, particularly from the restaurant terrace.
- The famed Gritti Palace, a former 15th-centruy Doge’s palace in a peerless position on the Grand Canal opposite the lovely Santa Maria della Salute, has all the tradition, sumptuousness and flawless service that you would expect. Plus one of the city’s finest dining terraces for Venetian views.
- Staring back at the Gritti Palace, the Centurion Palace has a splendid Gothic façade but ultra-contemporary rooms with eye-poppingly bold colours and sharp designer furniture. Sit on the terrace to watch the passing Grand Canal traffic or hire a private motorboat to pick you up from the hotel’s mooring and take you across the water. Close to the Guggenheim and Punta della Dogana, there’s also a private courtyard for alfresco lunches and drinks.
Best luxury Venice hotels for romance
![Ca Maria Adele](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/98/6d/986dc3614437ff44b418a94f1fcb6eb1/600x422.jpg)
- The 16th-century Ca Maria Adele, in the Dorsoduro district and overlooking Santa Maria della Salute, has all the usual palazzo trimmings of rich fabrics and antiques. What will particularly appeal to romantics, however, are the decadently themed bedrooms. One has a fireplace, another a bath in the bedroom, another is in shades of black with a black chandelier. A small terrace, too.
Still not sure which to book?