“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 Marco Flickr 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

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.

9 of the Best Hotels near Venice's San Marco

Londra Palace Venezia

Venice (Castello)

With 100 windows overlooking the lagoon and the magical location, in the heart of Venice, you don't leave the city when you step inside:you enter a cultured, stylish, welcoming Venetian home.

City Style - A short stroll from San Marco, the elegant salon and private retreat, stylish pied à terre and gateway to the authentic Venice.
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
Sights nearby - 5 minutes walk to Piazza San Marco, as is the Doge’s Palace. 10 minutes walk from Rialto bridge and the main local attractions.

from AU$995 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Novecento, Venice

Venice (San Marco)

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.

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.

from AU$308 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Gritti Palace

Venice (San Marco)

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.

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.

from AU$2404 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Hotel Flora, Venice

Venice (San Marco)

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.

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

from AU$573 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Bloom & Settimo Cielo

Venice (San Marco)

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.

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!

from AU$272 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Gio & Gio

Venice (San Marco)

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.

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

from AU$356 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

AD Place

Venice (San Marco)

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.

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

from AU$534 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Ca del Nobile

Venice (San Marco)

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.

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

from AU$320 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

9 of the Best Hotels near Venice's San Marco

9 of the Best Hotels near Venice's San Marco

Some of the Most Luxurious Hotels near San Marco

Best mid range hotels

Some of the Best Value Hotels near San Marco

9 of the Best Hotels near Venice's San Marco

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