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San Polo is one of Venice’s loveliest districts – a place where historic charm meets lively markets and artisan shops selling fresh produce and Venetian crafts. Home to the iconic Rialto Bridge (often packed with throngs of tourists) and the bustling Rialto Market, it’s a vibrant area that still retains a sense of authentic Venetian life, with narrow alleyways and hidden squares to get lost in before returning to those views of the Grand Canal. To top it all off, the district’s central location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider city.
The best hotels in San Polo reflect the area’s rich heritage and sophisticated style. From opulent palazzos to intimate suites, the area offers accommodations that range from the extravagantly luxurious to the charmingly boutique. We've unearthed a handful of the best, whether you're looking for a romantic escape, a stylish retreat, or a taste of Venetian elegance.
For some Italian drama
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- You could say that the breathtakingly beautiful Aman Venice epitomises grandeur on the Grand Canal. Set in a 16th-century palazzo adorned with frescoes, chandeliers and original artworks, its exclusive setting features private gardens and impeccable service. Unparalleled luxury, as one expects from the Aman group.
- Combining Art Deco elegance with a prime canal-side location, Palazzo Barbarigo serves Italian drama in spades: think dark boudoirs, velvet curtains and sumptuous beds. Perfect for romantic retreat.
For families
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- Housed in a renovated 15th-century palace in Venice, Palazzo Morosini degli Spezieri features beautifully restored apartments. Each one uniquely decorated, with sleek, modern interior design alongside some period touches. A good choice for families and groups who want a bit of flexibility and independence.
- La Villeggiatura is a charming boutique B&B offering a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, in part thanks to its helpful and friendly owners. Located close to the Rialto, expect a cosy retreat with beautifully decorated rooms that blend traditional Venetian decor with modern touches. Families should book the Doge Junior Suite which can easily accommodate two adults and two children.
- San Cassiano is a classic Venetian palazzo offering a taste of historic elegance. Original interiors are replete with wooden beams, oil paintings, tapestries, chandeliers and chintzy fabrics. Well-priced family rooms make it the perfect place to bring the whole brood.
For a stylish retreat
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- Set along the Grand Canal, Hotel L’Orologio is a sophisticated and stylish base that merges historic architecture with modern style. The furnishings are sleek and contemporary, but the building's heritage still shines through with typically Venetian materials throughout.
- Cosy, design-conscious boutique GKK Exclusive Private Suites is tucked away in a quiet corner of San Polo.Its handful of individually designed suites are adorned with patterned wallpaper and contemporary Italian furnishings.
Still not sure?