8 of Venice's Most Luxurious Hotels

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.

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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

• 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?

• For a wider choice and some cheaper options, check out all our Venice recommendations
• Take a look at our pick of the best boutique hotels in Venice or the best romantic hotels in Venice
• or contact a friendly guru for advice.

  • Ca’ Sagredo Hotel Venice (Cannaregio) 42 rooms from €297

    
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    Honeymoons  -  This hotel drips in splendour and opulent romance — think frescoed ballrooms, palatial suites, elegant drapes & orginal artwork

    Foodies  -  The trendy and effortlessly elegant L’Alcova restaurant serves up regional specialities with a modern twist

    Sights nearby  -  Nestled between Ca DOro and the Rialto Bridge you're not more than a short walk or boat ride to Venice's main attractions

    Local markets  -  The ancient Rialto Market happens just across from the hotel, a spectacle for all the senses and well worth a visit

    

    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels, Michelin Travel, Fodors, Great Small Hotels

    Magnificent Venetian Palace right on the Grand Canal. Plush interiors and classic Venetian style welcome guests. L’Alcova Restaurant offers panoramic canal views, wine from various Italian regions and fantastic food. Impossibly romantic. See More

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  • Londra Palace Venezia Venice (Castello) 52 rooms from €615

    
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    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.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Small Luxury Hotels, Michelin Travel, Relais & Chateaux, Fodors

    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. See More

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  • Gritti Palace Venice (San Marco) 82 rooms from €1485

    
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    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.

    

    Recommended by  -  Frommers, Fodors

    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. See More

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  • Centurion Palace Venice (Dorsoduro) 50 rooms from €402

    
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    Local exploring  -  Located in the heart of the Dorsoduro district next to the Basilica of S. Maria della Salute and a number of museums

    Foodies  -  Refined contemporary Italian dishes at Antinoo’s Lounge & Restaurant are worthy of a stay alone

    City Style  -  A luxury five-star stay offering the best of both worlds in its design with the old and the new

    Contemporary  -  Contemporary interiors behind a Venetian Gothic facade!

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Small Luxury Hotels

    Stunning luxury hotel behind a classic Venetian facade perfectly situated on the Grand Canal. Fabulous rooms and suites filled with contemporary art, trendy designer furniture and clever lighting. Beautiful courtyard, restaurant with terrace, centrally located. Venice in style. See More

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  • Ca Maria Adele Venice (Dorsoduro) 12 rooms from €363

    
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    City Style  -  Chic hotel with fantastic views of the Santa Maria della Salute Basilica in central Venice

    Romantic Break  -  Ornate kingsize beds and sumptuous fabrics throughout make this a romantic choice

    Great walks  -  Wander down to the island tip where Punta della Dogana hosts the stunning art collection of billionaire Francois Pinault

    Sights nearby  -  The hotel overlooks the Santa Maria della Salute Basilica

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Kiwi Collection

    16th-century palazzo, overlooking Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute in the Dorsoduro neighbourhood. The décor harks back to a bygone era of decadence and style. Think rich fabrics, bold wallpaper and quirky antiques. Choose one of the themed rooms for the best experience and fine lagoon views. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Monday, 14th November 2022