A selection of the best small luxury hotels in Venice, Italy. A selection by Anja Zaitseva
Hotel L’Orologio – WTB Hotels
Just a 5-minute walk from the iconic Rialto Bridge and a short distance from Campo San Polo Square, Hotel L’ Orologio provides a luxurious stay near the Grand Canal in Venice. All of the elegantly appointed, air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms are hypoallergenic and feature parquet floors, satellite TV, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Guests can take advantage of free WiFi throughout the property, as well as a terrace and snack bar. Restaurants, cafes and shops are within a stone’s throw of the hotel. St. Mark’s Square, Santa Maria Formosa Square and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection are all within walking distance, with Venezia Santa Lucia train station just a 15-minute walk away.
Rooms: 49 Stars: 4
Check availabilityExcess Venice Boutique Hotel & Private Spa – Adults Only
Set in a 15th-century building, the Excess Venice Boutique Hotel & Private Spa – Adults Only is a tranquil oasis in the Dorsoduro area of Venice. It is just a 2-minute walk from the San Basilio waterbus station, providing easy access to St. Mark’s Square. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with a satellite flat-screen TV, minibar and private bathroom. Upgrade to a suite for a spa bath and canal views. Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet of sweet and savoury food, juices and hot drinks. Relax in the garden or on the sunny terrace, or watch international channels in the TV room. The hotel is close to Venetian restaurants and cafés, and just 250 metres from Ca’Foscari University.
Rooms: 17 Stars: 5
Check availabilityHotel Al Codega
Experience the ultimate in luxury at Hotel Al Codega, located just steps away from the iconic St Mark’s Square and Ducal Palace. Enjoy rooms with elegant Venetian style and modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TV, satellite TV, minibar and more. Start each day with a delicious buffet breakfast and take advantage of 24-hour front desk services and a bar. Enjoy a tranquil stay in the heart of Venice, just five minutes away from the city’s best attractions.
Rooms: 28 Stars: 4
Check availabilityYou might be interested
Ca’ Pisani Hotel
Situated in the tranquil Dorsoduro district, the 16th century Ca’ Pisani Hotel offers stylishly designed rooms with free Wi-Fi, spa baths and Art Deco furnishings. 400 metres away, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is within easy reach. To top it off, the rooftop terrace boasts stunning city views, sun loungers, a shower, and bar service. Sample local wines and enjoy a variety of cheeses, hams, and desserts at La Rivista wine bar. At the hotel, guests can look forward to a buffet breakfast and friendly, knowledgeable staff who can provide tourist and travel advice. St. Mark’s Square is a 15-minute walk away, or take the water bus from nearby Accademia Vaporetto Station.
Rooms: 29 Stars: 4
Check availabilityRadisson Collection Hotel
Experience the luxury of Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice, the best small hotel in Venice. Opened in March 2021, the 5-star accommodation is located 600 metres from Venice Santa Lucia Train Station. Each room has a private bathroom, wardrobe, safety deposit box and a desk, while some come with garden views. Enjoy the hotel’s terrace, restaurant, bar, garden, concierge service, room service and tour organizing. The multilingual staff is available 24/7 for any assistance. Popular attractions such as Frari Basilica, Scuola Grande di San Rocco and Rialto Bridge are within walking distance. Venice Marco Polo Airport is 12 km away.
Rooms: 52 Stars: 5
Check availabilityHotel Ai Reali
Hotel Ai Reali, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, is located in the heart of Venice, just a 2-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge. This modern and elegant hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi and a selection of amenities. Relax in the wellness centre, enjoy a meal at the restaurant or take in the views of the canal from selected rooms. Start your day with a buffet breakfast and explore the city, just a short walk away from Piazza San Marco. After a day of sightseeing, relax in the lounge bar or work out in the fitness centre. With Venice Santa Lucia Train Station just 20 minutes away, Hotel Ai Reali is the perfect spot to explore Venice.
Rooms: 37 Stars: 4
Check availabilityCa’ Sagredo Hotel
Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast buffet in the building’s garden. The cozy lounge bar is the ideal spot for an aperitif or a romantic evening drink. Hotel Ca’ Sagredo is one of the most luxurious small hotels in Venice. Its prime location, exquisite décor and impressive art collection make it the perfect place for an unforgettable stay.
Rooms: 42 Stars: 5
Check availabilityHotel Palazzo Stern
Palazzo Stern is a traditional Venetian building situated on the banks of the Grand Canal, boasting a breakfast terrace, rooftop hot tub and many original frescoes and mosaics. Rooms are tastefully decorated with antique furniture, satellite TV, espresso coffee maker, free Wi-Fi and luxury slippers. Staff can assist with organising excursions and tickets. A continental buffet breakfast is served daily, with room service available. Ca’ Rezzonico vaporetto waterbus stop is adjacent and St Mark’s Square is only a 10-minute walk, across the Accademia Bridge.
Rooms: 24 Stars: 4
Check availabilityThe Gritti Palace
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice is a stunning former noble residence, restored to its original grandeur. Located on the Grand Canal with views of Santa Maria delle Salute Church, the 5-minute walk to La Fenice Opera House and 500 metres to St. Mark’s Square makes it a convenient destination. All rooms are luxuriously appointed with antiques and Murano glass, air conditioning, satellite flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers. Guests can choose from rooms with views of the Grand Canal or the city. The Club del Doge restaurant serves dishes made with fresh ingredients from the nearby Rialto Market, and breakfast is served in a beautiful room with crystal chandeliers. The hotel is 400 metres from the Santa Maria del Giglio vaporetto water bus stop.
Rooms: 82 Stars: 5
Check availabilityHotel American-Dinesen
Nestled in the artistic neighbourhood of Dorsoduro, Hotel American-Dinesen offers an idyllic setting overlooking the San Vio Canal. This 17th century Venetian town house is just 15 minutes’ walk from St. Mark’s Square and close to the Academy of Fine Arts and the Peggy Guggenheim collection. Each room is tastefully decorated and equipped with a satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. You can also enjoy a breakfast buffet or a cocktail on the terrace in summer. Take a Vaporetto from Accademia Stop or a boat from the Zattere pier to explore the beautiful Giudecca Island.
Rooms: 30 Stars: 4
Check availabilityBest areas to find hotels in Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy is one of the most romantic cities in the world, with its winding canals, narrow alleyways, and centuries-old architecture. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, there are plenty of great areas to search for a hotel in Venice. Here are some of the best areas to consider when looking for a hotel in Venice.
San Marco: San Marco is the most popular and most visited area of Venice. It is home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. Here, you’ll find a range of hotels, from luxury 5-star resorts to more affordable 3-star hotels.
Cannaregio: Located north of San Marco, Cannaregio is one of the oldest and most authentic neighborhoods in Venice. It is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a more traditional and less touristy experience. Here, you’ll find a range of budget-friendly hotels, as well as some more luxurious options.
Dorsoduro: Dorsoduro is one of the most vibrant and interesting areas of Venice. It is home to the city’s main university, and is full of art galleries, cafes, and trendy bars. Here, you’ll find a range of hotels, from boutique hotels to luxury 5-star resorts.
Castello: Located east of San Marco, Castello is one of the largest districts in Venice. It is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Church of Santa Maria Formosa and the Arsenale. Here, you’ll find a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious resorts.
Santa Croce: Santa Croce is located just south of San Marco, and is one of the most tranquil areas of Venice. It is home to the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto and the Church of Santa Maria della Salute. Here, you’ll find a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious resorts.
Giudecca: Giudecca is located directly across the Grand Canal from San Marco, and is one of the most tranquil parts of Venice. Here, you’ll find a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious resorts.
Murano: Murano is an island located north of Venice, and is famous for its glass-making industry. Here, you’ll find a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious resorts.
These are just some of the best areas to search for a hotel in Venice. With its winding canals, narrow alleyways, and centuries-old architecture, Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and is the perfect destination for any kind of vacation.
