Every tourist should really try to spend at least a couple of nights in Venice. This is definitely not a town to visit as a day trip – a large part of the city’s magic comes alive at night, when quiet settles over the canals and lights shimmer on the dark water. You really need to stay in Venice to experience all of its charm and romance.
Staying in Venice can be an expensive business. The good news, however, is that accommodation here is not always quite as costly as you may imagine. Although there are few bargains, if you shop around and book in advance – the earlier the better – you will find some affordable prices. We feature several pages about accommodation in Venice with tips and hotel recommendations. We have stayed at some of the hotels listed ourselves, and have written our own reviews.
> Where to stay in Venice – a guide to districts, the Lido and the mainland
> Hotels on the Grand Canal – the only place you’ll find a listing of all the hotels actually facing the Grand Canal
> Luxury hotels – smart five-star options
> Mid-range hotels – some of the best three and four-star choices
> Budget hotels – advice and recommendations for a cheaper stay in Venice
> Bed and breakfast – B&Bs are increasingly a good, affordable option with more character than many hotels
Recommended hotels – our selection
Ca’ Maria Adele
Romantic, intimate, stylish and very special, this boutique design hotel has just twelve rooms and is situated in a lovely spot by the Salute Church and the Grand Canal. I stayed here and thought it was just about the best – and most luxurious – hotel I’ve visited.
> Read my hotel review
> More information / make a booking
San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice *****
Offering a very different experience to Venice’s other deluxe hotels, the San Clemente Palace is actually on its own island in the Venetian lagoon. Previously the island housed a monastery and then a lunatic asylum, which may add a piquant note to your luxury stay. There is more space and there are more ‘resort’ facilities than in Venice’s city hotels, with a swimming pool, gardens, spa and sports facilities. The hotel’s boat service takes guests to and from Venice, ten minutes away.
> More information / make a booking
Palazzo Abadessa ***
Palazzo Abadessa is a small elegant hotel which still has the feel of a private palazzo. It’s in a quiet spot in Cannaregio, down a little alley from the busy pedestrian thoroughfare Strada Nuova. Facing onto a little canal, it also has a water entrance. There are some picturesque spots nearby and it’s only a short walk from the Rialto. Handy for the vaporetto (Ca’ d’Oro stop) and for ferries to the islands. The hotel has a little walled garden where guests can enjoy breakfast in summer months. A good choice for honeymoons or anniversaries.
> More information / make a booking
Hotel Ai Mori D’Oriente ****
This four-star hotel is on one of the most appealing canals in the Cannaregio district: it’s a peaceful spot but close to the lively Fondamenta della Misericordia. This location is a bit removed from the biggest tourist sights, but is particularly good for a longer trip when you want to get a real feel for Venice. The hotel is smart with good bedrooms.
> More information / make a booking
Hotel Campiello ***
The Campiello is an extremely nice three-star hotel in an ideal location in Venice, not far from St. Mark’s Square. Small and elegant, the hotel is a very comfortable place to stay. I stayed there some time ago; recent views are still very positive. It’s a good choice if you’re on a short, first visit to Venice and want to be near the biggest sights.
> Read our hotel review
> More information/make a booking
La Locandiera ***
La Locandiera offers new and comfortable three-star accommodation close to St Mark’s in the heart of Venice. It’s small and low-key, but offers very nice rooms at good prices. We stayed there for four nights years ago; it’s still well-reviewed. Close to the Campiello, above, it is another convenient choice for first-time tourists, especially if you have limited time.
> Read our hotel review
> More information/make a booking
Hotel Abbazia ***
The Hotel Abbazia is part of an old monastery complex in Cannaregio, close to the Grand Canal. It offers a good balance of convenience, comfort and value for money. Although the outside isn’t prepossessing, the interior is elegant and retains interesting features from the building’s past, including a pulpit in the lounge area. The hotel has a little garden, unusually for Venice. Recommended by past guests (but they warn of early-morning church bells). It’s a very good choice if you have an early or late train as it’s about five minutes’ walk from the railway station (maybe less). From the station (Venezia Santa Lucia) just turn left, pass the church and the bridge and then take the alley on your left, where you’ll see signs for this hotel and others.
> More information/make a booking
Hotel Tivoli **
Hotel Tivoli is a two-star budget hotel in Dorsoduro, central Venice. There’s no romance or glamour on offer, but it is a clean and efficient place to stay, and pretty good value for money. We stayed there for a night in May 2006 and have written a review of the hotel.
> Read our hotel review
> More information/make a booking