The Best Venice Hotels with Canal, Lagoon & Rialto Bridge Views.
Search or scroll down to a list of Venice's luxury and boutique hotels with Grand Canal or lagoon vistas enjoyed from romantic rooms or restaurants. Stay around St Mark's Square and beyond.
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Exceptional Venice Hotels, Independently Reviewed
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5-Star Hotel in Castello, Near St. Mark's Square
♡ Panoramic Balconies & Loggias
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Time slows down along the Riva degli Schiavoni, where Londra Palace Venezia presides over one of Venice's most coveted viewpoints. Savvy travelers linger at their balconies here, watching gondolas glide past against the backdrop of San Giorgio Maggiore island, while the dome of Santa Maria delle Salute Church punctuates the western horizon. The hotel's position, just moments from St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace, places guests at the crossroads of Venice's grandeur, with St. Zacharias' Church beckoning around the corner.
Behind the historic façade of this 19th-century merger between the Angleterre and Beau Rivage hotels, 53 rooms and suites unfold like chapters in a Venetian novel. Each space tells its own tale through thoughtfully curated elements – tapestries dance at windows, brocade embraces walls, and authentic Biedermeier furniture grounds the historical narrative. Some guests swear the lagoon views are most magical from the balconies and loggias, where purple, grey, or ivory color schemes create serene retreats from Venice's bustle. The top-floor rooms reveal their age proudly through exposed wooden beams, while pink Carrara marble bathrooms catch the perfume of lagoon breezes through generous windows.
Ristorante Do Leoni at Londra Palace Venezia orchestrates a culinary journey through Venice's rich gastronomic heritage. Throughout the day, LondraBar's veranda becomes a front-row seat to the theater of Venetian life unfolding along the Riva. Those in the know whisper about the rooftop altana terrace, where intimate gatherings of up to eight guests can dine under the stars, surrounded by Venice's illuminated spires.
The walls of Londra Palace Venezia hold secrets of illustrious visitors past – Tchaikovsky found inspiration here in 1877, composing from rooms that offered what he described as "a delightful view over the lagoon, the island of San Giorgio and the Lido." Literary giants Joseph Brodsky and Jorge Luis Borges later fell under the hotel's spell, with Borges' legacy now honored in a suite bearing his name.
Under the stewardship of Venetian-born Alain Bullo, the luxurious hotel maintains its delicate balance between past and present. The 2024 renovation breathes fresh life into the lobby, restaurant-bar, and terrace, while preserving the soul of this historic haven. As evening descends, guests gather at their loggias, some claiming the sunset views here rival any in Venice – though that might just be the romance of the moment speaking.
🔭 Hotel View: Grand Canal, Venetian Lagoon, St. Mark's Campanile, Santa Maria Delle Salute Church, San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower, Chiesa Di San Giorgio Maggiore
Address: Riva Degli Schiavoni - Castello 4171, Castello, 30122 Venice
5-Star Hotel in Castello, Near St. Mark's Square
♡ Monet & Terrace Grand Canal Suites
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Morning light dances across the Grand Canal, where The St. Regis Venice claims Venice's most impressive waterfront. Since its 2019 metamorphosis from the historic Grand Hotel Britannia of 1895, this architectural masterpiece frames postcard-perfect views – the Santa Maria della Salute Basilica rising majestically across the water, contemporary art finding harbor at Punta della Dogana Museum, and San Giorgio Maggiore's bell tower piercing the horizon.
In the 163 guestrooms and suites, Sagrada design studio's vision captures Venice's legendary light through contemporary eyes. Some fortunate guests wake to Grand Canal panoramas from private terraces, while others overlook the hotel's secret Italianate garden or Venice's timeless terracotta roofscape. The Monet Suites tell their artistic tale – their color palettes echo the same views that inspired the master's brush during his Venetian sojourns, with windows framing scenes seemingly lifted directly from his canvases.
Chef Giuseppe Ricci orchestrates culinary theater at Gio's Restaurant & Terrace, where innovative Italian cuisine meets Grand Canal drama. The Arts Bar writes its contemporary narrative through cocktails that pay tribute to provocateurs like Jeff Koons and Banksy. In a city where gardens are rarer than Carnival masks, the hotel's secluded green sanctuary offers afternoon tea and the hotel's signature "Santa Maria" Bloody Mary beneath Venice's open sky.
Art flows through The St. Regis Venice like another canal – Ai Weiwei's White Chandelier commands the lobby's heights, while curator Gisela Winkelhofer's carefully chosen collection tells stories at every turn. Through its artist-in-residence program, the hotel keeps company with creativity just as it did when J.M.W. Turner and John Singer Sargent found inspiration within these walls. Just four minutes from Piazza San Marco and steps from Calle XXII Marzo's boutiques and galleries, the property places guests at Venice's cultural crossroads.
The St. Regis Venice embraces both heritage and innovation. While the signature St. Regis Butler service maintains traditions of impeccable service, Venice's first electric boat charging station and the hotel's own electric water limousine point toward a sustainable future. Tucked away from the waterfront bustle, spa suites offering Valmont treatments provide sanctuaries where modern luxury meets Venetian serenity.
🔭 Hotel View: Grand Canal, Venetian Lagoon, Santa Maria Delle Salute Church, San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower, Chiesa Di San Giorgio Maggiore
Address: San Marco 2159, San Marco, 30124 Venice
5-Star Hotel in San Marco, Grand Canal
♡ Scenic Club del Doge Restaurant
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From its commanding position on the Grand Canal, The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice whispers stories of five centuries of Venetian grandeur. The 15th-century Gothic palazzo, refreshed by an artful 2013 restoration, presents a theater of Venice's most enchanting views – the dome of Santa Maria della Salute Basilica rising like a dream across the water, gondolas gliding past in graceful procession, and the vibrant waterfront life unfolding just minutes from St. Mark's Square and Teatro La Fenice.
The 82 rooms and suites at The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice read like chapters from Venice's golden age. Those who secure the coveted Landmark Grand Canal rooms wake to vistas stretching from the Salute's magnificent dome to the avant-garde treasures of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Literary souls gravitate to the Hemingway Suite, where floor-to-ceiling French doors open to balconies suspended over the Grand Canal. Music lovers find their rhythm in the Donghia Suite's vintage vinyl collection, while artists seek inspiration in the John Ruskin Suite, where a piano awaits beneath Murano glass chandeliers.
Culinary artistry takes center stage at Club del Doge Restaurant, where authentic Venetian cuisine pairs with Grand Canal panoramas that seem almost too perfect to be real. The Gritti Terrace captures Venice's most sought-after sunsets, while Bar Longhi enchants with its hand-sculpted mirrors and carved polychromatic marble counter. As evening falls, the Riva Lounge transforms into what feels like a private yacht floating on the Grand Canal, offering an intimate vantage point for watching Venice's nightly water ballet.
Since 1975, the hotel has shared its culinary secrets through the world's first palace hotel cooking school. Today, the Epicurean School under Chef Alberto Fol continues this tradition, inviting guests into the heart of Venetian gastronomy. Meanwhile, the Gritti SPA partnered with Sisley Paris to create a sanctuary where wellness rituals echo the palazzo's refined elegance.
The hotel's restored guest book reads like a who's who of cultural history – Ernest Hemingway's bold signature sharing pages with Peggy Guggenheim's artistic flourish, Elizabeth Taylor's glamorous mark, and Igor Stravinsky's musical notation. During the Biennale, Carnival, and Venice Film Festival, The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice still draws those seeking to add their own chapter to this ongoing story, where every window frames a view that has inspired artists, writers, and dreamers for generations.
🔭 Hotel View: Grand Canal, Venetian Lagoon, Santa Maria Delle Salute Church, San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower, Chiesa Di San Giorgio Maggiore
Address: Campo S.Maria Del Giglio 2467, San Marco, 30124 Venice
5-Star Hotel in San Marco Near St. Mark's Square
♡ Lagoon-Facing Suites
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Just a whisper away from St. Mark's Square, Baglioni Hotel Luna is a testament to Venice's enduring romance. Where Knights Hospitaller once found refuge, today's guests discover a palazzo where history seeps through every stone while lagoon views stretch to San Giorgio Island's distant silhouette.
Within the 91 rooms and suites, Venetian craftsmanship takes center stage. Silk-draped walls catch the light from Murano glass chandeliers, while Italian marble bathrooms provide spaces of gleaming sanctuary. Those who secure the San Giorgio Terrace Suite find themselves with a private theater box overlooking the lagoon's daily performance. Most accommodations frame perfectly composed views – some capturing the lagoon's moods, others offering intimate glimpses of Venice's terracotta tapestry of rooftops and bell towers; among our favorites is the Tiziano Lagoon View Suite, where guests might feel their lodging on a cruise's stateroom instead.
The Marco Polo Ballroom transforms breakfast into a museum visit, where 18th-century frescoes by Tiepolo's pupils float overhead like painted clouds. In the acclaimed Canova Restaurant, Milanese maestro Claudio Sadler orchestrates culinary artistry worthy of its setting, while Luna Bistro caters to more casual moments. As afternoon light plays across the Royal Gardens, Caffè Baglioni becomes a front-row seat to the lagoon's changing canvas.
A recent refresh by The One Atelier brings subtle modern touches to the centuries-old palazzo. The design team has thoughtfully updated the lobby, restaurant, and bar while letting the building's historic character shine through. Guests can now indulge in Insium Spa treatments right in their rooms – a modern luxury that feels right at home in this storied setting.
Water arrivals at Baglioni Hotel Luna's private dock echo the grand entrances of Venice's golden age. The nearby vaporetto stop connects guests to Venice's labyrinth of wonders, though many find themselves lingering with the concierge, planning exclusive adventures – perhaps a private glimpse into Murano's glassmaking secrets or a gondola journey through quiet canals where tourism never ventures. Here, every sunrise reveals another face of Venice, viewed from one of her oldest and most cherished addresses.
🔭 Hotel View: Grand Canal, Venetian Lagoon, St. Mark's Campanile, San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower, Chiesa Di San Giorgio Maggiore
Address: San Marco 1243, San Marco, 30124 Venice
5-Star Hotel in Giudecca
♡ Secluded Luxury & Outdoor Pool
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Venice reveals its most intimate face at Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice, where the easternmost tip of Giudecca Island cradles one of the city's most storied retreats. Early risers gathering at the wooden deck of Cip's Club swear the morning light here transforms the lagoon into liquid gold, with St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace emerging from the morning mist like a Renaissance painting come to life. While an exclusive private launch whisks guests across to San Marco in four minutes, many find themselves lingering over breakfast, mesmerized by the gentle ballet of gondolas and vaporetti passing by.
The 94 rooms and suites at Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice split their allegiance between the main Cipriani building and Palazzo Vendramin, each offering their interpretation of Venetian grandeur. Local artisans have left their mark throughout – Murano glass catches the light just so, Fortuny fixtures cast elegant shadows, and Rubelli fabrics add subtle texture to the pale, sophisticated color palette. Those in the know request the Premium St. Mark's View rooms in Palazzo Vendramin, though the Palladio Suite, with its 180-degree water views and private heated plunge pool, might just be the city's ultimate perch. Butler service in Palazzo Vendramin's 16 rooms adds another layer of refined hospitality to the experience.
Even the most jaded travelers pause when they first step onto Cip's Club's deck, suspended over the lagoon like a floating dining room. Here, the distant toll of church bells provides the soundtrack to Chef Vania Ghedini's creations at the Michelin-starred Oro Restaurant. Il Porticciolo captures a more casual mood for lagoon-side lunches, while Bar Gabbiano honors tradition with each perfectly crafted Bellini, following Giuseppe Cipriani's original recipe with near-religious devotion.
Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice's grounds feel like discovering a secret garden on Giudecca Island. Resident tortoises sun themselves near the Olympic-sized seawater pool – the only one in Venice kept at a precise 29°C year-round. Herbs grown in the verdant gardens find their way into both cocktails and cuisine, while ducks waddle through manicured paths with an air of ownership that suggests they've been here longer than any guest.
As twilight approaches, guests depart for moonlit kayak tours of San Marco or private visits to ancient wineries, pausing to take in the view one more time. It's then that this exceptional property reveals its true magic – not just as a luxury hotel, but as a front-row seat to Venice's timeless theater, where every sunset transforms the lagoon into a different masterpiece. The Casanova Wellness Centre provides a tranquil counterpoint to these dramatic views, though some guests insist the best therapy is simply sitting on their Venetian altana, watching the city's rhythms unfold below.
🔭 Hotel View: St. Mark's Square, Venetian Lagoon, St. Mark's Campanile, The Doge's Palace, San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower, Chiesa Di San Giorgio Maggiore, Chiesa Santa Maria Delle Zitelle
Address: Giudecca 10, Giudecca, 30133 Venice
Also Consider These Venice Hotels
5-Star Hotel in Castello Near St. Mark's Square
♡ Stunning Rooftop Vistas
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On the storied Riva degli Schiavoni, Hotel Danieli, Venice rises among the city's grandest canal-view hotels. Three interconnected palaces form this Gothic masterpiece, just steps from St. Mark's Square and the Bridge of Sighs. Within its walls, centuries of Venetian history mingle with tales of famous guests – including James Bond himself, whose adventures in 'From Russia with Love' and 'Moonraker' helped make this address legendary.
Jacques Garcia's masterful touch brings fresh sophistication to the rooms and suites while honoring their aristocratic bones. In the Luxury Lagoon View Rooms with Balcony, Gothic splendor meets modern comfort, each private terrace offering front-row seats to the lagoon's daily theater. The Signature Suite elevates the experience further with stand-up balconies that sweep from the Grand Canal to Punta della Dogana. In the Suite del Doge, timbered ceilings and damask walls tell stories of Venetian opulence. It's also where Roger Moore's James Bond made himself at home during filming of 'Moonraker' in 1979 – though most guests are too busy admiring the suite's splendor to think about its film career.
Terrazza Danieli crowns the hotel, where Venetian cuisine takes on contemporary flair against a backdrop that steals the show. From this rooftop perch, diners gaze across to San Giorgio Maggiore, following the lagoon's expanse all the way to the Lido. Below, Bar Dandolo holds court amid the entrance hall's marble and gold, where ordering the house Vesper Martini feels almost obligatory – a nod to both literary and cinematic history.
For those seeking quieter pleasures, in-room spa services bring relaxation directly to guest chambers. Throughout the hotel, every window frames another postcard-perfect view—some rooms overlook the peaceful Rio del Vin, others gaze toward the Church of San Zaccaria or Venice's iconic roofscape.
🔭 Hotel View: Grand Canal, Venetian Lagoon, Santa Maria Delle Salute Church, San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower, Chiesa Di San Giorgio Maggiore
Address: Riva degli Schiavoni 4196, Castello, 30122 Venice
5-Star Hotel Near Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal
♡ Balconies with Grand Canal Views
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Pink and proud against Venice's Grand Canal, Ca' Sagredo Hotel rises opposite the bustling Rialto Market in a display of 15th-century splendor. This Italian National Monument, once home to the influential Sagredo family, safeguards an extraordinary collection of artwork exactly where it was placed centuries ago. Within these historic walls, where nobles once debated politics and artists unveiled masterpieces, every corner tells a story of Venice's golden age.
The palazzo's 42 rooms and suites feel less like hotel accommodations and more like chambers in a private museum. Those lucky enough to secure a Grand Canal Double room wake to the gentle splash of gondolas below their windows. In contrast, some rooms overlooking the inner courtyard offer the rare luxury of private terraces. Book lovers gravitate to the Library Suite – once a sanctuary where Galileo himself pondered the mysteries of the universe among 10,000 volumes. Throughout these spaces, modern comforts blend seamlessly with gilded accents and rich fabrics, while tufted velvet blanket chests add touches of Old World romance.
Some guests swear the dramatic marble staircase, Andrea Tirali's 1734 masterpiece, is worth the stay alone. As it sweeps upward, Pietro Longhi's "The Fall of the Giants" frescoes seem to move with each step, leading to a portego (grand central hall) that takes most visitors' breath away. Even breakfast becomes theatrical here, served in two remarkable settings: the Sala del Doge, where golden leaves on the family tree mark three centuries of Sagredo influence, and the Sala del Tiepolo, crowned by one of Giambattista Tiepolo's heavenly frescoes. In the Music Room, those in the know seek out the secret door hiding a staircase to an upper chamber – though staff smile knowingly when asked about other hidden passages.
L'Alcova Restaurant's wooden terrace hovers just above the Grand Canal's waters, creating the illusion of dining aboard a private yacht in the heart of Venice. As evening falls, regulars head to the rooftop terrace, where Murano glass flowers catch the last light while gondolas slip silently below. The bar feels like stepping into a Venetian painting, complete with a moretto lamp – a richly dressed figure holding light aloft, watching over evening conversations.
Life at Ca' Sagredo flows with the rhythm of the Grand Canal. A traghetto gondola ferry at the doorstep offers quick passage to the morning market, though many guests prefer to start their day with a guided run through Venice's quiet calli and along its canals. Others join the hotel's unique cooking classes, which begin with selecting fresh ingredients at the Rialto Market and end with a rooftop feast. Here, between frescoed ceilings and water-level terraces, this one-of-a-kind property offers something increasingly rare – a chance to briefly live in a chapter of Venice's artistic golden age.
🔭 Hotel View: Grand Canal, St Mark's Campanile, Rialto Market
Address: Campo Santa Sofia, 4198/99 Ca' D'Oro, Venice, Ve, 30121
5-Star Hotel in Castello, Near St. Mark's Square
♡ Damasco Suite
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Along Venice's historic Riva degli Schiavoni, Hotel Metropole Venezia claims its place among the city's most distinctive luxury hotels. What began as a humble convent and orphanage now enchants visitors with its prime position between Piazza San Marco and the leafy Giardini della Biennale gardens. Here, the Venetian Lagoon unfolds its daily theater, with the neighboring Londra Palace and Danieli completing this storied stretch of waterfront.
Rooms and suites at Hotel Metropole Venezia feel less like hotel accommodations and more like the private chambers of a Venetian collector. The luxurious "Exclusive lagoon-view damasco suite" captures uninterrupted vistas of the waterways that have inspired artists for centuries. Each space tells its own story through carefully matched drapes, wallpaper, and linens, creating harmonious retreats adorned with antique treasures. The crowning roof terrace suite offers perhaps the most coveted vantage point, though views of the lagoon, canal, or garden grace rooms throughout.
Within these historic walls, the former chapel where Antonio Vivaldi once taught music to orphans has been transformed into the Oriental Bar & Bistrot – though some guests swear they can still hear echoes of the Red Priest's violins; this atmospheric venue spans indoor and outdoor spaces.
Under Gloria Beggiato's family stewardship, the hotel has evolved into something extraordinary – an opulent cabinet of curiosities where every floor reveals a different collection. Vintage Belle Époque evening bags share space with Art Deco feathers, while assemblages of corkscrews and crucifixes speak to the family's eclectic tastes. This dedication to preserving history while embracing luxury has drawn an equally fascinating guest list through the ages – Sigmund Freud pondered the human psyche here, Marcel Proust likely gathered material for his masterworks, while modern luminaries like Grace Jones and Patti Smith have added their chapters to the hotel's story.
The collections aren't the only surprise here. Guests looking for quiet find it in the intimate spa, while the Belle Époque parlor has its charm. Those who linger here notice the subtle scent of black pepper in the air, an unusual touch that feels perfectly at home in this historic setting. These thoughtful details remind guests they're experiencing something unique—not just a romantic hotel but a living museum where luxury and history intertwine in the most Venetian of ways.
🔭 Hotel View: Grand Canal, Venetian Lagoon, Santa Maria Delle Salute Church, San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower, Chiesa Di San Giorgio Maggiore
Address: Riva Degli Schiavoni 4149, Castello, 30122 Venice
5-Star Hotel in Castello
♡ 360-Views From the Rooftop Suite
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Between the grandeur of San Marco and the artistic energy of La Biennale, Ca' di Dio writes its newest chapter in a building that has lived many lives. What once served as a monastery, hospital, and hospice now emerges as an elegant retreat, transformed by Patricia Urquiola's vision in autumn 2021. The designer's touch honors the building's soul while creating spaces that speak to modern sensibilities, all while framing mesmerizing views of the Venetian lagoon.
Spread across three buildings with 430 windows capturing Venice's changing light, the 66 rooms and suites tell their stories of contemporary Italian design meeting Venetian artistry. Fifteen fortunate rooms face the San Marco basin, though those in the know whisper about the Altana Suite's private terrace, where 360-degree views sweep from San Giorgio Island across the lagoon's expanse. Urquiola's elegant vision unfolds through Molteni&C furnishings and jewel-bright Murano glass lamps, while rose and copper-toned marble bathrooms provide sanctuary. Some guests prefer rooms overlooking the internal courtyards, where mimosa and magnolia trees create peaceful havens away from Venice's bustling calli.
First impressions linger in the lobby, where a monumental linked glass chandelier by Murano's Vetreria Artistica LP dances overhead. Here, Gaetano Pesce's iconic Feltri chair for Cassina adds a contemporary note to the historic space. VERO Restaurant extends dining to the lagoon's edge, while Essentia Restaurant transforms a tranquil courtyard into summer's most coveted tables. As evening falls, Alchemia Bar draws both guests and locals with cocktails that celebrate local ingredients.
The Pura spa offers moments of tranquility with its Turkish steam room and sauna, though some guests find equal peace simply watching boat traffic from the informal waterfront terrace. In a city that shouts its grandeur, Ca' di Dio whispers. There's no prominent signage on its church-like exterior, just discrete sophistication extending to eight luxury apartments perfect for those reluctant to leave.
Whether starting the day with breakfast on the leaf-dappled patio or watching morning light play across the lagoon from their room, guests discover a different Venice here. With vaporetto connections to the Lido and San Giorgio Maggiore just steps away, the city unfolds at their own pace, while attentive staff ensure every moment adds to their Venetian story.
🔭 Hotel View: Grand Canal, Venetian Lagoon, Santa Maria Delle Salute Church, San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower, Chiesa Di San Giorgio Maggiore
Address: Riva de la Ca' di Dio Castello 2182, Castello
5-Star Hotel Near Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal
♡ Rialto Bridge & Canal Vistas From Room 41
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In Venice's ancient Cannaregio district, The Venice Venice Hotel makes a striking statement from its perch on the Grand Canal. Housed in the 13th-century Ca' da Mosto, one of the city's oldest palazzos, this avant-garde property dares to be different. Here, Alessandro Gallo – co-founder of Golden Goose and former artistic director of the Biennale's Venice Pavilion – brings his eRose lifestyle brand's first venture to life.
Inside, architect Alessandro Pedron channels the spirit of Carlo Scarpa, breathing contemporary life into medieval bones. Forget the usual Venetian brocades and baroque flourishes; these rooms speak a different language through bold arrangements of glass, metal, and ceramic. Those lucky enough to book Room 41 often find themselves lingering by their windows, where the Rialto Bridge's timeless arc contrasts the room's contemporary design. The room shares a secret altanella (rooftop terrace) with neighboring Room 43. Each room comes with its own surprise – a chrome bar trolley stocked for impromptu cocktail hours. For those seeking more space, additional rooms in the adjacent Ca' Dolfin palazzo echo the same innovative design.
The ground floor challenges everything you thought you knew about Venetian hotels. Here, the concept store meets the cocktail bar, the moka bar mingles with the bitter club, and the reception hall flows onto a canal-side terrace. Upstairs, the dining room creates magic under a constellation of Venini glass chandeliers – though regulars know it transforms into something even more special at night when seven adjoining rooms become an intimate supper club.
Some argue that it's too bold, too different for Venice. Others can't get enough of its fresh take on luxury. The Venice Venice Hotel seems to thrive on these contrasts – where ancient and avant-garde collide in the most intriguing ways.
In the M'Art boutique downstairs, guests discover that many of the pieces that caught their eye upstairs—from cozy blankets to striking rugs—can follow them home. Even the bathrooms tell a story, fitted with The eRose's signature amenities that complement the hotel's conceptual design. Every detail seems chosen to spark conversation and make visitors question their assumptions about what a Venetian hotel should be.
🔭 Hotel View: Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge
Address: Palazzo Ca' da Mosto - Cannaregio 5631, 5632, Cannaregio, 30121 Venice
4-Star Hotel in Dorsoduro
♡ Boutique Charm & Canal Views
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Along the Grand Canal in Venice's artistic Dorsoduro district, Hotel Palazzo Stern tells stories of grand salons and creative souls within its neo-Gothic walls. The 15th-century palazzo, transformed by visionaries Raffaele Mainella and Giuseppe Berti, stands as more than just a hotel – it's a chapter of Venice's cultural narrative brought to life.
These rooms once echoed with the conversations of Marcel Proust, Gabriel Fauré, and Gabriele D'Annunzio, drawn to the magnetic presence of Ernesta Hierschel Stern's legendary salon. The palazzo's evolution continued under painter Samuel Finkelstein, whose addition of a workshop and exhibition space helped shape the building's distinctive character that captivates guests today.
The 23 rooms and suites feel less like hotel accommodations and more like private chambers in a noble Venetian home. From intimate Classic Rooms to the coveted Suite with Terrace, each space maintains its historical soul while embracing modern comfort. Many rooms offer front-row seats to the Grand Canal's daily theater, where water buses and gondolas weave their timeless dance below.
Mornings at Hotel Palazzo Stern begin on the ground floor terrace, where breakfast arrives with a side of Grand Canal drama. As sunset approaches, the rooftop terrace reveals its trump card – a Jacuzzi with views stretching beyond Venice's spires to the distant Euganean Hills and, on clear days, the snow-capped Dolomites piercing the horizon.
Dorsoduro wraps the hotel in its artistic embrace, with the Gallerie dell'Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection just a pleasant walk away. Yet this neighborhood keeps its distance from Venice's tourist crowds, maintaining the authentic rhythm of Venetian life. The hotel's private dock recalls a time when all grand palazzos welcomed their guests directly from the Grand Canal – a tradition that continues with every water taxi arrival.
The palazzo's thoughtful preservation, following architect Camillo Boito's principles, creates something increasingly rare in Venice—a hotel that feels less like a museum piece and more like a living connection to the city's golden age. Each stone and architectural detail tells part of Venice's story, while modern comforts ensure that today's guests can write their own chapters in perfect comfort.
🔭 Hotel View: Grand Canal
Address: Dorsoduro, 2792, Dorsoduro, 30122 Venice
5-Star Hotel in San Marco Near St. Mark's Square
♡ High-Floor Terraces
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Among Venice's newest luxury hotels, Nolinski Venezia writes its own chapter in an unexpected setting—the city's former Borsa, or stock exchange. French hospitality group Evok chose this 1929 architectural gem for its Venetian debut.
Design duo Le Coadic/Scotto have worked magic here, weaving together Art Deco glamour with nostalgic nods to Italy's "white telephone films" era. Their touch is light but assured – original ironwork still catches the light just so, while restored moldings and marble features remind guests of the building's storied past. The ground floor sparkles with two treasures: a spectacular Brunello Cucinelli boutique and the glittering Caffè Nolinski, where regulars claim the terrace tables offer some of the neighborhood's best people-watching.
Upstairs, rooms and suites wrap guests in plush comfort, each a study in refined luxury. Custom Murano glass pieces from Avem catch and scatter light like the lagoon, while spacious marble bathrooms provide spa-like sanctuaries. Those who stay on the higher floors wake to iconic vistas of St Mark's Campanile.
The Palais Royal restaurant, which opened its doors in April 2024, stops first-time visitors in their tracks. De Chirico might have dreamed up the striking rotunda and arches himself, creating a space that transforms from Venice's most elegant breakfast venues—complete with pastries that locals line up for—into an atmospheric dinner destination. Between meals, the cocktail bar and library beckon with quiet corners perfect for afternoon reading or evening aperitivo.
Hidden on the third floor, La Colline Spa feels like discovering a secret garden in the sky. Here, beauty treatments and meditation spaces provide a welcome respite from Venice's bustle, while the gold mosaic jacuzzi adds an unexpectedly opulent touch. Throughout the hotel, staff move with quiet grace in their Cardin-inspired uniforms, their presence adding the final note to this thoroughly modern interpretation of Venetian hospitality.
🔭 Hotel View: St Mark's Campanile
Address: 2033 Calle Larga XXII Marzo, San Marco, 30124 Venice