7 Top Hotels in Venice
Live in the Lap of Luxury on a Romantic Italian City Break
There are plenty of blogs and travel guides around right now that tell you how to do Venice on the cheap and that’s great but if you have been planning the trip of a lifetime to one of the most romantic places in the world, you probably don’t want to spend it in budget accommodation. If you’re thinking of going to Venice for a special occasion or just to experience the absolute theatre and magic of this city, try and push the gondola out and book one of the best hotels.
This week I want to share some of the most luxurious places to stay in Venice to help you plan your trip so that the minute you step off the plane you know you’re going to be in for a treat. There’s nothing worse than heading to your digs wondering if it looks anything like the website pictures. Trust me, I’ve had those experiences and have learned the hard lesson that you get what you pay for and you’re not likely to find yourself in a dreamy, palatial suite if you’ve only paid a few quid on a two star, so called “hidden gem’.
If you’re looking for serious decadence and jaw-dropping surrounds for your Venetian adventure, have a peek at some of these stunners.
Belmond Hotel Cipriani
So, I’ve jumped right in with the big guns from the off. The sumptuous Belmond Hotel Cipriani sits on Giudecca Island and totally sums up the romance and glamour of Venice. The hotel is a short water taxi ride from St Mark’s Square and you’ll feel every inch the celebrity as you disembark at this classic Venetian landmark hotel. You will love staying here.
You could lose yourself for hours gazing across the views of the lagoon, wishing you could stay in the moment forever.
Baglioni Hotel Luna
Art is everywhere in this city and you could argue that Venice itself is a masterpiece. It’s certainly a prime spot for art lovers to indulge their passion. Among the MANY reasons to stay in this gem of a hotel, said to be the oldest in Venice, the Baglioni Hotel Luna boasts its very own art collection, admired by everyone who stays here and wait until you see the dining room ceiling! It’s a bit like having your coffee and Rice Krispies in the Sistine Chapel. It’s just stunning.
Book the Baglioni Hotel Luna direct at www.baglionihotels.com
Hotel Danieli
Right at the heart of the action and the bustling atmosphere of St Mark’s Square is another of the most famous hotels in Venice. The palatial Hotel Danieli is made up of three Venetian palazzi dating as far back as the 14th Century. Dripping in Murano glass chandeliers, priceless antiques and impressive marble columns, I think it looks like a grand opera house (easy mistake to make in Italy – the home of opera!) but it also still feels like you’re walking into a palace; admiring the staircase is worth the price of a cocktail in the bar alone. The Hotel Danieli has also graced the silver screen as a movie set too – remember Casino Royale, Bond fans?
You might not want to make a movie about it but this is the perfect setting for your own love story.
Londra Palace
Another prime address for some Italian decadence is the charming and elegant Londra Palace. You’ll find this peach of a hotel on the Riva degli Schiavoni, close to many of the Venetian highlights like the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Square yet it’s also well placed for exploring all of Venice’s hidden treasures and atmospheric back streets. The hotel belongs to the Relais & Chateaux family which means you can be sure of first class hospitality.
San Clemente Palace Kempinski
This exclusive 5-star retreat sits on the private island of San Clemente, shielding you from the hustle and bustle of the busier thoroughfares yet the hotel’s complimentary shuttle boat can take you back and forth to the heart of action in a few minutes – just imaging being whisked across the lagoon to this luxury hideaway.
There are also leisure facilities to help you relax and chill after all that sightseeing – there’s a tennis court, a pitch and putt golf course and an attractive outdoor pool. You don’t want to get too overworked though, make sure you take time to unwind and just bliss out with some proper pampering and de-stressing in The Merchant of Venice Spa which offers a fine selection of beauty treatments. What’s not to love?
Gritti Palace
Overlooking the majestic Grand Canal, the iconic Gritti Palace is the epitome of Venetian style and luxury. Dating back to 1475, this former family home of Doge Andrea Gritti has been lovingly restored and renovated to become one of the most celebrated hotels in Venice. The Gritti Palace attracts a wealth of visitors and has also hosted some esteemed guests over the years from writer Ernest Hemingway to international royalty. Will you be next to walk through its doors?
JW Marriott Venice Resort
Another exclusive private island retreat with the ‘wow’ factor is the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa. This hotel is the last word in sophistication and the perfect choice for a secluded holiday that will restore your equilibrium. Lying on the pretty Isola delle Rose, the hotel occupies this private island and in my opinion, the ultimate sanctuary from the stresses of everyday life. Don’t you just want to be whisked away to this place right now? I’ve certainly lingered over the website for longer than I should!
Are you ready to book?
For the cheapest flight only prices to Venice from the UK try Skyscanner
For package holidays to Venice take a look at Citalia and Sovereign – these guys know their way around a luxury city break.
I love travel. I’ve been fascinated by other countries and cultures since my first foreign trip in 1985 and I’ve had serious wanderlust ever since.I also love to write about where I’ve been and tripsology lets me indulge that passion. I’m thrilled to be a regular contributor and editor. When I’m not writing I also run my own PR and publicity company.