Best Hotels in Venice

About Venice

Venice may seem like a fever dream – a city where the streets are water, and the only car beep you’ll hear is a boat horn echoing off ancient brick. Walk out from Venezia Santa Lucia after dark, past luggage-draggers, and you’ll catch the smell: briny canal, a hint of diesel from a waterbus, sharp cheese floating from a tiny deli. There are no straight lines – not in the city’s layout or how it makes you feel. It’s a place entwined with contradictions: iconic, overcrowded, yet, with a turn, astonishingly private. Gondoliers rest near bridges, phone in hand, cursing a stubborn sunburn. Laundry flaps beside church domes. If a place could embody human imperfection, Venice is it.

The charm? It lies in losing your way. Even locals joke that if you haven’t gotten lost in Venice, you’ve never actually been. There’s a rhythm to daily life: early groceries ferried in by barge, quiet alleys filling with laughter as bells from St. Mark’s echo down marble corridors. Cafés on Campo Santa Margherita serve up thick espresso, and hotel lobbies – from the velvet-lined halls of Aman Venice to the “tiny antique lift” at the Hotel Flora – buzz with a thousand accents. Every traveler remembers their first “Venice moment”: probably when you realise that an address means nothing without a map – you just follow the nudge of the next bridge and hope to find the right canal. One day, a storm may chase you indoors, but the hush and shudder of rain is a rare treat; fewer crowds, a swirl of mist through narrow calle, and a cafe that feels all your own. Forget what you’ve read about Venice being stuck in the past. It’s stubbornly alive – and hotels in Venice reflect that survival story, from budget boltholes in Cannaregio to the opulent salons of the Cipriani. Staying here is as much about personality as it is about price. 

Venice tour packages from Akbar Travels include stays at top hotels, guided sightseeing, and seamless transfers, letting you explore iconic canals, St. Mark’s Square, and hidden gems hassle-free. 

Venice Airport Address

Venice’s main air gateway is named for the legendary explorer:

• Name: Venice Marco Polo Airport
• Address: Viale Galileo Galilei, 30, 30173 Venezia VE, Italy
• Contact: +39 041 260 6111
• Email: info@veneziaairport.it  

If you’re weighing hotels in Venice near airport, allow about 23–35 minutes by road or water taxi to the city center, depending on the time of day. Around dawn, the lagoon’s fog may delay a few shuttles – account for this when booking early flights.

The Best Time to Visit Venice

Venice, loved fiercely and sometimes too much, peaks for visitors in June and early July, when light lasts well past 9 pm and the Grand Canal brims with activity. Hotel rates spike during Carnival (February/March) and the Biennale (occasional April-November, even-numbered years) – think minimum +30–45% on the average Venice hotel prize, with some luxury hotels in Venice completely booked out months ahead.

Late October through November is “acqua alta” (high water) season. This isn’t always as dramatic as headlines claim, but tall boots don’t hurt. For the lowest Venice hotel price comparison, mid-January offers real deals: room tariffs can drop 40% or more, and alleyways feel yours alone.

How to Reach Venice

By air:

Fly to Venice Marco Polo. Taxis – road or water – queue outside, but water is undeniably more fun, even if you’ll pay extra for the view. Budget travelers: ask about fixed-fare shuttles or share a boat with fellow visitors.

By rail:

Arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia. From there, step right onto the Grand Canal. Hotels in Venice near railway station tend to book up early – the most convenient for late-night or rainy arrivals. Luggage porters hover nearby; tipping €3–5 keeps your bags safe across bridges.

By road:

Piazzale Roma marks the car boundary. Park in Tronchetto for the widest slots (and highest hourly rates). Most Venice hotels arrange a porter, but ask ahead – you’ll want to know if your “short walk” involves five bridges.

Things to Do in Venice

• St. Mark’s Basilica: Byzantine glory and golden mosaics; lines are longest after 10 am.
• Doge’s Palace: Secret passageways and opulent courtyards – book ahead for the “Secret Itineraries.”
• Rialto Bridge: Shoppers and photo-seekers gather; the market nearby buzzes by 8 am.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Modern art in a former home, garden views toward Dorsoduro.
• Gallerie dell’Accademia: Masterpieces from Venetian greats, especially evocative late afternoons.
• Grand Canal tour: Local vaporetti (waterbus) make for an endlessly surprising cruise.
• Murano: Home to glassblowers and shimmering galleries.
• Burano: Colorful island, famous for lace makers and a dazzling main square.
• Lido Beach: Sand, salty breeze – ask about Venice hotels near beach for convenience.
• Campo Santa Margherita: Student heart of Venice, cafes open till midnight.
• Scuola Grande di San Rocco: Tintoretto’s massive, swirling canvases.
• Teatro La Fenice: Venice’s grand opera house, rebuilt and beloved.
• Jewish Ghetto: Quiet, deeply historical. Best visited in the evening for a tranquil stroll.
• Fondamenta della Misericordia: Lively strip of restaurants and bars beside Cannaregio canal.
• Libreria Acqua Alta: Books in bathtubs, cats snoozing by the door.

Shopping in Venice

• Attombri: Unique Murano glass jewelry.
• Ca’ Macana: World-renowned for handmade masks – the artistry in the delicate brushwork.
• Il Pavone: Vibrant marbled papers for journals.
• Fortuny: Rare textiles, sumptuous and hefty priced.
• Paperoowl: Witty paper gifts and quirky stationery.
• Signor Blum: Wooden toys for gifting (or nostalgia).
• Al Duca d’Aosta: Luxury clothing in a historic setting.
• Bevilacqua: Ancient silk weaving looms, sometimes open to visitors.
• Vianello Libri: It’s tiny but packed with Venice rarities.
• Segreti Veneziani: Perfumes blended with secret local recipes.
• Gualti: Side-alley jewelry that feels like wearable sculpture.
• Negozio Olivetti: It’s a typewriter shop – but it’s a museum too.
• Emilio Ceccato: High-end Venetian sportswear.
• Rio Terà dei Assassini Market: Mornings only, budget finds.
• Libreria Acqua Alta: Yes, again – for book lovers.

Insider: Prices on Murano glass can swing wildly; ask for certification before buying “real” glass.

Famous Restaurants in Venice

• Antiche Carampane: Seafood heaven, tablecloths slightly askew, that’s part of the charm.
• Trattoria al Gatto Nero: On Burano, for lunch worth the boat ride.
• Al Covo: Home-cooked risotto, founder always checking tables.
• Anice Stellato: Seasonal Venetian specials in Cannaregio.
• Osteria alle Testiere: Cosy, book way in advance – only ten tables.
• Alla Madonna: Classic Venetian, just off the Rialto crowds.
• Vini da Gigio: Quieter, reliable, locals lunch here on Fridays.
• Da Fiore: Michelin-starred for a reason (and a one-month waitlist).
• Ristorante Quadri: Piazza San Marco, best for a memorable dinner with a view.
• Al Timon: Spritzers and bites on a floating barge.
• All’Arco: Chico behind the counter is a delight himself.
• La Zucca: Famed pumpkin flan, always slightly overbooked.
• Cantina Do Spade: Cicchetti and stories from old Venice.
• Trattoria alla Madonna: The fried seafood gets spoken of in whispers.
• Il Ridotto: Refined, but relaxed enough for the everyday trip.

Locals often slip down Calle dei Stagneri for a late plate at Alle Testiere – its side door’s easy to miss, so look for the little snail shell sign.

Popular Hotels in Venice

Ask for the best hotels in Venice, and debates spring up. Some picks, each with a foothold in local lore:

• Hotel Danieli: Venetian Gothic palace with a wild breakfast spread.
• Ca’ Sagredo Hotel: Morano chandeliers, frescoes – the real palazzo experience.
• Gritti Palace: Sells itself as aristocracy reborn (the canal view costs extra).
• Bauer Palazzo: A “Venice famous hotels” classic – rooftop cocktails at sunset.
• Aman Venice: George Clooney once booked out the whole thing.
• Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal: Grand but not intimidating.
• NH Collection Venezia Palazzo Barocci: Overlooks the Grand Canal, staff know how to charm.
• Hotel Ai Reali: Tucked down an alley (the bell sometimes stuck), rich interiors.
• Antiche Figure: Reliable, across from the train station for late arrivals.
• Hotel Londra Palace: Longstanding, serious linens, quirky dog policy.
• Sina Centurion Palace: Funky modern twist on an old palazzo.
• Hotel Flora: Tiny hideaway with hidden garden.
• Ca’ Pisani Hotel: Art Deco touches, breakfast feels homemade.
• All’Angelo Art Hotel: Modern, affordable, great for art lovers.
• Splendid Venice: Close to Rialto and San Marco – you can almost roll from bed to bridge.

Those searching for “hotels in Venice near railway station” often pick Antiche Figure, but don’t expect total quiet at 7 am – vaporetti startle awake early.

Popular Resorts in Venice

• JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa: On private Isola delle Rose, with sprawling pools and a view back at the city.
• San Clemente Palace Kempinski: It’s got a bell tower and its own island.
• Excelsior Venice Lido Resort: Grand, living Art Deco, steps from the sand.
• Ca’ Nigra Lagoon Resort: Serene gardens, canal frontage.
• Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel: Legends swirl about their Bellini skills.
• Relais Alberti: Offbeat elegance, hidden away on the Lido.
• Ausonia Hungaria Wellness & Lifestyle: Classic facade, ultra-modern spa inside.
• Hotel Villa Laguna: Old manor charm, water taxi stop at the gate.
• Hotel Villa Mabapa: Retro beach vibes and seagull banter.
• Villa Delle Palme: Palm-fringed, affordable comfort.
• Le Ville del Lido: Apartments for families – always a bike rental or two up for grabs.
• Grand Hotel des Bains: Moments from history; movie buffs know the connection.
• Oasi di Venezia: Budget yet beautiful, especially in spring.
• Ca’ Zose: For a quirky independent feel, closer to Dorsoduro art.
• Hotel Rigel: Cheap but honest, staff hand out paper maps (which help, trust this).

Hotel apartments in Venice like Le Ville del Lido or Oasi di Venezia are great for longer stays.

Where to Stay in Venice

Deciding where to stay in Venice is less about picking a neighborhood and more about balancing quirks – for instance, San Marco is lively but crowded, Dorsoduro is artsy and a little calmer, and Cannaregio gives a peek at an authentic local Venice. Test each district by foot if possible before booking the next visit.

If targeting the best places to stay in Venice, check the stretch between Accademia and Campo Santa Margherita – walkable, fewer crowds, plenty of small markets around.

For luxury hotels in Venice, San Marco and the Grand Canal dominate. Anyone who craves seclusion – as opposed to pure centrality – should lean toward the Lido, especially between May and September.

Best mechanism? Use akbartravels.com for live price checks, especially late at night or when local festivals fill up rooms unexpectedly.

Places to Stay in Venice Near Popular Attractions

Matching your hotel to your must-see landmarks saves sore feet – and sanity.

• Piazza San Marco: Gritti Palace, Hotel Danieli
• Rialto Bridge: Splendid Venice, Antico Panada
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Ca’ Pisani Hotel, Sina Centurion Palace
• Jewish Ghetto (Cannaregio): Ca’ d’Oro Hotel, Carnival Palace
• Santa Lucia Station: Antiche Figure, Abbazia Hotel
• Lido Beach: Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, Hotel Villa Laguna
• Biennale (Giardini): Villa Gabriella, Hotel Indigo Venice

Some staff at smaller hotels are strict about check-out times, but others can be flexible if you ask before noon.

Budget Hotels in Venice

Cheap hotels in Venice exist – but they’re rarely in sight of the Grand Canal. Expect private rooms with shared baths and a breakfast of coffee plus one roll or croissant.

• Locanda Silva
• Hotel Guerrini
• Ca’ della Corte
• Hotel dalla Mora
• Hotel Iris
• Casa per Ferie La Pietà
• Hotel Tivoli

Venice Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 star hotels in Venice: Cipriani, Gritti Palace, Baglioni Hotel Luna, Bauer Palazzo, JW Marriott Venice.
• 4 star: Hotel Ai Reali, Sina Centurion Palace, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, NH Collection Venezia, Ca’ Sagredo Hotel.
• 3 star: Hotel Flora, Hotel Antiche Figure, Locanda Vivaldi.
• 2 star hotel Venice: Hotel Guerrini, Hotel dalla Mora, Hotel Tivoli.

Quick bemusing note: the star system doesn’t always align with guest experience – a “2 star hotel Venice” can feel deeply personal, while some grand, five-star lobbies feel oddly sterile.

Best Hotels in Venice Based on Location

• Central: Hotel Danieli, Splendid Venice (for those on a tight schedule).
• Near railway: Antiche Figure, Abbazia (for heavy packers).
• Lido: JW Marriott (if you fancy a swim before heading to the city).
• Cannaregio: Carnival Palace (up-and-coming, creative crowd).
• Dorsoduro: Ca’ Pisani, great for art lovers.

It always helps to check Venice hotel price comparison tools – the discrepancies between direct sites and akbartravels.com can be substantial, especially 12–20 days out from check-in dates.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Venice

Family travelers lean toward spacious and accommodating – not just connecting rooms. These work best:

• Ca’ Sagredo Hotel
• JW Marriott Venice
• Hotel L’Orologio
• Ca’ Pisani Hotel
• All’Angelo Art Hotel

Brief aside: JW Marriott’s kids’ pool gets rave reviews for its view of San Marco – a rare case where parents actually linger poolside.

Venice Hotels Tariff

Venice hotel tariff structure is mercurial:

• 5-star hotels in Venice can range from €450 to €1,200 in the high season.
• Venice 5 star hotel options like Cipriani or Gritti charge more for a Grand Canal view – consider garden rooms for savings.
• Main season hotel tariffs (May–September) across any Venice hotel: +35–50% compared to chilly January.
• For budget stays, expect €55–€90 per night at two-star properties, especially if you book early via akbartravels.com.
• Venice hotel price comparison between sites for identical dates often reveals a 12–19% variance – so double-check before paying.

If staying at hotels in Venice near the beach (Lido hotels), add €4–5 per person for the ferry.

Venice Travel Tips

• Book hotels in Venice well ahead of peak times, especially for Carnival or Biennale; waiting past the three-month window can double your nightly tariff.
• Carry extra cash for the city tax (around €3–€8 per night); it’s a surprise charge at checkout, not always included online.
• Water taxis are speedy but not cheap, sharing with others from the airport saves up to €30 per trip.
• Buy vaporetto passes (for water buses) at the airport or train station, not the canal stops, for lower rates and fewer queues.
• Venice’s layout will outsmart your mapping app, factor in one micro-wrong turn per route and budget extra time, especially around Santa Croce.
• Avoid heavy luggage on bridges; wheels catch, steps get slick after rain, and porters on Piazzale Roma save backs and tempers.
• Seek cheap hotels in Venice in Mestre and Cannaregio, early mornings mean empty alleys and better rates.
• Use akbartravels.com for Venice hotel price comparison and flight deals; one guest found a €42 room there on a rainy Tuesday night.
• Caffe Florian in Piazza San Marco charges steep for coffee, but the live piano and view are worth one stop if budget allows.youtube​
• Explore beyond San Marco and Rialto; Cannaregio has artisan shops, sunset views, and quieter nights.
• Venice flight tickets can vary in price. To secure the best fares, book cheap flights to Venice well in advance, seats go quickly before European holiday periods.
• Buy a local SIM or eSIM before arrival; Venetian buildings block signals, so free Wi-Fi can mean standing awkwardly in hotel corridors.youtube​
• Respect local customs, dress modestly in churches, and keep voices low in residential areas; Venetians value quiet after 9 pm.
• For art lovers, time visits to Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Accademia for late afternoon, when crowds thin and sunlight sparkles through the windows.
• Keep a copy or scan of your ID handy; hotels, museums, and vaporetto staff sometimes request it for ticket validation.

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