Despite being hotly debated in the recent travel news due to local protests at the rising levels of tourism, Venice remains one of Europe’s most iconic and desirable destinations. And with good reason. The historic centre with its canals and architecture are timelessly enchanting. Our guide on where to stay in Venice, Italy will help you choose the ideal Venice accommodation for your trip to this unforgettable city.
Where to stay in Venice, Italy
The best way to experience Venice is to spend at least a few days exploring the wonders of the old city and even taking a trip or two out to the surrounding islands. Venice has a rich cultural, literary and musical history that cannot be fully appreciated by a flying visit.
A longer stay gives times to linger over the canals, bridges, architecture and lagoon views for which the city is famous. Those days will also allow you ample time to try out the local cuisine and enjoy a few leisurely proseccos or three in one of the many bars or cafes.
All this, and you also get to experience the beauty of Venice at night, when the light dances on the surface of the canals, bringing an entirely different element of romance to the city.
Convinced? Then read on for our tips for the best hotels in Venice, Italy!
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Where to stay in San Marco
San Marco is home to many of the most iconic landmarks in Venice so if you choose to stay there, you won’t be alone, and it won’t be cheap. However, if your trip is short and you want the best area to stay in Venice that you can most easily access the top sights, then San Marco is a great choice.
The family-owned Rosa Salva hotel has been recently refurbished to provide a contemporary feel yet still housed in one of Venice’s oldest buildings. Still within steps of Piazza di San Marco, Rosa Salva occupies a choice location among 3 star hotels in Venice. Check the latest price of Rosa Salva Hotel.
Check out some of the great tours in Venice:
- Venice: Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Terrace Access Guided Tour
- Venice Photography Walking Tour: A Day in Life of Venice
If you have only three days in Venice here is a great itinerary.
Where to stay in Cannaregio
Cannaregio has numerous restaurants serving up local fish and vegetable based specialties, and bars frequented by actual Venetian locals (yes, they exist!). The neighbourhood is usually underrated by tourists, and for that reason it counts as one of the best places to stay in Venice Italy for anyone looking for a more authentic Venetian experience.
Our pick > Pesaro Palace
One of the prime Venice hotels on Grand Canal, we stayed in the Pesaro Palace during our last visit. Our room was beautifully furnished and decorated with Murano lamps. The hotel has a pleasant garden and a is handily located right next to the Ca d’Oro Vaporetto (water bus) stop. Check the latest price of Pesaro Palace.
Another of the beautiful boutique hotels Venice can boast of, the Palazzo Abadessa is set in a former Doge’s 16th century residence. It is impressively decorated, with frescoed ceilings and antique furniture. Check the latest price of Palazzo Abadessa.
One of the only Venice hotels with a pool, Giorgione offers a good variety of rooms and is only 400m from the Rialto Bridge. Check the latest price of Hotel Giorgione.
Hotel Guerrini is a two star budget hotel, located close to the water bus stop and the main railway station. Cheaper rooms have shared bathrooms although there are some rooms available also with private bathrooms. All rooms are decorated in traditional style. Check the latest price Hotel Guerrini.
Check out some of the great tours in Venice:
- Eating Venice: Offbeat Food & Drinks Tour
- Venice: Twilight Food Tour with Cicchetti and Spritz Tasting
Where to stay in Castello
Stretching from the tourist centre of Venice out to the quieter eastern side of the city, Castello is among the few places to stay in Venice where you can enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Our pick > Hotel Bucintoro
An elegant choice among 4 star hotels in Venice. Soundproofed and nautical-themed rooms offer fantastic views over St Marks Square or the Venice Lagoon. Check the latest price of Hotel Bucintoro.
The Sant Antonin accommodation is set in a 16th century building, and the property features a panoramic terrace and a sculpture garden. A great choice among three-star accommodation in Venice. Check the latest price for hotel Sant’Antonin.
Check out some of the great tours with Viator in Castello and other neighborhoods
Heading to Italy? Get inspired by more travel articles:
- Where to Stay in Rome, Italy: the Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
- Visiting Puglia Through Some of the Best Food in Italy
- The Best Beaches in Puglia for your Vacations in Italy
- Train Travel in Europe with Interrail
- Where To Stay in Milan, Italy: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
- Things to do in Matera, Italy: Tips on Outdoors, Food and Culture
- The Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy
Where to stay in Dorsoduro
Dorsodoro is far from the most expensive neighbourhood, but it has some of the top rated accommodation in Venice Italy. With so many galleries and collections in the neighbourhood, it is also the best place to stay in Venice for art-lovers.
Our pick > Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Newly refurbished 15th century Gothic palace, this 4 star hotel offers larger-than-usual rooms with some having canal views. Check the latest price of Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace.
Where to stay in San Polo
San Polo may be the smallest neighbourhood in the city, but it is the best location to stay in Venice if you want the chance of views over the famous and much photographed Rialto Bridge.
Real budget Venice hotel deals in San Polo are rare, however if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom then B&B Exclusive is a great budget option. With clean, high-ceilinged rooms, it is only a 15 minute walk from the Rialto bridge and conveniently located for transport links. Check the latest price for B&B Exclusive.
Where to stay in Santa Croce
Santa Croce is where most people will arrive in Venice, via the bus station or main ferry passenger terminus. It is also home to the city municipal car park. However, there is more to this district than transport. Here are our choices for where to stay in Venice in the Santa Croce neighbourhood.
Our pick > Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli
An elegant choice among 4 star hotels in Venice, some rooms offer views over the Grand Canal. The hotel claims such prestigious past guests as the Mozart family and the King of Denmark. Check the latest price for Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli.
Also offering rooms with Grand Canal views, the on-site restaurant at Palazzo Venart serves up dishes from Michelin-starred chef Enrico Bartolini. Check the latest price for Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel.
Check out some of the great tours in Venice:
As you can see, Venice has a great choice of hotels that can suit a range of budgets and styles. We hope this guide helps you helps to decide where to stay in Venice to get the most out of your stay. If we have also managed to convince you that this ever-popular destination deserves more than just a fleeting day tour of the top sights, then so much the better in support of a more sustainable tourism for Venice.
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