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!
Note: Do you want to enjoy a cosy room, apartment, or a villa instead of a hotel room? Check out Airbnb – a platform with great selections of homes around the world. Click here and and get $40 credit for your first booking!
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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.
Our pick > Morettino
Housed in a typical Venetian building only 100m from Piazza di San Marco, Morettino offers great value for its prime location in this much-sought after location in Venice. Rooms are air-conditioned. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Luxury > Bauer Palazzo
One of the most well-known 5 star hotels in Venice, the historic Bauer Palazzo is the epitome of Venetian luxury. Suites are decorated with Murano glass chandeliers and some offer views over the Grand Canal. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Mid-range > Rosa Salva Hotel
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 on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Budget > Hotel San Gallo
Budget or cheap hotels in Venice around the San Marco neighbourhood can be difficult to find. However the Hotel San Gallo is a great budget choice. It is located only 50m from Piazza di San Marco and also close to the water bus stop. Rooms are decorated in a traditional Venetian style and the hotel currently offers free boat trips to nearby Murano island. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Check out some of the great tours with Viator in San Marco
- Small Group Venice In a Day with Basilica San Marco and Doges Palace plus Gondola Ride
- Venice Photography Walking Tour: A Day in Life of Venice
- Welcome to Venice Small Group Walking Tour with Basilica San Marco and Gondola Ride
Where to stay in Cannaregio
Cannaregio has numerous restaurants serving up local fish and vegetable based specialities, 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 on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Luxury > Palazzo Abadessa
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 on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Mid-range > Hotel Giorgione
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 on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Budget > Hotel Guerrini
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 on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Check out some of the great tours with Viator in Cannaregio:
- Jewish Ghetto and Cannaregio Food Tour with Dinner in Venice
- Cicchetti and Wine Tour of Venice’s Jewish Ghetto
- Private Walking Tour: Venice’s Jewish Ghetto
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 on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Luxury > Hotel Londra Palace
With rooms featuring original paintings and silk furnishings, the luxurious Londra Palace has a handy location only 400m away from the Doge’s Palace. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Mid-range > Hotel Sant’Antonin
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 on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Budget > B&B La Corte Dei Dogi
Overlooking the lagoon, La Corte Dei Dogi has an excellent location considering it is among the cheap hotels in Venice Italy. Each room is traditionally decorated with a dedica-tion to a particular Venetian doge. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Check out some of the great tours with Viator in Castello and other neighborhoods
- Venetian Ships Pavilion and the Castello District
- Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class
- Venice Food Tour: Cicchetti and Wine
Heading to Italy? Get inspired by more travel articles:
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- 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 on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Luxury> Hotel Sina Centurion Palace
Featuring a gym, a private dock and a courtyard serving drinks, the Sina Centurion Palace is a true 5-star luxury hotel. Buffet breakfast choices extend to offerings such as smoked salmon and a cheese selection, and rooms have wood-beamed ceilings. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Mid-range > Hotel Ca’Nobile Corner
With only 9 individually decorated rooms, this unique 14th century palace finished being renovated in 2017. The entrance features an original 15th century well and staircase and the hotel has views over Campo Santa Margherita Square. All great value for a 3 star hotel in Venice. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Budget > Easy Hostel Venice
Offering double rooms with private bathrooms, this is a good budget option for couples looking for some privacy. Easy Hostel also offers family rooms, and is conveniently located just one stop on the water bus from Piazza di San Marco. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Check out some of the great tours with Viator in Dorsoduro
- Dorsoduro District Private Walking Tour
- Venice Art Tour with Entrance to the Gallerie dell’Accademia
- Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals Small Group Tour by Boat
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.
Our pick > L’Orologio
Consistently featured as one of the best luxury hotels Venice has to offer. L’Orologio is a modern hotel offering elegant rooms and apartments only five minutes walk from the Rialto Bridge. Check the latest prices on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Luxury > Palazetto Madonna
Grand, antique furnished rooms with some offering canal views, Palazetto Madonna also offers a great breakfast selection. The hotel is conveniently located yet the location itself is quiet. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Mid-range > Ca’San Rocco
With rooms featuring parquet flooring and wrought-iron beds, Ca’San Rocco is also located centrally and only a 5 minute walk from the main railway station. Breakfast is served on the leafy terrace in summer. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Budget > B&B Exclusive
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 on Booking.com.
Check out some of the great tours with Viator in San Polo
- Hidden Venice Half-Day Walking Tour with Rialto Market Cicchetti and Wine
- Private Tour: San Polo Walking Tour – Merchants, Courtesans and Painters
- Private Tour: Venice Rialto Market, San Polo and Frari Church Walking Tour
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 on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Luxury > Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel
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 on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Mid-range > Hotel Olimpia Venezia
Conveniently located 100m from Piazzale Roma, close to the passenger terminal, bus and rail links, and parking. Hotel Olimpia also offers bicycle parking – valuable if you are arriving on a bike as cycling is forbidden in Venice. Comfortable rooms with all amenities. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Budget > Casa Sant’Andrea
Housed in a former monastery, Casa Sant’Andrea is also located close to Piazzale Roma. Although you will share a bathroom, it is a private room and breakfast is included in the rate. This is one of the best prices we have seen for a budget hotel in Venice. Check the latest price on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
Check out some of the great tours with Viator in Santa Croce and other neighbourhoods:
- Private Tour: Venice Gondola Ride Including the Grand Canal
- Bassano del Grappa and Asolo Small Group Day Tour from Venice: Medieval Hill-towns, Wine and Palladian Villa
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.