1 The Gritti Palace
Once a former palace dating back to 1475, this beautiful property emerged from a 15-month restoration in February 2013, which revamped the entire building. Modern touches have been added, but the original character and appearance remains – you’ll still feel like Venetian royalty.
The 61 rooms and 21 suites are all unique, but each come filled with exquisite paintings, antiques and fabrics – with some boasting canal-side windows. Don’t miss a visit to The Club de Doge restaurant for one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city. Undoubtedly expensive, this is a hotel for those who enjoy the finer things in life – as well as exceptional art and elegance.
Rooms from £855 per night. Click here to book.
2 The Bauer Palazzo
Ultra-luxurious, ultra-sleek and ultra- boutique hotel – this five-star hotel is ideal for a spot of romantic indulgence. Nestled in the heart of Venice, just a few steps from Piazza San Marco and situated on the Grand Canal, take breakfast on Venice’s highest roof terrace for panoramic views of the city with your morning coffee.
One of the most regal addresses in Venice, Tte historic 18th century building has been beautifully restored and offers 135 Double Deluxe rooms and 56 suites with modern Venetian interiors and period furnishings.
All rooms boast Italian marble bathrooms supplied with exclusive toiletries of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Most suites have Jacuzzi bathtubs, glass chandeliers and large luxurious living areas to enjoy too.
For the foodies, pitstop at Restaurant De Pisis for gourmet Mediterranean and Italian cuisine with Asian influences.
Rooms from £399 per night. Click here to book.
3 Ca’ Sagredo Hotel
Fancy spending the night at a National Monument? At this 15th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, you can do just that. Art is everything here – enjoy beautiful frescoes, paintings and artefacts.
Walls feature the work of Nicolò Bambini and Giambattista Tiepolo, whilst the magnificent 18th-century Scalone dei Giganti staircase has two marble cherubs to admire. Don’t miss out on a visit to the music ballroom, as this is particularly splendid and filled with impressive frescoes by Gaspare Diziani.
Expect Venetian-themed interiors, with rich brocade fabrics, red and white upholstered headboards, plus marble bathrooms. Ideal for city gazing, rooms look out across the rooftops or the hotel’s inner courtyard. Luxurious and charming, you’ll feel like you’re staying in a living museum.
Rooms from £156 per night. Click here to book.
4 Hotel Antico Doge
Ideal for the explorers, Hotel Antico Doge is positioned with easy access to all of Venice’s main sites and attractions. Rialto Bridge is a short stroll away, as is St. Mark’s Square. Make your way to the nearby Campo Santi Apostoli for a bustling residential area, or head to Fondamente Nuove to speedy access to Murano.
Centrally located in a picturesque corner of the Cannaregio district with quick access to all of Venice’s major sites in the Cannaregio district. St. Mark’s Square is a 10-minute walk, the Rialto Bridge even closer, and there’s direct access to the Jewish Ghetto and train station via the nearby Strada Nuova.
With only 20 rooms, draped in reds, yellows and greens, Hotel Antico Doge is a lovingly restored 13th-century palace filled with Venetian history and exceptional service. Step back in time and marvel at the gilt mirrors, brocades and layers of silk.
Rooms are luxuriant, furnished with original antique pieces that keep to the culture of the building. It’s the staff’s kindness that makes this property stand out – service is everything here.
Rooms from £63 per night. Click here to book.
5 DD724
Hiding down a narrow alley in Dorsoduro, this is an instantly special hotel. From the outside, you might expect it to be cramped – but it’s a design triumph. Offering a stroke of contemporary cool unique to these parts, it’s stylish yet intimate – bringing a modern touch to the majority of classic properties.
There’s no main restaurant here, but the breakfast is mouth-wateringly good – with numerous eateries and cafes found just a stone’s throw away.
Rooms from £242 per night. Click here to book.
Words by Sophie Ritchie