The Most Beautiful Hotels in Venice

Adine Fichot-Marion

When planning a trip to Venice, settling for less is not an option! These hotels are each a must-visit in their own right. Even if you don't stay there, you can always dream while enjoying a drink and their exceptional locations.

A mythical destination in La Serenissima, no list of the most beautiful hotels in Venice would be complete without Londra Palace. Opened in 1853 as Hotel d'Angleterre and renamed in the 70s, this 5-star hotel is the only member of Relais & Châteaux in Venice. Its prime location, a stone's throw from St. Mark's Square, boasts 100 windows overlooking the San Marco basin, with ⅔ of the 52 unique rooms and suites featuring balconies with lagoon views. Recent renovations highlight Venetian spirit with Fortuny chandeliers, Murano mirrors, vibrant fabrics, and herringbone parquet floors, combined with modern touches like walk-in showers and connected desks. For an exceptional stay, choose one of the two signature suites: the duplex Jules Verne or the Borges. The LPV Bistrot offers Venetian specialties such as black truffle carpaccio, clam spaghetti, and gluten-free desserts. Weather permitting, enjoy a signature cocktail on the terrace facing the lagoon.

Highlight: The rooftop wooden terrace (Altana), the highest in Venice, can be privatized for an aperitif or romantic dinner, recalling the days when Venetian beauties sunbathed here to achieve the famous Venetian blonde hair.

Londra Palace, Riva degli Schiavoni, 4171, 30122 Venice. londrapalace.com

Absolute luxury! Imagine this: George Clooney spent his wedding night here. Overlooking the Grand Canal, this flagship hotel of the Aman group (also with properties in Marrakech and Courchevel) is one of only eight hotels in Italy to boast 3 Michelin keys. It is housed in the historic Palazzo Papadopoli in the San Polo district. The incredible decor of its 24 suites (each no less than 47 m²) combines museum-quality frescoes and bas-reliefs with contemporary furnishings. For the ultimate experience, choose a suite with a Grand Canal view, such as the 75 m² Sansovino Stanza, featuring frescoes, wood paneling, and a magnificent terrazzo floor.

Led by 3-star chef Norbert Niederkofler and chef Dario Ossola, the Arva restaurant leaves an unforgettable impression, with the added bonus of Grand Canal views. Special mention goes to the Red Room bar, inspired by Lord Byron. After exploring Venice, relax in the spa with its three luxurious treatment rooms, each with a bathroom. For those wanting to stay active, the fitness room overlooking the city's rooftops is the perfect place to work out.

Highlight: The large garden on the Grand Canal, a rare find in Venice.

Aman Venice, Calle Tiepolo, 1364, 30125 Venice

Boarding a private boat at St. Mark's Square to reach the Cipriani in just a few minutes is already a delight! Located on Giudecca Island, this 5-star hotel, created in the late 1950s by Giuseppe Cipriani and the Guinness sisters, epitomizes refined luxury. Its gardens overlook the Doge's Palace, offering absolute tranquility away from the crowds, which is greatly appreciated in Venice. Follow in the footsteps of the rich and famous, from the British royal family to George Clooney, the King of Belgium, Daniel Craig, Brad Pitt, and many others who enjoy the charm of this place. The 96 rooms and suites feature classic decor with antique furniture, Murano glass lighting, and Fortuny fabrics.

When it comes to dining, the choices are difficult between Oro, the Michelin-starred restaurant, Porticciolo by the pool with its oyster and seafood bar, Cip's Club with its Venetian specialties and lagoon terrace, and Gabbiano bar with its cocktails, burgers, and cheese platters. The Casanova spa, located in the heart of the garden, includes two treatment rooms, a sauna, a hammam, and a gym, completing this idyllic picture.

Highlight: The large heated outdoor pool, the largest in the lagoon, is a rare luxury in Venice.

Hotel Cipriani, Giudecca, 10, 30133 Venice

After conquering Paris, London, Verbier, and Minorca, the Experimental Group has now made its mark on the canals of Venice. Overlooking the Canal Della Giudecca in Dorsoduro, this 4-star hotel is housed in a former Renaissance palace. We loved its location, both away from the tourist crowds and close to major landmarks: just minutes from the Accademia Bridge and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Decorated by Dorothée Meilichzon, the hotel features a stylish and contemporary look, a stark contrast to the gilded 5-star hotels of Venice. The lobby's tall bookshelves display objects and beautiful books like a cabinet of curiosities. Venetian identity is well represented with terrazzo floors and stripes reminiscent of gondolier uniforms. The 32 spacious rooms offer views of the Giudecca Canal or the interior garden (another plus!).

At the aptly named Adriatica restaurant, the menu is inspired by Adriatic cuisine, featuring Veneto cheeses and charcuterie, vegetables from the Sant’Erasmo garden, lagoon shrimp, and homemade fresh pasta. The rooftop terrace, perfect for a romantic drink, is the place to be.

Highlight: The bar with its sophisticated and ultra-cozy atmosphere. It has a separate entrance and decor featuring antique mirrors and marble blends. Here you can enjoy the famous cocktails with refined flavors that have made Experimental a success.

Il Palazzo Experimental, Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, Dorsoduro 1410, 1411, 1412, 30123 Venice

Situated on Isola delle Rose, an artificial island between Giudecca and Lido, and just a 15-minute boat ride from St. Mark's Square, this 5-star hotel offers plenty of surprises. We love the arrival at the hotel: the boat docks right inside for a James Bond-style entrance. The 266 rooms and suites are spread between the main building and the JW Retreats nestled in the gardens.

With five different restaurants, there's no shortage of dining options. The gastronomic Agli Amici Dopolavoro, led by Chef Emanuele Scarello, focuses on green cuisine. The Sagra Rooftop gets high marks for its incredible views, whimsical decor, and traditional cuisine. The Giardino Grill offers barbecue dishes by the pool. The expansive 1,750 m² spa features eight treatment rooms with lagoon views, a spa suite, a bio-sauna with a salt wall, a hammam, and an indoor heated pool that extends outside.

Highlight: The rooftop zen pool, accessible to guests over 16, is a must for a cool moment after exploring Venice.

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, Isola delle Rose, Laguna di San Marco, 30133 Venice

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