Venice

Venice: Hotel reviews

Venice Insider

Our Insider has the best unbiased info for you on a whole range of hotels, from cheap and cheerful to absolutely fabulous.

Hotel Cipriani

Brad and Angelina; Princess Diana; Spielberg; Depp and Hanks; Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev; McCartney and Elton John are just a few who have grazed the grounds of Hotel Cipriani and its Olympic-size heated swimming pool. Ancient opulence meets the new millennium inside the restored annex, the 15th Century Palazzo Vendramin.

Palazzina Grassi

Designed by the renowned Philippe Starck, Palazzina Grassi breathes new life into the ancient city. In this 16th Century boutique palace on the Grand Canal owned by race car driver and hotieler, Emanuele Garosci, there is no concierge — check in wherever you like: while sipping a drink in PG's, relaxing in your room; even on the hotel's private 1962 "Celli" boat. The restaurant, PG's, is a design masterpiece where industrial chic meets Venini chandeliers and meals are served upon request. Every room is a work of art with exclusive furnishings by Starck, yet each is amazingly warm and homey. Play Through the Looking Glass chess on the outdoor terrace.

Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal

The maitre-d' is part of the furniture at the Monaco, whose privileged guests return year after year. The former palace of the Dandolo family was once home to Venice's notorious "Ridotto," where aristocracy mingled with courtesans, gambled and hatched political plots — a bit more sober these days.

The Metropole Hotel

Once home to the Pietà orphanage where Antonio Vivaldi turned foundling girls into world-class musicians, the Beggiato family has owned this four-star hotel since 1970. Each room is furnished with antiques and collectibles that range from the demure to the fanciful. Their Met Restaurant has earned a Michelin star.

Hotel Al Sole

The 15th Century Palazzo Marcello or "Hotel in the Sun" was once the residence of the noble Venetian Marcello family, who still own and maintain it. Ancient stones mingle with contemporary luxury; aristocratic magic permeates the air. A whimsical outdoor garden offers a quiet retreat during the mild season.

Hotel Locanda Ovidius

Once an enormous private apartment now divided into a locanda (inn), the Ovidius is furnished in 18th Century Venetian style. A small balcony with wicker chairs comes complete with a view of the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal, as does the breakfast room.

Antica Locanda Sturion

Directly above the Ovidius, the Sturion is decked out in Venetian red, and dates back to the end of the 13th century. Featured in Carpaccio's 1494 painting, The Miracle of the Cross, the Sturion has no elevator and the steep staircase is a hike, but worth it at the top. Two rooms with a great Grand Canal view can turn into quads for families.

Corte 1321 Bed & Breakfast

American mother and daughter team, Deborah and Amelia, have transformed this hidden gem into a boutique B&B with an Oriental flavour. The private courtyard with its garden and ancient well is a great place to relax after braving the throngs at Rialto. Hip, homey atmosphere.

Hotel Bernardi-Semenzato

Easy on the pocket, well-kept and funky, the hotel is a blast from the past with a range of comfortable rooms from modest to dog-eared aristocratic. Owners are an engaging couple, Maria Teresa and Leonardo Pepoli. Shared and private bathrooms. Off the beaten calle, but close to everything.