Venice needs no introduction, however, with mass tourism back in full force, a better time to visit tends to be from September onwards. The most difficult decision isn’t going to Venice, but where to stay. However, with such spectacular options, this week’s feature on Venice’s best hotels and top suites may not lead to a quick decision.
1. Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice
2. The Gritti Palace
3. The St. Regis Venice
4. Aman Venice
5. Hotel Danieli
1. Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice
The Telegraph says of this classic, “With sweeping views across the Venetian lagoon, the 96-room Belmond Hotel Cipriani is the definition of luxurious perfection. Guests can count on stellar – and discreet – service at this five-star resort in addition to Michelin-starred dining, an Olympic-sized pool filtered with seawater and gorgeous grounds.”
Inspectors from Forbes Travel Guide write, “Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice has a storied place in Venetian history, and it still pays homage to local traditions. Take the Bellini. Founder Giuseppe Cipriani invented the prosecco-and-peach cocktail, and the expert barman still uses the original preparation process today. The Cipriani continues to carry on its legacy with unparalleled charm, service, and amenities. Perched on the tip of Giudecca Island, the hotel boasts top cuisine; exclusive, best-of-Venice boutiques (where you can purchase the extravagant linens from the hotel beds, among other things); manicured gardens; and a garden-adjacent heated saltwater pool. This country escape feels a world away from the urban bustle of Venice. The interior of the property is just as lush as the well-kept estate. You’ll find exquisite, made-in-Venice touches such as Murano glass, Fortuny fixtures and Rubelli fabrics.”
Dogaressa Suite
The 1,130-sq.ft. Dogaressa Suite features original Coromandel screens and a master bedroom overlooking the famed Casanova gardens. From the living room look out to St Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace across the lagoon.
More suites at Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel.
2. The Gritti Palace
The Telegraph says, “The Gritti is located on a striking stretch of the Grand Canal, looking across the water to the church of Santa Maria della Salute, and the historic warehouses which now host the Punta della Dogana contemporary art space. The thoroughfare that leads from the hotel to St Mark’s square – five minutes’ walk away – is busy, but the Gritti is set slightly back, on a piazza often overlooked by the hurrying crowds. All around, luxury boutiques abound. It’s a short hop across the canal from here to the Gallerie dell’Accademia (eight minutes), or the Guggenheim gallery (10 minutes). Water taxis can pull up at the hotel’s private jetty. There are no bridges to cross between the hotel and the nearby Giglio vaporetto stop (line one).”
Forbes Travel Guide notes, “Unapologetically Venetian, the majestic Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice blends the charms and elegance of the city with an intimate luxury. The Gritti Palace’s history stretches back to 1475, when it was transformed into its current Gothic shape by the Pisani family. In 1525, it became the private residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti. Famed designer Chuck Chewning helped bring the 15th-century palazzo’s storied past to life with a creative repurposing of the space’s valued artwork, vast collection of antiques and hand-carved details that were left to collect dust. Recently restored to reflect the historic elements of the building, the Gritti is even more opulent than before. Every detail of the restoration focused on bringing the history of the building to life – right down to the ornate wooden lamps that date back to the 18th century and the painted dressing table mirrors.”
Ernest Hemingway Presidential Suite
his 990-sq.ft. suite has views of the Grand Canal and the adjacent Campo Santa Maria del Giglio from three private standing balconies from its corner position on the first floor of the palace. It is the largest suite in the hotel.
More suites at The Gritti Palace.
3. The St. Regis Venice
Conde Nast Taveler writes, “The stretch of Grand Canal frontage west of St. Mark’s square hosts some of the city’s most famously classic luxury hotels. The St. Regis, inaugurated in 2019, is a newly crowned queen among these, boasting more water-facing balconies than any other. If it’s a close-up relationship with the superb basilica of Santa Maria della Salute you’re seeking, this is the hotel for you. A massive pre-inauguration restoration removed traditional brocades and gloomy corners, clearly aiming to entice a younger, more culturally aware clientele by filling public spaces and suites with some excellent contemporary art, and a collection of pieces by top Venetian glass makers. Between the two canal-facing wings, a gorgeous garden is the perfect venue for aperitivi.”
Forbes Travel Guide adds, “As you glide by gondola into the entrance of The St. Regis Venice, the breathtaking beauty of the ancient palazzo inspires awe. Dating back to the 17th century as the Grand Hotel Britannia, The St. Regis debuted a stunning renovation in 2022. Historic legacy meets modern luxury in the 169 guest rooms and suites decorated by Sagrada, a London-based design studio. Nearby architectural marvels — including the Santa Maria Della Salute Basilica, the Punta Della Dogana Museum and Gran Teatro La Fenice — and the way Venice’s light changes throughout the day and reflects on the waters of the Grand Canal inspired the designers. The resulting contemporary guest rooms, which boast views of the storied cityscape or The St. Regis’s secluded garden, feel elegant, warm and artful. After you take in the artful interiors, visit the hotel’s Italian restaurant or two bars. All of them offer alfresco options to get a front-row seat to the verdant private garden with curlicue topiaries and fragrant roses or the stunning canal.
Penthouse Suite
Accessed by private elevator, the 1,700-sq.ft. Penthouse Suite offers three bedrooms, and an amazing wraparound furnished garden terrace with three separate viewpoints over the canals giving perspectives of the city and lagoon.
More suites at St. Regis Venice.
4. Aman Venice
Forbes Travel Guide notes, “Venice is full of hotels that once were palaces, but Aman Venice is the only one on the Grand Canal that boasts a water-facing garden. Lovely in itself, the green space is only one way in which the property shows its dedication to peace and calm — after all, aman means peace, safety or shelter in eight languages. Originally built by the Coccina family in the mid-16th century, the palazzo has evolved and changed hands many times over the centuries, eventually ending up with the Arrivabene family, who have occupied the palace for the last two centuries. Subtly enhancing the atmosphere of a private home is the fact that the clan’s descendants, Count Giberto Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga and his family, still reside on the top floor.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “The crush of over-tourism has risked muting the magic of La Serenissima, but the city’s hotels, many of them palaces and villas during the republic’s glory days, remain a bastion of Venetian romance. At the graceful Aman Venice, in the quieter San Polo district, there is slightly more reserve. With its Murano chandeliers and stellar rabbit cappelletti served in a side garden, the hotel mixes the elegantly spare aesthetic of this revered Asian brand with the cultured taste of the Italian count and princess who own the property. In a city awash with much-loved legends, it takes something special for a newcomer to turn heads. But Aman, which splashed down here in 2013, as ever, had a trump card: Palazzo Papadopoli. This 16th-century confection is right on the Grand Canal just past the Rialto Bridge—which guests’ whizz under in the hotel’s glossy Riva to arrive at the palazzo’s jetty flanked by cerulean bricole. The 24 bedrooms have been slotted into many of the palazzo’s original spaces, so they are all unique. But the opulence does not compete with Jean-Michel Gathy’s minimalist B&B Italia furniture.”
The Coccina’s Apartment
The fourth floor Coccina’s Apartment spans 3,122-sq.ft. and is accessed by a private elevator. It features three bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, king-size beds, a living room, and views over the serene Grand Canal and the Canal Garden.
More suites at Aman Venice.
5. Hotel Danieli
Conde Nast writes, “As one of city’s most important landmarks, the Hotel Danieli—and the 204 stately guest rooms within—are a showcase of Venetian excellence. Set on Riva degli Schiavoni, the grand building, a converted 14th-century converted Doge’s palace, dominates the lagoon, and sits just a short stroll away from the Bridge of Sighs and the monuments of Piazza San Marco. At the rooftop restaurant, Terrazza Danieli, you’ll find simple, but thoughtful Venetian dishes—think wild seabass fillet, in a light sauce of sea urchin, or a veal cutlet with caramelized milk bread—that have become daily staples for locals and tourists alike. Relax after a day out on the terrace, with offers unobstructed views of San Giorgio Maggiore Island.”
The Telegraph adds, “There are 210 rooms in 13 categories, including several that overlook the lagoon. Traditionally furnished in regal Empire style (lacquered furnishings, Murano glass chandeliers, silky damask curtains and ornate mirrors). The dramatic luxury doubles in the Excelsior building have Doge-red fabrics and parquet flooring, while those overlooking the lagoon in the Dandolo or Casa Nuova wing come with cream wall-hangings and pastel furniture.”
Doge Dandolo Royal Suite
This 1,675-sq.ft. features multiple stand-up balconies, with panoramic views of the Venetian lagoon. You can connect with additional guest rooms, and suites to form up to a five-bedroom suite.
More suites at Hotel Danieli.
