The 11 best hotels in Venice

The Gritti Palace Hotel is Venice’s most sought-after address, and for good reason: the luxury property set inside a former Doge’s residence is the stuff of dreams. The iconic building dates back to 1475 and occupies some of the best real estate on the Grand Canal. The palace has been fully restored, and in keeping with the Venetian theme there are plush fabrics, period furniture, priceless artworks (including original frescoes) and marble nearly everywhere. The suites facing the water are the most sumptuous of all, but every jewel-toned room is a work of art. To really indulge, reserve a table at the Club del Doge to dine alfresco alongside the world’s most famous canal.

Best for: Regal vibes that will transport you back in time. 
Budget range? Very expensive. 
Time Out tip: The hotel is home to the city's largest rooftop terrace with the finest views of the Grand Canal. 

One vaporetto stop away from St. Mark’s Square, this 12-room boutique hotel blends traditional damask fabrics with black glass Murano chandeliers and polished concrete to create an impossibly romantic refuge in Dorsoduro. Complete with its own water entrance, the intimate hotel is effortlessly chic and full of design elements. And because buffet breakfasts can feel so bourgeoisie, menu cards are left on doors each night in order to prepare guests’ custom-selected meals in the morning. Start and end the day on the Riad-style terrace, or take in the waterside views from the concept rooms. (Just leave the littles at home—Ca Maria Adele cannot accommodate guests under the age of 16.)

Best for: Venetian opulence. 
Budget range? Affordable.  
Time Out tip: You can cosy up on one of the roof terrace sofas come the evening. 

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can book a room at the stunning Canal Grande – which is pretty much the same thing. When throwing the budget out the window it’s hard to beat the museum-quality elegance of this hotel on the Grand Canal. Most guests arrive by boat before checking into the extravagant rooms. One of the suites has frescoed ceilings painted by eighteenth-century artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo; others have views over the water, marble fireplaces, silk wall coverings and modern tech touches. After recovering from the sticker shock at the price of a night’s stay, check out the spa, gym, rooftop terrace and piano lounge before you leave. 

Best for: A well-located boutique property.  
Budget range? Splurge-worthy.   
Time Out tip: Make the most of your close proximity to Santa Lucia train station and Piazzale Roma. 

DD724 is a breath of fresh air in a city that tends to skew towards over-the-top opulence and a “more is more” approach to decor. The design is cool and contemporary, opting for a sleek style instead of relying on Old World charm. Each of the nine rooms is minimalist with clean lines and a muted palette that’s warmed up with abstract art. The artful touches are right at home in the Dorsoduro neighbourhood as the hotel is a short walk from museums like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and some of the best galleries in Venice.   

Best for: A modern stay in a historic district.  
Budget range? A decent price with breakfast included.  
Time Out tip: You can secure a discount on long-stay bookings. 

Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, is a stunning five-star hotel set on Giudecca Island in Venice. It offers gorgeous views of the Venice Lagoon and the Doge's Palace. The interior of Hotel Cipriani is like most other Venice hotels: elegant, comfortable, and reminiscent of the city itself. An intimate and serene hotel, it's a lovely blend of relaxation and artistry, offering you the perfect place to rest on your travels to the city. All rooms and suites are light and fresh, combining glamour and elegance. Sounds perfect – we'll see you there!

Best for: A once-in-a-lifetime retreat.  
Budget range? You may have to dip into your savings...  
Time Out tip: You may as well try out all of the four restaurants while you're there, and take full advantage of the hotel's private boat and shuttle services. 

Ditch the busy brocade of the city’s classic hotels for the less fussy contemporary appeal of the Venice Times Hotel. Located close to the main train station, the hotel is in the hip Cannaregio area where Venice’s few specialty coffee shops, natural wine bars and craft beer pubs can be found tucked away down quieter alleyways. The rooms have a polished modern design, spacious bathrooms and large flat screen TVs. The tech-savvy hotel also provides guests with a complimentary smartphone loaded with mobile data and free international calling to use while exploring the city.

Best for: Peace and quiet while still being in the thick of it.  
Budget range? Slightly above average. 
Time Out tip: The courtyard is a delightful place to enjoy your breakfast when the sun's out. 

This formal aristocratic home has been preserved and converted in an 18-room luxury hotel on the Grand Canal. The 15th-century palazzo has Renaissance frescoes, water views and a twice-Michelin-starred chef on site. Each room has a unique design but all pay homage to the city’s history and are heavy on leaded glasses, gilt touches and overall luxury. Some have roof terraces, while others look out over the famous waterway. Based in the more off-the-beaten-path area of Santa Croce, the hotel is extravagant without any of the stuffiness that comes with some of the larger luxe hotels in La Serenissima.

Best for: A deluxe experience that's nothing short of perfect.  
Budget range? Cheaper than other luxury hotels of its kind. 
Time Out tip: Prepare for your jaw to drop when you see the bathroom. 

“Family-run” can sometimes be code for dowdy, but that is not the case with the Romanelli family’s garden hotel one bridge away from Piazza San Marco. Located down a small street in an area along the Grand Canal filled with high-end shopping, Hotel Flora feels hidden in plain sight. Rooms are of the classic Venetian design persuasion and tend towards the compact and cosy end of the spectrum, but the size is a tradeoff for the incredibly central location. Plus, the lush internal garden offers an outdoor escape that is rare to find outside of Venice’s exclusive private homes.

Best for: Homely vibes with personal touches.  
Budget range? Above average.  
Time Out tip: The private courtyard provides a little slice of magic. 

Set in a palace that dates back more than 600 years, Ca’ Bragadin has been home to some of Venice’s most infamous figures, including Casanova. The Gothic-style building, a five-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge, is now a small classic hotel with simple but large (by European standard) rooms with high ceilings, minibars and free Wi-Fi. The traditional Venetian décor can feel slightly dated but Ca’ Bragadin scores major points for its great value and spacious rooms in such a central location.

Best for: A traditional yet tasteful aesthetic.  
Budget range? More affordable than most.  
Time Out tip: Booking a suite comes with access to two balconies. 

Located in the lively Dorsoduro area, Palazzo Veneziano has an updated and minimalist vibe along the Grand Canal. The marble and metallic accents are sleek without feeling overdone. While there are more impressive canal views at other hotels, Palazzo Veneziano has plenty of dolce vita charm for a fraction of the price. Some of the rooms boast terraces with Jacuzzi tubs that look out over the city's rooftops. 

Best for: Getting to know the city in style.  
Budget range? Affordable luxury.  
Time Out tip: Like any good breakfast of Italian champions, the hotel’s morning meal includes prosecco. And some rooms come with a spa bath... 

Shedding light on the subtle bohemian side of Venice, Novecento blends Mediterranean and Oriental influences to create an evocative atmosphere that's unique intriguing. Original furnishings and tapestries make each of the nine rooms exclusive and refined. There's character and charm around every corner, and the buffet breakfast can be found in their enchanting secluded courtyard. 

Best for: A charming twist on tradition. 
Budget range? Affordable. 
Time Out tip: Head to the Living Room for the honesty bar, table games, relaxing music and cosy curl-up-with-a-book worthy seaing.