reviews featured in this post
- San Clemente Palace Kempinski
- Belmond Hotel Cipriani
- JW Marriott Venice
- Aman Canal Grande Venice
- Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
- Ca’ di Dio Venice
- Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel
posts releated to this topic
The best luxury hotel in Venice is very hard to pick, as each hotel in Venice is completely unique. The palatial Aman Venice is undoubtedly one of the top choices, but it’s tiny with only 24 rooms and is therefore akin to staying in an Agatha Christie-esque ultra luxury guest house rather than a large hotel. As such, the facilities are limited; for example, it has no pool, although it does have a beautifully manicured courtyard garden.
We love Belmond Cipriani Venice for its gorgeous pool, the best hotel pool in Venice, actually, and its grounds with greenery that droops over the dockside. This luxury hotel is surrounded by water on three sides and feels airy and luxurious, and the breakfasts on the terrace are fantastic, but it lacks the palatial character of the Aman.
The Gritti Palace is the best Marriott hotel in Venice. It is hugely historic, ornate, and maybe even fussy, but it has no pool and limited outside space, just its waterside terrace restaurant. You may prefer the JW Marriott, which sits on its own private island, and where you can book a plunge pool room.
There’s no Ritz-Carlton in Venice, but there is a fantastic St Regis, and there will soon be a Four Seasons hotel in the city too. Our luxury travel concierge offers free benefits at all of the hotels featured below.
1. Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice
Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice takes our number one position as it’s the hotel we keep returning to in Venice. Why? It has the best hotel pool in Venice. The pools at the other hotels don’t come close. It also offers airy gardens and breakfast in their beautiful gardens on tables positioned by a busy canal so you can watch the gondolas float by, while munching on a divine breakfast on the lawn and under the shade of a big tree.
The choice for breakfast is extensive and of beautiful quality, with lovely muesli, honey from the comb, cheeses, cold meats, fresh bread and pastries, piles of fruit, fresh berries, and eggs, however you like them. And the cakes… Every morning, the kitchen bakes three different cakes for breakfast indulgence to enjoy with your coffee. It’s sheer indulgence.
The Belmond Hotel Cipriani was the location for George Clooney’s marriage. It sits on the tip of Giudecca Island, offering dreamy views across Venice, and is just 40 minutes by water taxi from Venice airport and a short private Cipriani boat ride across the water from St Mark’s Square. The boat ride to the main square in Venice is included in your room rate, and their vessel is the most impressive hotel boat in Venice, decked in teak and ultra chic.
A highlight of the hotel is, of course, the pool. It’s huge, surrounded by gardens and a bar & a restaurant open during the day and again later in the evening. The pool area is under the command of a lovely staff who will do their best to find you an ideal spot to while away your day poolside.
Deck boys set up sunbeds with just the right amount of shade and provide as many Evian spritzers as you need. Other than the size of this saltwater pool, the space around it is noteworthy. The pool is Olympic in size and flanked by plenty of loungers set out on the lawns.
The gardens at the Belmond Hotel Cipriani are beautiful. You can stroll underneath archways of roses and sweet-smelling white flowers, find a place on the lawns to laze, or stroll through the kitchen garden. Tennis players can play a game or two on the secluded clay court, and parents can shuffle children off to the kids club and enjoy the Spa and Wellness center. There’s wildlife too, the garden being home to a beautiful rabbit who helps the robot lawnmower keep the grass tended, a chicken, and some friendly ducks.
We love their Junior Suite Pool room (around €2,500 EUR per night in season), which is ideal for our little boy. It opens up to a patio that backs straight onto our reserved loungers at the pool. The direct pool access means we can all go for a dip without the indignity of having to trawl along corridors and down lifts in dressing gowns.
The rooms at the Belmond offer classic elegance, adorned with handcrafted Murano Glass features, including a handsome blue chandelier dangling from the ceiling that looks like an octopus. The marble floors are softened with Turkish silk rugs, and the bathrooms are large, with huge walk-in showers, a double basin sporting lovely-smelling designer Hermes amenities.
Once the sun starts to drop, most residents ambled over to the pool bar to enjoy Bellinis. I can’t think of a more romantic setting than being served drinks overlooking the pool and the distant Venetian lagoon, with the piano playing in the background as the pink sky turns purple…
Hotel Review: Belmond Hotel Cipriani Venice
Belmond Hotel Cipriani Venice is undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels in the world. Once you've stepped inside this glamorous Narnia and sampled its stunning rooms, exquisite gardens, and perfect pool, you will find it hard to leave. This exclusive hideaway under the Mediterranean sunshine also happens to enjoy dreamy views across Venice.
2. Aman Venice
The Aman Venice is set on the Grand Canal, which means you get the most incredible views of this famous canal in Venice from the hotel and many of the rooms. If you arrive by land, the hotel is found up a maze of side streets, some distance from St. Mark’s Square. It’s fairly confusing to find anything via these Venetian pathways. The best way to arrive is by water taxi to the exclusive dock underneath the hotel. If you want to travel around Venice by water taxi, the Aman is well-positioned, but if you want to walk in Venice, you are quite far from where you want to be.
In terms of the best location, I prefer the Belmond Cipriani to the Aman because I love taking the hotel’s shuttle boat from St. Mark’s Square across the main waterway and escaping the madness of central Venice. This shuttle drops you right in the center of Venice, right in the center of the action. The dock is just along from Hotel Danieli, Venezia, a Four Seasons Hotel.
What the Aman offers over the Belmond Cipriani is a palace of beauty, style, and history. The Belmond Cipriani is largely designed in a more modern resort building, so it doesn’t embrace historic Venice in the same way. I could quickly run out of superlatives when describing the interior of the Aman Venice. If you arrive by water taxi, you are led into this dark and moody-looking palace. At first, you feel as if you have stepped into a Renaissance painting, as chandeliers, ornate ceilings, statues, and murals immediately surround you. But the smiling staff proffering cool towels and the most delicious welcome drink remind you that you’re in an exclusive hotel.
This palace couldn’t feel more extravagant. Contemporary furnishings, lush deep-pile rugs, and suck-you-in sofas complement historic settings. Bedrooms are accessed via a maze of mind-boggling corridors that can initially seem quite intimidating to navigate. But you won’t mind getting lost. Every new corridor and room you discover is a delight to behold. There’s always a seating area nearby inviting you to stop for a moment and take in the scene.
The Aman also offers a walled garden outside. This exclusive and enchanting garden is enclosed by historic walls and railings through which you can watch the comings and goings on the Grand Canal.
Review: Aman Venice
The Aman Venice is not simply a hotel; it's an intimate retreat in the center of Venice's busy Canal Grande, protected from the madness of the city by palatial walls and a thick wooden door that only opens for those fortunate enough to enjoy temporary residency at this luxurious palace. We compare Belmond Cipriani Vs. Aman Vs. Gritti Palace Vs. Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel separately to help you decide which hotel will work best for you. Nestled in the center of Venice, the Aman is just 40 minutes by water taxi from Venice airport (around €150 EUR each way).
3. The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection
If you’re heading to Venice and want to stay somewhere truly special, The Gritti Palace is hard to beat. Set right on the Grand Canal in a beautifully restored 15th-century palace, it feels like stepping into a slice of Venetian history, with all the modern comforts. The rooms are filled with antiques, Murano glass, and rich fabrics, and some have incredible views of the water and Santa Maria della Salute. It’s elegant without being over-the-top, and the whole place has this warm, old-world charm that makes you feel instantly at home (in a very glamorous way).
Overlooking the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice, the Gritti Palace boasts one of the most enthralling views of the lagoon city—from the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore past landmarks Punta Della Dogana and Santa Maria Della Salute Basilica to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
The location is spot on—just a short walk from St. Mark’s Square, but far enough away to feel quiet and relaxed. The terrace is perfect for a glass of wine or a lazy breakfast as boats drift by. There’s also a fantastic restaurant; if you’re into food, the hotel even has its own cooking school.
4. The St. Regis Venice
With an Avant-garde design, The St. Regis Venice merges striking, modern interiors with its historic provenance as the best address in the city. Flanked by the Grand Canal with views across iconic landmarks, the hotel has stood in this privileged position for over a century and a half.
Aman Venice Vs Belmond Cipriani Vs Gritti Palace Vs Hotel Danieli
Aman Venice Vs. Belmond Cipriani Vs. Gritti Palace, Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, which is the best luxury hotel in Venice? All these properties are luxury 5-star hotels, but they offer quite hugely. The refurbished Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, is set to open in 2025. Belmond Cipriani, Gritti Palace, and Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, are all brilliantly located for different reasons. Belmond Cipriani is located on Giudecca Island across the water from St Mark's Square.
If you want a modern and classy hotel with fantastic terraces, this is an excellent Marriott. If you want a property with history, you will do better choosing the Gritti Palace. If you want your own private pool, pick the JW Marriott Venice. The communal areas in this St. Regis feel more modern than Venetian. The Italianate garden provides access to a range of dining and beverage options at Gio’s restaurant, St. Regis Bar, and Arts Bar.
The St. Regis Venice is right in the center, within walking distance from pretty much everything, and just a 5-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square via alleyways full of luxury boutiques. It has 129 guestrooms, 40 suites (some with a terrace), a garden terrace overlooking the canal, and a fitness center. The Grand Terrace suite here is really something. You get a private terrace with views of the Santa Maria Della Salute Basilica.
5. JW Marriott Venice
JW Marriott Venice is another one of the best Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Venice. If you book this as a redemption, it is cheaper than St Regis or the other ultra-lux options, and it hits the spot in terms of luxury. The JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is on its own private island.
JW Marriott is the exclusive inhabitant of the small Venetian island of Isola Delle Rosa, one of the largest islands in the Venetian lagoon and the youngest. It was artificially created in 1870 with materials from the construction of the Santa Marta commercial port. This lush green island easily houses the best Marriott I have ever stayed in. The main building sits in the center of the island and is home to most of the rooms, as well as the rooftop bar and pool.
Outside, the entire island is yours to explore. Wander along meandering paths past groves of olive trees and fields of poppies, and you’ll reach outbuildings, including some of the higher-end rooms with their own private pools. Continue to a church, herb garden, family pool, the Dopolavro Dining room, and the Gardino Grill, all set in a pretty garden. The Spa at the JW Marriott Venice is also immense and offers the same superb views across the water.
The rooftop infinity pool just beyond a rooftop bar and restaurant area ticks all the boxes. Just look at the view in the photo above! Gobsmackingly good views can be enjoyed from comfy seating on a beautifully decked terrace. Music plays in the background, and there are plenty of daybeds and loungers. Dip your foot in; the pool is as warm as a slipper, perfect for lounging in the bubbles at the edge. Perfect, except for the fact that it is incredibly shallow. There’s another outdoor “family” pool hidden away in the greenery of the island, which is a bit of a trek in your dressing gown but offers the option of swimming, as the pool is deeper, along with some more extremely comfy loungers and just across from a young kids’ play park.
The problem is that although the hotel is fantastic, with beautiful rooms, a fantastic rooftop pool, and another pool flanked with loungers, numerous bars, restaurants, and beautiful extensive grounds (and some rooms with their own private plunge pool), the hotel is a 15-minute private JW Marriott (free) boat trip away from the center (+ wait time & loading time), which is a pain if you want to go out in the evening or have a leisurely drink at a bar in a different hotel. You are somewhat marooned on this beautiful island.
Review: JW Marriott Venice
I write this review while lazing on the balcony of my Junior suite, dappled in sunlight at the JW Marriott Venice. The outlook is not what you would expect of Venice; all I can hear is bird song, and all I can see is an expanse of green forested gardens with the odd glimpse of the Venetian Lagoon through the trees. Junior Suites have these green and verdant balcony views. If you prefer to look out on the lagoon, the plunge pool room is the one to pick and is pictured above. These rooms are completely unique in Venice and worth the splurge.
6. Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel
Hotel Danieli, Venezia, a Four Seasons Hotel, is the one to pick for the most central location, but be aware that the moment you leave the hotel, you will be hit by madness. Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, is located in the Riva degli Schiavoni region of Venice along the Grand Canal, adjacent to Piazza San Marco. The Hotel consists of three buildings: the 14th century Palazzo Dandolo and two 19th century additions linked by bridges – Palazzo Casa Nuova and Palazzo Danieli Excelsior.
The three palaces that comprise the hotel date from the 14th, 17th, and 19th Centuries: Palazzo Dandolo in Venetian Gothic style, once home to the noble Dandolo family; Palazzo Casa Nuova, previously the city’s treasury; and Palazzo Danieli Excelsior, features guestrooms with balconies overlooking the lagoon on its upper floors.
Hotel Danieli’s rich heritage is on display throughout the property, showcased in the beautifully preserved Venetian Gothic style architecture, along with art and antiques from throughout the property’s history. The multi-level lobby is absolutely stunning, with a vast wooden staircase and stunning flower arrangements. The hotel is expected to re-open as a fully fledged Four Seasons hotel in 2025.
Review: Hotel Danieli, Venezia, Four Seasons Venice
Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, will open in 2025 and is a much-needed addition to the luxury hotel offering in Venice. We reviewed Belmond Cipriani Vs. Aman Vs. Gritti Palace Vs. Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel separately to help you decide which hotel will work best for you. Currently, the top players are the Hotel Cipriani, with its wonderful pool and resort atmosphere, and the palatial Aman Venice, which overlooks the Grand Canal. Four Seasons Venice will be of a similarly excellent caliber.
7. Ca’ di Dio
Ca’ di Dio Hotel in Venice can be found a five-minute stroll from St. Mark’s Square and not far from the swanky new Four Seasons, tucked away right at the entrance to Venice’s arty Arsenale district, home of the world-famous Biennale.
What’s amazing about this spot is the waterfront location. You can sit back and watch the endless flow of boats coming and going — ferries, taxis, vaporettos — all cruising right past the cobblestones outside the hotel. It’s like front-row seats to Venice’s everyday theatre.
From the outside, most people just wander by, totally unaware of the calm, luxurious vibe hidden behind the doors. Meanwhile, you’re just steps away from some great local restaurants — proper Venetian joints, not just tourist traps.
Ca’ di Dio is one of those places that blends old-world charm with modern luxe in the best possible way. The building itself dates all the way back to 1272, so there’s real history here, and you feel it the moment you walk in. The entrance alone has grand, medieval-style doorways and little historic details tucked into the walls, but then it hits you with plush sofas, rich rugs, and a jaw-dropping chandelier. It’s got that “ancient meets five-star” thing going on, and it works.
But the real magic is the courtyard garden. It’s a total escape from the chaos of central Venice. Think green lawns, palm trees, and the perfect shady spot to read a book or sip your morning coffee. You can also have breakfast or dinner out here. It’s peaceful, leafy, and a world away from the crowds.
Some rooms look out over the hotel’s quiet courtyards, full of mimosa and magnolia trees. Ours, a Junior Suite, had views straight over the lagoon, and I could’ve spent hours just people-watching or boat-spotting from the window.
At night, it gets even more magical. The tourists thin out, street lamps flicker on, and the nearby bridges and canals start to glow. If you’re feeling fancy, book the Altana Suite — it comes with your own private terrace and 360-degree views over the lagoon and San Giorgio. Total dream.
If you’re after a boutique hotel where you can literally step outside and be in the heart of Venice, but still retreat somewhere peaceful, luxurious, and full of charm — Ca’ di Dio absolutely nails it.
Review: Ca’ di Dio Venice
Ca Di Dio, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, is a luxury boutique hotel bordering the Venice lagoon. Ca' di Dio can be found a five-minute walk from St. Mark's Square and just a few hundred meters further up the promenade from the prestigious new Four Seasons in Venice. It is also located at the entrance to the Arsenale district, where the famous Art Biennale is held. When you stay here, you're perfectly positioned right on the waterfront to watch the comings and goings of the boats.
8. San Clemente Palace Kempinski
The luxury San Clemente Palace Kempinski offers a peaceful private island escape, a short boat ride from the madness of central Venice. If you stay here, you’ll enjoy a palatial getaway with a Venetian ambiance, surrounded by gorgeous gardens.
It’s worth noting that the expansive lawns at the Kempinski are not only great for sunbathing, but they also double as a popular venue for weddings. The hotel regularly hosts ceremonies in the gardens, and there’s even an ancient church on the island available for those looking for something more traditional. While it’s a beautiful setting for a celebration, it can be a bit of a mixed experience for other guests — the grounds can get lively (and sometimes noisy) during wedding events, which may take away from the sense of a peaceful, romantic retreat.
On arrival at the Kempinski’s private pontoon, we were welcomed by exceptionally attentive and sharply dressed staff. They led us off the boat and up a red carpet — yes, an actual red carpet — across the cobbled square that serves as the hotel’s landing area.
This square opens out to beautiful views of the Venetian skyline, with the outline of St. Mark’s bell tower visible in the distance. It’s a particularly lovely spot at sunset, when the sky glows and the hotel’s signature red and white striped poles reflect in the water, adding a touch of drama to the view.
To one side of the square sits San Clemente Church — an elegant, historic space dating back to 1131. A chapel inside the church was added in 1630, funded by Venetians as a vow during the plague. It’s modeled on the Santa Casa di Loreto and is built directly over the main altar, creating a fascinating “church within a church.” The church also houses a 12th-century sacristy, one of the oldest in Venice — a truly atmospheric space for smaller, more intimate occasions.
Inside the hotel, the atmosphere is grand. The interiors feature marble floors, tall columns, glittering chandeliers, and sweeping staircases. The rooms are more traditional in style — classic and elegant, though they may feel a little dated compared to some of Venice’s newer, more contemporary luxury hotels.
Outside, the hotel sits on a private 75-acre island, which is large enough for a scenic walk or even a jog (there’s a 1.5 km track that loops the grounds). The setting is peaceful and open, with beautiful views all around.
The outdoor pool is a definite highlight — spacious, stylish, and perfect for relaxing. There are plenty of loungers both around the pool and out on the surrounding lawns. Right next to it is Buddha-Bar Beach, a laid-back spot playing funky music and serving up fresh lunches and evening drinks. The area is framed by lush greenery and tall palm trees, giving it a relaxed, tropical feel that adds something a little different to the classic Venetian setting.
Review: San Clemente Palace Kempinski, Venice
Venice has only two luxury hotels with a great, resort-style pool area. San Clemente Palace Kempinski and Belmond Hotel Cipriani. San Clemente Palace Kempinski is located on the private island of San Clemente, minutes away from Piazza San Marco by complimentary boat. Venice's magical winding waterways are famous worldwide, with tens of millions of tourists traveling to the UNESCO world heritage site every year. Visitors can discover the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the 11th-century St Mark’s Basilica while navigating the 42 kilometers of canals on elegant gondolas.
9. Rosewood Hotel Bauer Venice
The Rosewood Hotel Bauer is set to open in 2025, bringing a new level of luxury to Venice. Situated in the historic San Marco district, between the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco, this hotel will offer guests a prime location to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage. 
Originally built in 1880, the hotel is undergoing a comprehensive renovation led by Venice-based architect Alberto Torsello and interior design firm BAR Studio. The restoration aims to preserve the building’s historic elements, such as the original façade and grand staircase, while integrating modern amenities. Sustainability is a key focus, with the hotel targeting certifications like Green Pass, Casa Klima, and LEED Gold. 
The Rosewood Hotel Bauer will feature over 110 rooms, with more than half being suites, including several signature suites and a presidential suite. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, from a casual ground-floor restaurant and wine bar to a refined Venetian restaurant and rooftop bar with a traditional Altana. Additional amenities include a rooftop garden with city views, a luxurious wellness facility, and an outdoor pool with a bar on the eighth floor. A luxury retail space spanning over 32,200 square feet will also be part of the property, located on the lively Campo San Moisé square. 
For luxury travelers seeking an authentic Venetian experience combined with modern comforts, the Rosewood Hotel Bauer promises to be a compelling choice upon its opening.
10. Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
The Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is located across the water from St. Mark’s Square on Giudecca Island, and you can walk from one end of the island to the other, as far east as the magical Belmond Cipriani, which takes around 25 minutes. St. Mark’s Square and the rest of Venice are easily reached by the hotel’s regular shuttle boat.
The Hilton Molino Stucky gives you the best of both worlds — the rooms are sleek and modern, but the building itself is full of character. With exposed wooden beams, original brickwork, and that iconic old warehouse style, you really feel like you’re soaking up a bit of Venetian history, without missing out on any luxury. This Hilton also has one of the best club lounges in Venice if that’s what you’re looking for.
Downstairs, the communal areas have a cool, marble-floor vibe with comfy sofas — it actually feels more American than Venetian down there. Same goes for the breakfast spot: it’s indoors, marble-floored, full of plants and exposed brick, but with a playlist that might throw in a bit of Justin Bieber while you sip your coffee.
The hotel also has a gym and an amazing rooftop pool with epic views. It does get busy, so if you’re up for an early dip, mornings are your best bet. There aren’t any gardens, but you can sit outside by the cobbled waterfront and just watch the boats go by — it’s a pretty dreamy way to kill an hour or two. And if you’re feeling active, there’s a lovely walking or jogging route along Giudecca Island, right by the water.
Throughout the hotel, you’ll see signs of its past life — old beams, exposed brick from the mill days, and lots of little architectural details that have been kept intact. The rooms themselves are super modern, thought, with hardwood floors, soft rugs, and bold artwork that plays off the building’s design. Think arched windows, cool ceiling details, and just the right balance between old-school charm and modern style.
Yes, the pool is small and overly busy, the breakfast is great, but the setting doesn’t feel very “Venice,” but the rooms are excellent, and the boat ride into the center is fun. Rooms as good as these are hard to find at this price point in Venice and this Hilton is definitely worth considering if you want to do Venice in luxury on a tighter budget.
Review: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
The Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is a great luxury hotel choice in Venice. In fact, for the room price, it's hard to beat! Book a room at the Hilton Molino Stucky (or any other luxury hotel in the world) via our luxury travel concierge, and you get brilliant extra benefits such as free breakfast for two, resort credit and room upgrade. Venice's magical winding waterways are famous worldwide, with tens of millions of tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site annually.
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