Venice has some of the most beautiful and magic places where to stay; here is a selection of some of the classics and favourites.
LUXURY
HOTEL CIPRIANI
https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/venice/belmond-hotel-cipriani
The Hotel Cipriani is of course amongst the most luxurious places in Venice and indeed is one of the most famous hotels in the world. Located in a beautiful, quiet, yet comfortable position in the Giudecca island, it is always a unique and unforgettable experience. Once owned by the great Cipriani Family, the hotel has the most beautiful accommodation, the most elegant atmosphere and the very top level of services. Outside there is a huge salted water pool with amazing surroundings. I have very fond memories of this place, as I used to go there as a boy for all the best events and occasions; I remember in particular swimming in the massive pool at night! Private courtesy water transport will take guests from the hotel to St. Mark, other key points of the city and back. If looking for one of the best Venetian Hotels experiences, this is the place!
HOTEL DANIELI
The Hotel Danieli is another milestone in Venice. Elegant, luxurious and always a unique, classic experience.
The Danieli is located in the very heart of the city in Riva degli Schiavoni. It is only few steps away from St. Mark’s square, and is based in a fantastic 15th century Venetian Palace. Once inside, the place is breathtaking and the atmosphere is magical and at the same time fully cosmopolitan.
Not one but two James Bond movies had scenes filmed at the Danieli! Sean Connery in From Russia with Love and Roger Moore in Moonraker!
Grace and beauty are absolutely everywhere and in every detail at the Danieli! The accommodation is unique to say the least and the service is excellent. The restaurant bar on the terrace at the top floor is an amazing experience and therefore a must.
GRITTI PALACE HOTEL
Last but not least, the Gritti Palace Hotel is one of my favourite luxurious places in Venice. Located in one of the most beautiful parts of the Grand Canal with amazing views of the Basilica della Salute and only few minutes away from St. Mark’s square, it is based in one of the most magnificent Venetian Palaces. Accommodation and services are at the very top! Its extremely exclusive nature and style, together with its very discreet and impeccable approach, make it an absolutely unique, special and unforgettable experience. One of the most beautiful things to do there is to sit on the terrace of the outside restaurant and bar and admire and enjoy the magical atmosphere and the beautiful surroundings at anytime during the day or in the evening, while sipping a fantastic drink or enjoying some of their excellent food.
GENERAL FAVOURITES
EXCESS VENICE – Boutique Hotel & Private SPA (Adults Only)
This is my favourite place in Venice for a very simple reason: it used to be my house!
I have the most beautiful memories of my life here with my Family, literally from my birth until I became a man.
My dear Palazzetto is now in the safe hands of a Group which has transformed it into a unique, beautiful, bespoke boutique hotel with a wonderful SPA.
It is quintesentially Venetian with an international touch at the same time.
It is an “Adults Only” place, so if you are planning a romantic, intimate getaway for an unforgettable experience, this is the place!
HOTEL PENSIONE ACCADEMIA
Located next door to the Grand Canal in one of the quietest yet central zones of Venice in the Sestiere di Dorsoduro and only few steps away from the Gallerie dell’Accademia, there is the Pensione Accademia. It is a magnificent place renown for its two lovely gardens where it is wonderful to have breakfast in the warm weather or where simply to enjoy the tranquillity. The place opened in the mid 1950’s and its accommodation is in the Venetian style. The staff are professional and efficient and once again, the feedback has always been very positive.
HOTEL ALA (Adults only + 16)
Located in Campo Santa Maria del Giglio in the centre nearby the Grand Canal, only a few minutes walk from St. Mark’s square, this is a lovely place which has been an hotel since the 1960’s. It is charming and pleasant and enables its guests to reach very quickly the main key places in town and it makes a stay in Venice a very special experience. Very positive feedback from all the friends who stayed here.
HOTEL FLORA
The Hotel Flora is one of my favourites. I have always recommended this place to my friends and they have all loved it, especially the most demanding ones! The warm and welcoming atmosphere, the friendly and professional service of the staff, always happy to assist in every way, will make a stay at the Flora a wonderful experience. – Located in the very heart of the centre just a few steps away from St. Mark’s square, the Hotel Flora is a lovely, intimate place with a wonderful small but pretty garden, which, in the warm times of the year is the perfect place to have breakfast. A good tip is to book as early as possible, as the hotel is generally quite full throughout the year.
HOTEL LA FENICE ET DES ARTISTES
Located literally next door to the beautiful Opera House La Fenice, the Hotel La Fenice et Des Artistes is a very traditional, old fashioned Venetian hostelry. Although so central, it is based in a very quiet, intimate place. For many years it has been one of the favourite places of famous artists and performers. Nowadays, it feels that time has come to a standstill here, with its unique and enchanting atmosphere! The accommodation is in typical Venetian style and the rooms are all different one from another. I have recommended this place to many people and never heard any complaints. If looking for somewhere central and at the same time quiet, this is the place!
LA CALCINA
Located in one of the most beautiful and central parts of the Zattere and only few minutes walking distance from the Accademia bridge, the Pensione La Calcina is a lovely and very historical place with a wonderful heritage; in 1877 John Ruskin stayed here and so have many other important people throughout the centuries. The atmosphere is magical both inside and outside; the accommodation is very attractive and outside there is a wonderful fixed pontoon. Sit here in the warmth and enjoy some delicious food or some mouth watering ice cream, an absolute pleasure! Last but not least, the staff are friendly and professional. Always recommended to many friends and the feedback has always been very positive. Book early as it tends to be full all year round!
HOTEL AGLI ALBORETTI
Located literally three steps away from the Accademia bridge, the Hotel Agli Alboretti is a charming and intimate family run place. Its restaurant used to be one of the artists’ favourite places back in the 1950’s and 1960’s; Peggy Guggenheim used to eat here too. Today the restaurant can offer both the intimacy of the dining room inside and the lovely garden at the back in the warm season. A few friends stayed in this place and the feedback was positive. If looking for somewhere central, simple and intimate, this is the place.
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