It can be challenging and even somewhat daunting to try to figure out where you’d like to stay in Venice. Although it is not huge, there are so many options, locations, and types of accommodations. We’ve stayed in Venice 6 times now and I’ve found 3 places that I’d highly recommend! I’ve added one bonus recommendation because I did enjoy my stay there as well.
For a 4 star stay in Venice: Hotel Colombina
We stayed here on our honeymoon and we were blown away by how wonderful this place was. We were dropped off by a water taxi at the front door of the hotel and were able to walk right in!
Our room had a canal view and it was a dream to look out the window at any time of day and see gondolas going by. It felt like an Italian movie scene when they passed by while singing or playing music. This is an incredible location in Venice so gondolas were constant here. Our room actually had a view of the Bridge of Sighs as well, which is a very popular spot to see in Venice.
The location exactly where you’d want to be for your stay in Venice. It is just off St Marks Square which is a very popular and touristy area of Venice. For a first time trip to be able to stay in this peaceful hotel right near all the action was absolutely perfect.
The room was so well decorated and felt elegant. The breakfast was wonderful and the service was fantastic. The hotel staff were so kind and helpful and supported us with anything we needed.
If you are okay with spending a bit, this is an absolute stunner of a hotel and an iconic way to stay in Venice.
Price: $$$$
Location: Popular tourist location, near major sites
Value: Great value, truly an iconic spot to stay in Venice
Bonus: Rooftop terrace with fantastic views for a drink/can arrive and depart by water taxi service to the door
Unique & Special Place to stay in Venice: Airbnb With Water Door
This is a different way to explore Venice and feel a bit more like a local which we absolutely loved! This airbnb is in the Cannaregio neighborhood.
We liked this area because it was slightly quieter and off the main path. It does require about a 15 minute walk from the train station or taxi drop off area so that is something to keep in mind.
The apartment itself was incredibly clean and very spacious. The water door is absolutely incredible and we spent so much time just sitting there and watching the world go by. We saw gondolas, local boats, kayaks, etc all go by while sitting and enjoying a picnic we’d purchased at a neighborhood shop. The nice thing about this area of the canals is that it is a bit quieter so the boat traffic wasn’t constant. We had to wait a while between visits, which made it a lot more peaceful than I imagine some other areas would be. The bed was very comfortable and the shower was nice, the AC worked great, and overall it was a very wonderful stay.
The host was also very responsive and helpful and recommended us a great dinner in the area. I would love to stay here again if we returned to Venice as we loved the area and the canal access.
Price: $$$
Location: Excellent if you want to have a more peaceful experience, about 25 minutes walk from main sights
Value: Great value for money, especially because you’ll want to spend so much time in the apartment, a very local stay in in Venice
Bonus: Water door! Hanging out with the view of the canal is the absolute highlight!
Average 3 star hotel, Fantastic View! : Hotel Cannaregio 2357
We really enjoyed this hotel and were happy we booked here. It is in the Cannaregio neighborhood which we really love and felt a bit more local of an area.
The hotel was an average hotel room, normal size as you would expect in Europe and a nice bathroom and shower. The best part of this room was the view! We had two canal facing windows and again we were able to enjoy the scene and watch the world go by out the windows which was such a pleasure!
Pro Tip: Through my booking link you can specifically book “standard double room with canal view”. Make sure you do this or check in through messages to ensure the view. Without the view this is just an average hotel.
The staff here was also very kind and helpful and held our luggage on check out day.
Price: $$-$$$
Location: An easy walk from the train/taxi drop off etc, about a 25-30 minute walk to major attractions
Value: Great value for money for a stay in Venice, nice space, clean and simple, and an amazing view
Another option for a more familiar stay in Venice
AC Hotel Venezia: Marriott property. This is not my typical stay anywhere when we are abroad. But I was traveling with family who had Marriott points and my brother in law so kindly booked me a room so I didn’t have to stay in a hostel for the night. The hotel is located right at the entrance of Venice so it is a bit out of the way of the main sites, but is close to the taxi/train/airport access.
Many people like to know what they’re getting from a hotel with most Marriott properties you have that comfort. It was a very nice hotel, had an excellent breakfast, was clean and comfortable, and if this is your vibe I definitely recommend it. It would be a great spot if you know you have to leave the city late or early as you’re super close to transportation options.
I was not blogging or considering sharing my travels when we stayed here so I don’t have any pics but the website photos are accurate to my memory.
Price: $$$
Location: Far from main sights (although walkable) and close to water taxi/Vaporetto, close to entrance of Venice
Value: I think you get the value you’d expect form a Marriott property for your stay in Venice
If you’re interested in other places I’ve stayed around other parts of Italy, check out my FREE guide that shows you all of my favorite spots! —–> FREE guide here!
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