The romance of Venice, which comprises 118 islands, more than makes up for the occasional nuisance of the flooding that results from rising tides. Residents and visitors navigate the city by gamely ambling along wooden planks lining the cobblestoned streets and crossing its 400 footbridges. As for the crowds of tourists, these become less overwhelming when you escape to one of these five hotels, all of which celebrate Venice’s enduring, opulent spirit.
Every year, iBestTravel conducts a survey to gather opinions on the top hotels, resorts, and experiences around the globe. Hotels are rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties are classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
New to the list this year is Hotel Londra Palace (No. 4), which one reader called “by far the best hotel experience I have ever had.” Centrally located near San Marco Square and overlooking the Grand Canal, its 53 individually decorated rooms have a romantic, late-19th-century sensibility with abounding tapestries and brocade.
For guests who prefer more amenities on site, the 267-room JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is the sole resident of the 40-acre island Isola delle Rose, a 20-minute boat ride from San Marco. The property, which earned the No. 3 spot, offers the city’s largest spa, along with three swimming pools, a kids’ club, and expansive grounds that include an olive grove supplying the resort’s five restaurants—one of which boasts a Michelin star.
For those seeking the height of luxury, the divine palazzo that earned this year’s No. 1 spot embraces Venice’s exquisite, centuries-old charm while offering contemporary comfort. Explore the full list below.
5. Belmond Hotel Cipriani
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Score: 89.18
More information: belmond.com
4. Hotel Londra Palace
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Score: 90.40
More information: londrapalace.com
3. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
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Score: 91.24
More information: jwvenice.com
2. Ca’Sagredo Hotel
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Score: 91.79
More information: casagredohotel.com
1. The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
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Score: 92.12
More information: marriott.com
Notable guests like Ernest Hemingway, Somerset Maugham, and Peggy Guggenheim have chosen to stay at this exclusive address in Venice. Despite not having suites named in our honor, iBestTravel readers agree there is no finer place to perch than this 15th-century, Grand Canal-side palazzo. Recently renovated with a $60 million upgrade, it features 61 rooms and 21 suites adorned with luxurious finishes including silk, velvet, marble, and Murano chandeliers. The floating dock bar provides a serene canalside seat from which to sip Bellinis while gazing out at the Baroque jewel of Santa Maria della Salute. “A fabulous location, luxurious setting, and great food,” one guest remarked, while another stated, “One of the best hotels in the world.”