Luxurious Hotels to Experience in Venice

Sure, Venice can be flooded with tourists. However, after the buses leave and the city is returned to its residents, the bustle subsides into mysterious isolation. As you stroll to dinner along the cobblestoned alleys, or even better, rise early enough the next day to witness piazzas shrouded in fog—before the tourist hustle begins once again. If that isn’t reason enough to experience an overnight stay in Venice, these hotels certainly are.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences worldwide, sharing opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels are rated based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties are categorized as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities.

The top two choices are legendary. Belmond Hotel Cipriani sits on an island opposite San Marco, just removed enough to feel like an elite club, yet a quick water taxi ride to the action. Meanwhile, the Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is located right on the Grand Canal. Visitors adore the waterside bar overlooking the Maria della Salute Basilica and sumptuous rooms adorned with stunning Murano chandeliers, so captivating that you’ll want to stay awake just to gaze at them. As one reader shared, “We’ve stayed at the Gritti at least 18 times. On our first visit, my wife looked at me and said, ‘Leave me here; just make sure you send me money every month.’ Our heart is here in Venice.” Indeed, the Canal may well be the most charming “highway” in the world, filled with the sounds of waterborne ambulances and the sight of fishermen bringing in their fresh hauls at dawn.

5. Baglioni Hotel Luna

Score: 89.90

4. Ca’Sagredo Hotel

Score: 90.07

3. San Clemente Palace Kempinski

Score: 90.67

2. Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Score: 91.19

1. Belmond Hotel Cipriani

Score: 93.26

To highlight the obvious: Yes, George and Amal Clooney chose to stay at this prestigious resort during their wedding weekend—and for good reason. Although it is merely five minutes away from San Marco by private launch, its secluded setting on three landscaped acres provides resort amenities, including tennis, an Olympic-size saltwater pool, and a kids’ club. The luxurious rooms and suites cater to even the most discerning traveler. As one guest described it, “So nice to get away from all the action!” Another remarked, “sheer glamour.”