16 Best Places to Stay in Venice (Area & Accommodation Guide)

Whether it’s a return trip or a first-time visit, Venice is a destination that belongs on every discerning traveller’s bucket list. Where else on earth can you travel by gondola, walk through a car-free city centre or photograph such unique sights? And – where are the best places to stay in Venice? 

No roads are running through the heart of Venice. Only canals. The mighty Grand Canal is the biggest of them all. Visitors also flock to St. Mark’s Square to marvel at the magnificent basilica with its campanile bell tower and Byzantine mosaics. Or to drink coffee or sip a bellini at one of the Veneto capital’s most iconic cafes or bars. 

Wander the streets of Venice and you couldn’t be anywhere else on earth. More than 100 small islands make up the city built on water, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. The artistic and architectural achievement of Venice is undeniable – and breathtakingly beautiful.

If you want to discover Venice, you will need to spend at least a few days in this unique location. This guide is here to help you find the right place to stay in Venice, according to your preferences and pocket. 

Beginning with a guide to the six main areas of Venice, we’ll then move on to the best places to stay in the northern Italian city. Let’s begin by outlining the top Venice neighbourhoods from which you must choose. 

San Marco

St Mark’s Square is known all over the world and that’s why this area is tourist central. As well as the famous basilica and campanile, the Bridge of Sighs is also in this Venetian neighbourhood.

It’s also a shopper’s paradise, as the Mercerie is a network of tiny lanes packed with lovely little stores.

Pros:

• The touristic heart of Venice
• Packed with key sights
• Iconic cafes and bars

Cons:

• Full of tourists
• Expensive

Palazzo Orseolo 

• Price: Mid range
• Best for: Gondola views
• Location: Campo Sangallo

For many, the area around St Mark’s square is the best area in Venice to stay. This historic 16th century building offers a range of air-conditioned accommodation for up to five guests with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, coffee machines – and canal views. 

Palazzo Pianca

• Price: Mid range
• Best for: Walking everywhere
• Location: San Marco

Palazzo Pianca is a solid mid-range pick in an excellent location. This area is up there as the best area to stay in Venice for a first time visitor, and the property offers a range of clean, comfortable, luxurious and spacious rooms and suites. 

Hotel Danieli

• Price: Top end
• Best for: Bucket list stay
• Location: Riva degli Schiavoni

f you don’t mind pushing the boat out – or should we say gondola – then Hotel Danieli is a must. The three buildings here are connected by covered walkways and offer incredible facilities, views and service. This isn’t just one of the best hotels in Venice Italy – it’s one of the most famous hotels in Europe. 

Cannaregio

The main train station – Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia – can be found in this district. Cannaregio has the largest population of any Venice sestiere. The centuries-old Jewish Ghetto is also located here.

Pros:

• Neighbourhood feel
• Cheaper accommodation
• Convenient for the train station

Cons:

• Furthest area from the tourist sites

Madama Garden Retreat

• Price: Luxury
• Best for: Outdoor garden
• Location: Venezia Cannaregio

Cannaregio is also one of the best neighbourhoods in Venice, Italy and here you’ll find Madama Garden Retreat. Rarely for this city, and especially a four star place, it has a lovely garden. In fact every room here has its very own patio! 

Al Ponte Antico

• Price: Luxury
• Best for: Rialto Bridge views
• Location: Cannaregio

This is one of the best romantic hotels in Venice when you’re on a four star budget. Accommodation is authentically Venetian in style, and the property has a bar complete with an outdoor terrace. The setting by the canal and bridge is as stunning as the interior. 

Palazzo Nani Venice

• Price: Top end
• Best for: Palace stay
• Location: Fondamenta Cannaregio

Surely this is one of the most romantic hotels in Venice? It’s housed in a former palace, and looks just the part once you step through the doors. There’s a lovely garden here and the hotel boasts a bar, restaurant and gym. 

Castello

This atmospheric part of Venice can seem a little spooky after dark, so it’s ideal for a carnival or Halloween visit. Maybe not one to wander around in on your own, though, if you’re easily scared!

We have to admit we’ve been lost in this area, but then that’s part and parcel of visiting Venice. The city hospital is here, and the Arsenale – a sizable Venetian boat-building site. 

Pros:

• Local vibe
• Affordable hotels
• Close to the Arsenale

Cons:

• Not as picture-perfect as some areas

Ca’di Dio 

• Price: Top end
• Best for: Spa on site
• Location: Riva de la Ca’ di Dio

This small luxury hotel is perfect for those who want a more intimate atmosphere – a spa and bar. It’s one of the top places to stay in Venice when you want a modern property. 

Relais Venezia

• Price: Mid range
• Best for: Modern style
• Location: Calle Casselleria

If you want a boutique look at a reasonable price, then go for this one. Contemporary style makes this one of the most cool places to stay in Venice – and it’s close to Piazza San Marco. The building has been fully restored and the area has a neighbourhood feel. 

Residence Ca’ Foscolo

• Price: Mid-range
• Best for: Self-catering
• Location: Campo della Fava

Self-catering suits some better than a hotel, and this is among those Venice best places to stay for those who want kitchen and laundry facilities. There’s air conditioning and a dishwasher in each one or two-bedroom apartment. 

Santa Croce

If you’re arriving by water then Santa Croce could be a good choice, as it’s where you’ll find the Stazione Maritime. However, this area is slightly further from the action.

Pros:

• By transport hub
• Far less crowded
• Cheaper to stay in

Cons: 

• Furthest from the sights

Santa Croce Boutique Hotel

• Price: Luxury
• Best for: Close to transport locations
• Location: Campo Nazario Sauro

This is a contender as the best hotel to stay in Venice if you don’t mind a ten minute walk to the train station and Rialto Bridge. Doubles and suites are available, and the helpful staff can tell you where to go in the local area. 

Hotel Antiche Figure

• Price: Mid range
• Best for: Dining in
• Location: Santa Croce

This is one of the best hotels in Venice, Italy for dining at the restaurant on site. The decor has a local feel too, with antiques, chandeliers, tapestries and Murano glass. There’s also a terrace with canal views at the Garden cafe here. 

Insider tip – Where not to stay in Venice

Don’t even bother booking into the best hotels in Mestre, Venice. This is well away from the sights you’ll want to visit and a world away from the setting you’d expect in this city!