17 Hip Venice Boutique Hotels

Curious about the best Venice boutique hotels?

Real estate in Venice is at a premium. After all, there’s only so much you can fit on the limited square footage of a handful of islands. One of the silver linings to this fact is that Venice luxury boutique hotels have to get creative when it comes to delivering a stellar experience.

One of our favourite things about the coolest hotels in Venice is that they aren’t afraid to go big and bold, lavishing attention on period furniture and fabrics that ooze excess. The city’s past as a mercantile superpower has left it filled with centuries-old palazzi that laze along picturesque canals with all the insouciance of an idle Casanova.

Pinpointing the very best boutique hotel in Venice is a challenge because there are just so many distinctive properties on offer, each one containing individually decorated rooms. In this post, we’ll introduce you to just a few of the myriad choices that might seduce your senses.

TOP Pick Of Venice Boutique Hotels

Luxury Boutique Hotels Venice Italy

Venice boutique hotels lean towards the ostentatious: think scarlet brocade, sparkling glass chandeliers, and ornate furniture that wouldn’t look out of place in the Palace of Versailles. Drawing upon the wealthy history of the former city-state, the properties aim to recreate the decadent excess of past centuries.

#1 Ca’ di Dio – Charmingly Renovated Boutique Hotel Venice Italy.

Created by hospitality brand VRetreats, Ca’ di Dio is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World community. A total of 66 polished rooms have been carved out from a large, slightly blocky building that stems back to the 13th century.

LOCATION | Situated in the Castello district on the Venetian lagoon, the hotel is 10 minutes from the Piazza San Marco (a little longer if you dawdle along the Riva degli Schiavoni, as we inevitably do). For art aficionados, Ca’ di Dio is also near the Arsenale and the Giardini, where the Venice Biennale holds court every two years.

FACILITIES | There are two restaurants here, one opening out onto the internal courtyard and the other with views of the lagoon. Head to Alchemia for stylish cocktails until 1 a.m., or relax in the Pura City Spa, which offers treatment rooms and a sauna. There’s also a small gym and a tranquil reading room.

ROOMS | Murano glass lamps, Rosso Verona marble, and plush furniture are the hallmarks of the accommodation at the Ca’ di Dio, which is not so much of a particular style but rather a mixture of elements that blend into a seamlessly comfortable stay.

#2 The St. Regis Venice – Luxury Living On The Grand Canal.

Proudly perched at the mouth of the Grand Canal, the St. Regis is one of the most luxurious Venice boutique hotels you could hope for, with completely renovated interiors that were only opened to the public in 2019.

LOCATION | Across the water, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute rises grandly from the opposite bank. All sorts of ritzy shops are to be found squirrelled away in the nearby streets, while the Doge’s Palace and the Campanile di San Marco are a short walk away.

FACILITIES | Gio’s Restaurant & Terrace is a glamorous and scenic place to dine, flowing forth from the understatedly smart interiors onto an al fresco area that has spectacular views of Venice’s most famous waterway. As you would expect from a five-star brand, there’s also a spa and a Technogym-equipped fitness centre.

ROOMS | Rosy pastel pink is a recurring theme throughout the sleekly modern rooms at St. Regis, which exudes a discreet opulence – the kind that says, yes, everything here is of the finest quality, but we don’t need to shout about it.

#3 Hotel Metropole Venezia – A Decadently Designed Boutique Hotel In Venice Italy.

If you’re someone who prefers showmanship over subtlety, the Hotel Metropole Venezia is the place for you. This five-star hotel is full of bold colour and oriental flourishes, paying tribute to Venice’s historical trade links to the East.

LOCATION | Hotel Metropole Venezia is located along the Riva, just over five minutes from the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square.

FACILITIES | Rich red brocade swamps the restaurant and bar, while the gold leaf has been liberally applied to the Turkish-style spa area, which boasts a hydro massage pool and treatment rooms. We also love sitting outside in the (only slightly) more restrained courtyard garden, which overflows with foliage, wicker seating, and bamboo screens.

ROOMS | The lodgings here are no less extravagant than the rest of the hotel, featuring boldly patterned damask wallpaper, antique furniture, and mosaic-tiled bathrooms.

#4 Baglioni Hotel Luna – A Period Piece.

Tucked down a little canal, just where the lagoon meets the Grand Canal, the Baglioni Hotel Luna is an old-timey spot that tips its hat to the fashions of yesteryear.

LOCATION | One of the best-located Venice boutique hotels, this property is just off the Piazza San Marco. The grand Teatro La Fenice opera house and the Rialto Bridge are both around 10 minutes walk.

FACILITIES | Like many of the five-star establishments on the water, the Baglioni Hotel Luna has its own private dock. A steam room, treatment areas, and a relaxation space all form part of the soothing spa, while the Canova restaurant offers a fine dining experience where you can treat that special someone to a top-notch meal.

There’s also a café and bar on-site for snacks and booze.

ROOMS | Hand-carved period furniture and Murano glass light fixtures evoke the palazzos of the past. Lodgings range from the petite 216-square-feet superior rooms to the 753-square-feet family suites.

#5 The Gritti Palace – One Of The Best Luxury Boutique Hotels In Venice Italy For Glamour.

The Gritti Palace harks back to 1475. For many centuries, it was the residence of nobility before transforming into a hotel in 1895, giving the common folk a taste of the high life.

LOCATION | La Fenice is five minutes on foot, while the Piazza San Marco is a slightly longer 10 minutes. Just across the Grand Canal are the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

FACILITIES | Our favourite place to spend our time here is on the Gritti Terrace, where you can enjoy an afternoon drink with views over the lagoon. Suppose the weather is a little ropey; head indoors to the lavishly appointed restaurant and bar.

If you fancy trying your hand at some Italian specialities, cooking lessons are available from the executive chef or indulge in a wine tasting or a chef’s table dinner in the private dining room. The spa has partnered with luxury skincare brand Sisley Paris to deliver a heavenly menu of treatments, while the fitness suite contains best-in-class equipment.

ROOMS | Each of the rooms here offers something unique, but all of them boast fabrics from luxury textile maker Rubelli, complemented by glass chandeliers and marble bathrooms.

#6 Palazzo Maria Formosa – Simple Sophistication.

Another preserved 15th-century residence, the Palazzo Maria Formosa incorporates décor from different eras, blending neoclassical frescoes with Art Deco pieces in the communal areas while relying on simplicity to deliver unfussy comfort in the bedrooms.

LOCATION | The palace is named for its location off the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, a picturesque city square surrounded by stunning architecture. The Palazzo Grimani, with its noteworthy sculpture gallery, is nearby, while the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza San Marco are both around 10 minutes’ walk.

FACILITIES | Setting itself apart from many of the best Venice boutique hotels, Palazzo Maria Formosa has a delicious breakfast included with the room rate. Guests can use the spa for 45 minutes per day, luxuriating in the sauna, Turkish bath, and other relaxation areas.

At the Peacock Bar, you can dine on dishes dreamed up by Michelin-starred chef Alessandro Breda, washed down with fine wine or innovative cocktails.

ROOMS | The smallest lodgings here are admittedly on the compact side (a mere 183 square feet) but still manage to squeeze in all the usual amenities, including a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a kettle, and a wardrobe. The muted colour palette creates a quiet sophistication.

#7 Ca Maria Adele – An Intimate Affair.

With just 12 rooms, Ca Maria Adele promises a memorable experience – and style in spades.

LOCATION | On the very eastern tip of the Dorsoduro district, the hotel has the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute right on its doorstep. The nearby Salute Vaporetto stop provides access to the other side of the Grand Canal.

FACILITIES | There are plenty of places to sedately lounge at Ca Maria Adele, from the breezy outdoor terrace to the lounge room, which is filled with unusual furniture and artwork. While you’ll have to go elsewhere for lunch and dinner, breakfast can be procured in the bright breakfast room – or indulge your laziness and have it served in your boudoir.

ROOMS | Each of the rooms at Ca Maria Adele is lusciously apparelled, from the deluxe rooms to the suites. One of the most unique hotels Venice has to offer, the property has five concept rooms, including the Doge’s Room, a decadent blend of blood-red fabric and golden furnishings, and the Fireplace Room, a more sedate affair in eggshell and cream.

Our favourite, however, is the Room of the Moors, which is a boldly patterned extravaganza that draws on Arab-style geometric designs to dazzling effect.

#8 The Venice Venice Hotel – One Of The Best Boutique Hotels Venice Italy, For Modern Art.

So good they named it twice; the Venice Venice Hotel has stuffed its corridors with artworks from the 20th century. Appropriately enough, the Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art is also in the neighbourhood.

LOCATION | Just a few steps from the Rialto Bridge, this property is on the border between the Cannaregio, Castello, and San Marco districts. Head across the bridge in the mornings to explore the fresh produce of the Rialto Market, or meander south for 15 minutes to reach the Piazza San Marco.

FACILITIES | Breakfast is included in the room rate, while other meals can be obtained throughout the day at Venice M’art, the in-house restaurant inspired by the nearby market. Seating is available in the Sotoportego gallery or on the Grand Canal itself.

ROOMS | Unlike many Venice boutique hotels, this one has firmly placed itself in the modern camp, with minimalist rooms that boast little pops of contemporary artwork. For something truly special, we recommend securing a room with views of the Rialto Bridge.

#9 Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice – A Vision In White.

Keeping things classy in a timeless fashion, the Palazzo Nani’s neoclassical façade conceals a thoroughly modern interior.

LOCATION | In the western part of Cannaregio, the property is not far from the Ponte della Liberta road bridge that connects the island of Venice to mainland Venice. It’s an ideal part of the city to be in should you wish to visit the Mestre area – or even make a day trip to Padua, Treviso, or Vicenza.

On the other hand, it is a bit further away from the main Venetian sights than most of the other Venice boutique hotels, though it does have the advantage of being closer to the island of Murano, famed for its glass manufacture.

FACILITIES | Guests entering the lobby are immediately greeted by the bar and restaurant, which leads out onto a nicely sized terrace. A sizable gym space with essential workout equipment is concealed within the building, and there’s also a rather grand saloon where you can chill out with a book.

ROOMS | There are 52 rooms at the Palazzo Nani, all decked out in white tones and pared-back furnishings. If your watchwords are ‘clean,’ ‘spacious,’ and ‘modern,’ this hotel won’t disappoint.

Best Mid-Range Boutique Hotels In Venice Italy

Venice is an expensive city, so don’t expect to find many bargains. Having said that, some mid-range hotels deliver a lot more value for money than others. Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for places that won’t break the bank, but that still exhibit classic Venetian charm.

#10 Excess Venice Boutique Hotel & Private Spa – Adults Only – One Of The Best Romantic Hotels In Venice Italy.

Visiting Venice for a couples’ escape? This hotel puts the X factor into the word ‘excess.’

LOCATION | The Church of Saint Sebastian, with its fantastic collection of Veronese paintings, is a short walk away, though it’s a bit of a trek to the Piazza San Marco. Then again, you can always catch a vaporetto from the nearby San Basilio ferry terminal.

FACILITIES | The highlight here is obviously the private spa, which boasts a Finnish sauna, a Jacuzzi, and a chromotherapy shower just for two, augmented by couples’ massage treatments.

Unexpectedly, the Excess Venice Boutique also has one of the prettiest little gardens of all Venice boutique hotels, ornamented with its very own fountain. Breakfast is available on-site, but you’ll have to find somewhere else for your lunch and dinner. There is, however, a cocktail bar where you can procure drinks and some light bites.

ROOMS | There are reasonably priced rooms available, but if you want something a bit more romantic, the executive suite is 549 square feet and provides a balcony where you can gaze down on the canal and the Church of Saint Sebastian.

#11 H10 Palazzo Canova – One Of The Best 4-Star Views.

A brand-new property on the shores of the Grand Canal, the H10 Palazzo Canova has nabbed a prime bit of real estate with some excellent panoramic views of Venice’s famous waterway.

LOCATION | Part of the bustling San Polo district, this four-star spot is a short walk from the Rialto Bridge and 15 minutes walk from the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, an imposing brick church from the 1300s that houses Titian’s tomb.

FACILITIES | The indoor-outdoor dining area at H10 Palazzo Canova only serves breakfast, though we much prefer spending our time on the top-floor terrace anyway, taking in views of the Grand Canal while sipping a glass of wine.

ROOMS | Bright, blue fabrics run through the hotel rooms, giving the rooms a fresh feel. Comfortably furnished, the accommodation has a breezy charm that cultivates a laidback, relaxing ambience.

#12 Egò Boutique Hotel The Silk Road – One Of The Best Small Boutique Hotels in Venice Italy.

Egò Boutique’s elaborate facade is the kind of thing you expect to see on a Venetian postcard. Inside, the Silk Road aspect of the hotel is evident through design features such as a bust of Marco Polo, a glass mosaic of a sea voyage, and a cartographic illustration of the route between Venice and China.

LOCATION | As well as having one of the prettiest exteriors of all Venice boutique hotels, this property is also superbly well-situated. A few steps away is the Rialto Bridge, while you can reach Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace in 10 minutes flat.

FACILITIES | Amenities are sparse here, but there is a daily continental breakfast that can be served in the dining area that overlooks the canal or in the privacy of your room. The hotel is also pet-friendly.

ROOMS | There are only a handful of rooms at the Egò Boutique, ranging from the comfort rooms (accoutred with either sun or moon headboards) to the chandeliered Imperial Suite, which mixes Eastern and Western elements inside 624 square feet.

#13 Palazzo Morosini Degli Spezieri – A Tranquil Aparthotel Hideaway.

Centrally located but in a quiet area that feels like your own little slice of Venice, the Palazzo Morosini Degli Spezieri is a three-star establishment that offers apartments for between one and six people.

LOCATION | The Rialto Bridge is just over 10 minutes walk away. Add on another 10 to 15 minutes to reach the Piazza San Marco. For something quirky to do in the neighbourhood, pop into the Creature di Gomma, which houses a collection of vintage toys.

FACILITIES | While the hotel doesn’t serve meals, it does have several leafy communal spaces where you can relax, including an internal courtyard and a garden terrace.

ROOMS | Even the smallest option – a split-level flat with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living-dining area with a kitchenette – is a sizable 431 square feet. The largest is a massive 1,615 square feet, encompassing three ensuite bedrooms with double beds, a living-dining room, and a separate kitchen.

#14 Hotel Ai Reali – A Quintessential Venetian Experience On A Budget.

For a four-star venue, the Hotel Ai Reali provides an excellent array of facilities in a fantastically convenient location. The décor follows in the period footsteps of many luxury Venetian establishments – but at a more affordable price point.

LOCATION | On the Rio della Fava, this property is ideally situated to reach the Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, and many other top Venetian attractions.

FACILITIES | In keeping with the best Venice boutique hotels, the Hotel Ai Reali has a broad suite of services, including a white-tablecloth restaurant. This wine cellar can host private events and a spa with a pool, a sauna, treatment rooms, and a fitness centre. Breakfast is included.

ROOMS | Rooms here rely on a gold-dominated colour palette to create a feeling of luxury – an impression supported by marble bathrooms and Murano glass chandeliers.

#15 Novecento Boutique Hotel – One Of The Most Unique Hotels In Venice Italy For Decoration.

The Novecento is a boho hangout that packs Middle Eastern and East Asian features into a quirkily laid out little hideaway secreted down a charming yet nondescript alleyway.

LOCATION | On a street off the Grand Canal, this property is excellently situated between the iconic Piazza San Marco and the Accademia Gallery, which contains a collection of Italian masterworks.

FACILITIES | The communal heart of the Novecento is the cosy living room, which gives off Marrakesh-meets-opium-den vibes and provides an honest bar. Breakfast is served in a greenery-filled garden, but for other meals, there are numerous neighbourhood restaurants.

ROOMS | Yes, the rooms are small, but they pack a lot of personality into the space, pulling predominantly from Asia to create unique havens of relaxation.

#16 Ai Patrizi di Venezia – Excellent Value For Money.

If you want the classic Venice boutique hotel experience on a relatively modest budget, Ai Patrizi di Venezia features damask wallpaper, Murano chandeliers, and gilt-edged furniture throughout a handful of apartments.

LOCATION | Nestled on a street just off the Campo Manin, this hotel is a short walk from the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo with its striking spiral staircase. La Fenice, Piazza San Marco, and the Rialto Bridge are all less than 10 minutes away, but if you love shopping, there are a ton of quality boutiques in the nearby streets.

FACILITIES | Facilities are pretty minimal. This is really more of a serviced apartment accommodation than a full-fledged hotel.

ROOMS | If you like the idea of self-catering, these apartments contain a stovetop, a fridge, a dishwasher, and plentiful kitchenware, as well as lounge areas, dining tables, and marble bathrooms. The largest apartment supplies three bedrooms and can fit up to six or seven people.

#17 Splendid Venice – One Of The Best Boutique Hotels In Venice Italy For Big Design In A Small Package.

A hotel that doesn’t believe in modesty, the Splendid Venice manages to deliver beautiful rooms in compact spaces.

LOCATION | This four-star spot is surrounded by high-end stores, as well as being a short walk from the Piazza San Marco and La Fenice.

FACILITIES | The property contains a nice restaurant and bar, plus a rather lovely (if expensive) rooftop terrace. A laundry/dry cleaning service is available for an additional fee, and you can also bring your favourite furry friend along for the (gondola) ride for 45 euros.

ROOMS | There’s a broad spectrum of room sizes at Splendid Venice, though everything edges towards the compact side. Having said that, we love the bold wall patterns that make even the most petite accommodation feel grand.

Venice Boutique Hotels: FAQs

Which part of Venice is best to stay?

If you’re all about that sightseeing life and staying in Venice for a short time, San Marco is your go-to. It’s the heart of the city, with icons like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace right in your face. We stayed here on our recent trip to Venice, and it was super convenient, but it’s always crowded and can be pricy.

For a local vibe, we loved Cannaregio– quieter, cheaper, and authentically Venetian. Here, you can actually breathe and live like locals. It’s less touristy, and the food scene is more authentic (and easier on the wallet).

Both are fab choices, just depends on what kind of Venice vibes you’re after!

How many days is ideal in Venice?

From our experience, 2 to 3 days hit the sweet spot. You get enough time to see the main attractions like St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace without rushing- trust us, you’ll want to linger. We also had time to take a gondola ride (because, let’s be real, it’s Venice, you kinda have to).

But what made our stay magical was the extra day we had for just wandering aimlessly through less touristy spots like Cannaregio or hopping on a Vaporetto to visit nearby islands like Murano and Burano. The colour-popping houses in Burano are like candy for the eyes!

Why are hotels in Venice so expensive?

Wondering why it costs so much to sleep in a floating city?

First up, it’s Venice! Demand is high, especially in hotspots like San Marco. I mean, who doesn’t want to wake up to the views of famous landmarks? High demand often means higher prices.

Second, consider the logistics. Getting supplies to a city crisscrossed by canals is no joke. We’ve seen those boats navigating through narrow waterways, and let’s just say, it ain’t as easy as Amazon Prime.

Lastly, space is at a premium. Venice is a compact city, and there’s just not a lot of room to build new hotels, making existing rooms more valuable.

What is the best month to go to Venice?

We found that late spring and early autumn- think May, September, and October- are primo. The weather’s usually mild, and you dodge that intense summer crowd.

We recently visited in early November and had mostly great weather, but late fall is known to be a little humid, and sometimes the fog can hold up until the afternoon, which is not ideal for those Instagram picks!

There is also “aqua alta” (high water) in late autumn when Venice can get a bit wetter than usual.

Is Venice a walkable city?

Absolutely! Venice is like the poster child for walkable cities. We ditched Google Maps and just let our feet guide us. The whole city is pretty compact, and you can walk from one end to the other in about an hour, give or take.

Just be ready for those bridges- those steps can add up and turn your day into a leg day workout real quick!

Is Venice Safe?

Generally speaking, Venice is considered one of the safest cities in Italy. Violent crime is rare, and most issues tourists might encounter are standard pickpocketing or minor scams, especially in crowded, touristy areas like San Marco.

That being said, it’s always smart to stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. We always made it a point to keep our bags zipped and our phones tucked away when navigating through crowds or taking selfies by the Grand Canal.

Venice Boutique Hotels: Final Word

The essence of Venice boutique hotels is to pack as much character into as small a space as possible. This does mean most places are slightly old-fashioned and perhaps a bit traditional over minimal, but if you want the full Venetian experience, the hotels we’ve listed above deliver glamour in abundance.