Best places to stay in Venice, Italy, and the 4 best areas
Finding the best places to stay in Venice might seem easy, as the city is so walkable, but if you have limited time there, it’s better to put some thought into it.
Venice is an incredible place to visit and to stay in, and you should definitely stay there. Roaming around the streets after sunset is a special kind of treat. Plus, starting from January 2023, you’ll need to pay a fee to visit if you go for a day trip.
So yes, spend at least a night, but better a couple of nights, in Venice. And let me help you find the best places to stay in Venice. They are in no particular order.
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Top 3 Picks: Best Places to Stay in Venice
Overall best
#2 PICK
Canaletto Luxury Suites – San Marco Luxury
✔️ Located on San Marco’s square
✔️ Ultimate luxury experience
#3 PICK
Where we stayed in Venice on our trips
Both of our times, as I said already, we stayed in the San Marco neighbourhood close to San Marco’s square. Funnily, the hotels were very well-priced.
Related: Venice 2 day itinerary
One of the hotels was Hotel Noemi. It’s only a 2-star hotel, but the location is incredible – just 50m from San Marco’s square on the way to Rialto bridge. The hotel is furnished in the 18th-century Venetian style and has all the modern amenities needed for a comfortable stay.
The other hotel was Hotel Mercurio. It’s a 3-star hotel between the Rialto bridge and the “La Fenice” theatre. The rooms weren’t exactly big (which is normal in Venice), but the hotel was comfortable and there was everything that you’d need for a stay in Venice.
Best areas to stay in Venice
Venice consists of 6 districts or sestieri in Italian:
- San Marco
- Cannaregio
- San Polo
- Dorsoduro
- Santa Croce
- Castello.
There aren’t really any bad areas to stay in in Venice. As I mentioned before, the whole city is easily walkable.
We ourselves stayed in San Marco and enjoyed it. It didn’t seem loud or overcrowded, and everything was nearby. Other neighbourhoods that I’d consider convenient are Castello, San Polo and Dorsoduro.
Really, the most interesting things in Venice are quite concentrated. If you stay not too far from San Marco’s square, it doesn’t matter which neighbourhood it is.
Just make sure that you pack lightly for Venice – the streets are narrow and made of cobblestone, the hotel rooms are generally small, and there are stairs everywhere. Pretty much, pack just the essentials with you.
A few things about finding the best place to stay in Venice for your trip and about this article
Before diving in on the best areas to stay in Venice, I just wanted to mention a few things so that there are no misunderstandings.
Prices of the hotels in Venice
The thing is, the price per night of a hotel in Venice varies a lot so don’t be surprised if a mid-range hotel seems luxury costing. And of course, since Venice is an incredibly popular destination, the hotel price is generally higher, to begin with.
And about budget hotels in Venice, well, what’s “budget” in Venice is pretty much mid-range or even luxury in many other places. Venice hotels are some of the most expensive in the whole of Italy, and that’s saying something.
If there’s some kind of a festival or happening going on, the price, obviously, goes even higher up. And if there’s more than one? Well, the price goes even higher up.
For example, I couldn’t figure out just why??? is the price in September so much higher than in summer. Turns out, it’s Venice Biennale – the film festival and International Architecture Exhibition, huge operas in La Fenice, Regata Storica, and many more things happening all through September.
And of course, during the Carnivale or the Venice film festival, the prices are incredibly high as well. That is, if you’re even lucky enough to snatch a room anywhere.
About “What to see and do” in the areas mentioned
Just as with other “where to stay” articles, I’ll tell you why the area in question is a good place to stay in, what might be things that you wouldn’t like, and what are the best things to do in these areas.
The thing about Venice is, though, that the areas that I’ll mention, which are San Marco, Castello, San Polo, and Dorsoduro, have something in common in regard to what to see and do.
That is, all of them have
- amazing little bridges over charming canals,
- great restaurants and cafes,
- remarkable churches and squares,
- and incredible art galleries.
So, unless there are some really must-see or must-do churches etc. in the sestiere, I’m not going to crowd the things to do with them 😊
Best places to stay in Venice in the San Marco area – the best area in Venice for first-time visitors
San Marco is the it area in Venice, where pretty much everything happens. It’s quite central as well, so it’s perfect for first-time visitors – easy to get everywhere.
Related: there are many incredible hotels in San Marco that have canal views
Hotels in San Marco
Crazy luxury, but I couldn’t not mention them –
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
The Gritti Palace is set in a former noble residence – a 15th-century palace where the doge of Venice once resided. This is a place on the Grand Canal which is set to have the best views in town.
From the Gritti palace, you can see everything from the island of San Giorgio Maggiore to Santa Maria della Salute Church and the lagoon, and even the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. All of this can be enjoyed from the hotel’s terrace where breakfast is served when it’s warm enough.
The rooms are elegant and luxurious and are decorated with antiques and Murano glass. Some of them offer views of the Grand Canal and others – of the city.
You can enjoy a spa, fitness room, and even an epicurean school among other things. You can even have a Riva yacht experience.
So, definitely check out how amazing this looks!
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
The St. Regis Venice
If you’d like to stay even closer to the lagoon, check out the St. Regis Venice hotel. It’s located on the Grand Canal just opposite the Punta della Dogana.
Its interior, though, has a more modern touch on the Venetian-style décor. Still, there’s luxury, marble, and art.
Some rooms offer views of the Grand Canal and others of Venice. For example, the King room has a terrace that overlooks the Grand Canal and offers exquisite views of the lagoon, Punta della Dogana, Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, and more. And, of course, there’s a terrace bar overlooking the canal.
There is a spa and fitness centre available as well. You can enjoy a massage after a long day exploring – what can be better?
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
Luxury hotels and suites in San Marco
Canaletto Luxury Suites – San Marco Luxury
Canaletto Luxury Suites offer views of the actual San Marco’s square. As in, it’s located right there on the square – in the Venice clock tower, to be exact. Obviously, you pay a pretty penny for this, but still, seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The rooms are huge (the two-bedroom suite is bigger than my apartment!), and some even have a terrace. There’s antique furniture and contemporary portraits in the rooms.
As an added bonus, you can enjoy a private jacuzzi and sauna with chronotherapy. And on request, you can get such services as a tourist guide, room service breakfast, personal shopper, massage therapist, beautician, and transfer.
Luxury at its finest, right in the heart of Venice.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Baglioni Hotel Luna – The Leading Hotels of the World
Baglioni Hotel Luna is a historic hotel located just next to Giardini Reali, a few steps from the Piazza San Marco. Some of the rooms overlook the lagoon and offer incredible views of the San Giorgio Maggiore Island. This luxury hotel has its own private dock where guests can arrive by gondola or water taxi, but if not, the Vaporetto stop is just 50m away.
The rooms in Baglioni are spacious and decorated in a luxurious and romantic way. Antique furniture, Merino glass chandeliers, marble bathrooms, walls draped in decadent velvet – real luxury!
There’s a newly opened spa as well with different procedures, such as massages, available.
The hotel’s restaurant – the Canova restaurant – is Michelin-starred, and has a Michelin-starred chef, Claudio Sadler.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com, Expedia.com
Sina Palazzo Sant’Angelo
Ok, so, since the other two luxury hotels have a very luxurious price, I wanted to add another one.
Sina Palazzo hotel is located just on the Grand Canal. It’s a luxury boutique hotel with a private pier. Actually, in 2021, it was named one of the best hotels in Venice by Condé Nast Traveller.
The rooms are elegantly decorated in a traditional Venetian style from the 18th century, with views of the canal or a nice inner courtyard. And, they come with a marble bathroom that has a hydromassage bath – perfect for relaxing after those long walks.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Mid-range hotels in San Marco
Hotel Dei Dragomanni
On the upper side of the mid-range hotels in Venice, there’s hotel Dei Dragomanni. It’s “upper” both in how it looks and in price.
It’s located close to Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal. For visiting the Rialto bridge, it’s gonna be a bit of a walk, though you can always use the Vaporetto. Many of the rooms offer views of the Canal Grande.
The rooms offer all the charm of an antique Venetian palace with a modern touch. The hotel was made in a renovated ancient Venetian home, and during the renovations, the owners tried to preserve the original style.
I really love the architecture of the place with all of the exposed rock. The Murano glass and marble don’t hurt, either.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com Expedia.com
Hotel Firenze
The rooms are traditionally decorated. Some have lithographs of carnival scenes; others may have antique mirrors with gold leaf frames or hand-finished views of Venice. The chandeliers and lights on the walls are hand-made from Murano glass. Rooms at Hotel Firenze are not the biggest, though, that can be expected in Venice.
Hotel Firenze is located only 30m from Piazza San Marco in another historic building. It’s just on the main shopping street with stores from brands such as Gucci, Armani, and Prada around it.
There’s a terrace on the rooftop of the building from which you can enjoy views of San Marco’s bell tower. Breakfast can be served there as well, but that would probably be best for warm days.
All in all, hotel Firenze offers very good value for what you pay so it’s definitely one of the best places to stay in Venice.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Budget options
It’s not easy to find budget hotels in the San Marco area in Venice, but I really tried. Of course, in the season the prices go up to such levels that it’s hard to consider them “budget”. If you book through booking, make sure to log in so that you reach higher levels in the Genius program. The higher the level, the better the benefits.
Hotel Mercurio
Yes, one of the places I really can recommend is the hotel Mercurio where we stayed on one of our trips to Venice.
It’s located quite close to San Marco’s square and Rialto bridge. The location was nice and quiet which meant good rest.
The rooms are not the biggest, but again, that’s how it is in Venice. We had enough space for the two of us and our luggage, so I think it’s ok. Of course, the décor is traditional Venetian. Some of the rooms offer views of the Barcaroli Canal.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Hotel Orion
Hotel Orion is located just a few steps away from Piazza San Marco. It’s convenient to reach, as the San Marco’s Vaporetto stop is also close by.
The rooms are decorated in classic Venetian style, and some even have exposed-beam ceilings. They are not the biggest, but they’re clean and cosy. From the higher floors, you can even enjoy sunrises over the orange roofs of Venice or the roof of Basilica San Marco.
There’s an apartment available as well for those who prefer more privacy. Though, there’s no breakfast included if you decided on self-catering.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com and Expedia.com
Why stay in San Marco
- Most popular landmarks are located in San Marco
- Easy to get everywhere – San Marco is very central
- Lots of food options
Why not stay in San Marco
- Since Venice’s must-sees are located here, it gets crowded
- The most commercial and touristy neighbourhood in Venice
- Hotels are rather pricey
What to see in San Marco area in Venice
- San Marco’s square, Basilica, and bell tower
- Rialto and Accademia bridges
- Loads of museums
- Doge’s Palace
- Bridge of Sighs
- Giardini Reali
- Scala Contarini di Bavolo
- Teatro La Fenice
- And a lot more
Best places to stay in Venice in the Castello area – for a more local experience
Castello is the biggest neighbourhood in Venice. It’s right next to the San Marco’s area and actually the Basilica and square. It’s a big one with less known things to see and do, which is great for those of us who like to wander off the beaten path at times.
Hotels in Castello
Luxury hotels in Castello
Liassidi Wellness Suites
LIassidi Wellness Suites are located just 600m from San Marco’s square in the quiet district of Castello. It’s located opposite the historic church of S. Antonin and close by the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, which houses Bellini’s most important works.
An interesting concept, Liassidi Wellness Suites offer only five luxury suites.
There are a couple of incredible things about them, though.
First, each suite comes with a private Turkish bath, as well as a sensory shower with chromo-therapy. The King Suite has a spa bath that overlooks the canal and provides a sauna and hydroline hydro-massage facilities all in a highly romantic setting.
The second, and most incredible, thing is that there’s no concierge in the hotel. Instead, there are a couple of English-style butlers that will take care of all of your needs. That is, they’ll hang your clothes, prepare food, including breakfast in your suite or in the garden, and spoil you in other ways.
And all of that for less than a simple room in a luxury hotel in the San Marco area.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Hotel Ai Reali – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Hotel Ai Reali is conveniently located close to the Rialto bridge. It’s almost in San Marco, really – just on the other side of the river that divides the neighbourhoods.
The rooms are big for Venice standards, with the suite being more than 75 square meters big. Some of the rooms come with a canal view which is always nice to have.
The décor is elegant and, well, royal almost. They are furnished in a warm Venetian style with antique textiles on the walls, and wooden floors, and some have a “Venetian terrace”. The bathrooms are marble, of course.
What captured me, though, is the wellness and spa in the hotel. There’s a sauna, Turkish baths, a jacuzzi (out of order at the time of posting), massages, and more available. Reservations are required and children younger than 14 years old are not allowed.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
Ca’di Dio – Small Luxury Hotel
And another luxury hotel, but I couldn’t leave this one out. The garden in Ca’di Dio is just so magnificent. Plus, it’s on the canal which offers great views.
It’s located a bit off the beaten track, which is good for immersing yourself in the authentic Venice. And, it’s closer to the Giardini della Biennale than other hotels. And still, is only 800m from Palazzo Ducale.
If you’re afraid of being too far from all the points of interest, don’t worry, as the Arsenale vaporetto station is just there. Plus, it’s a great location for enjoying sunsets over the St Giorgio island and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute.
The rooms are very nicely decorated – the designers tried to keep the authentic Venetian feel. Some of the rooms offer a view of the canal or the lagoon. And the Rooftop Terrace room actually has a, well, rooftop terrace, which gives views of Venice and the San Marco basin.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Mid-range hotels in Castello
Hotel Le Isole
Hotel Le Isole is a gorgeous little boutique hotel located 2 minutes from Palazzo Ducale and St Mark’s Square.
The rooms are elegantly decorated with a bit of a modern twist on the traditional Venetian décor. Some of the rooms have a canal view which lets you enjoy gondolas flowing by peacefully.
The location of Le Isole is very convenient for connecting to the Venice Santa Lucia Train Station and Marco Polo Airport as the vaporetto stop is just a few steps away.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Hotel Sant’Antonin
Another hotel whose garden caught my heart. It’s a 16th palace garden with sculptures. The garden is incredibly lovely! Plus, Hotel Sant’Antonin is located just 10 minutes from San Marco’s so the location, although quieter, is very convenient.
The rooms are elegantly furnished with antique furniture. It’s actually the original furniture and accessories that have been there for the last 2 centuries!
Breakfast can be served either in the room or in the garden. Or, when it’s cold, in a breakfast room with a view of the garden.
It’s really one of the best places to stay in Venice, as the location is perfect – it’s just off the main action but in a quieter area, which means a good rest at night.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Budget hotels in Castello
Hotel Commercio & Pellegrino
Hotel Commercio & Pellegrino has a fantastic location – just on the side of the Grand Canal, on Riva degli Schiavoni, by the Bridge of Sighs. This means that it’s not the quietest location if your windows face the canal. But still, for this price, amazing.
The rooms are nicely decorated and have all you need, including amenities and TVs. From some, you can see the Bell Tower of St Marco’s square and from others – the canal and lagoon.
A nice touch – in winter, complimentary tea and Italian pastries are served in the afternoons.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Hotel Ca’ Formenta
Hotel Ca’ Formenta is located close to Venice Biennale and 10 minutes walk from Piazza San Marco. It has its own private wharf.
The rooms are not big, but not too small. They are furnished in a typical Venetian style – yellow walls, blue carpets, marble bathrooms, and other interesting things.
From some of the rooms, you can see the lagoon and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
Although the hotel is located farther away from the main sightseeing locations, it still has a lot of restaurants around it. Plus, there are many things to see and do on this side of Venice, too.
It’s one of the best places to stay in Venice if you’re looking for something more local and quieter, for sure.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or Expedia.com
Why stay in Castello
- A less touristy experience
- Close to San Marco’s square
- Easy transit to the nearby islands, including Lido, Burano, and Murano
Why not stay in Castello
- Castello is less polished than the more touristy areas
- More local means less English
- Farther away from many interesting sights
Related: Packing list for Venice
What to see and do in Castello area
- Giardini della Biennale
- Libreria Acqua Alta
- The naval base and technology centre Arsenale
- Enjoy how the locals in Venice live
Where to stay in San Polo – best places to stay in Venice with children
San Polo is quite a central neighbourhood directly over the Rialto bridge from San Marco. It’s good for families because it’s less busy than, for example, San Marco, but still well connected and central. There are lots of food options and entertainment available.
Hotels in San Polo
Luxury hotels in San Polo
H10 Palazzo Canova
H10 Palazzo Canova is located just on the Grand Canal, only 100m from the Rialto bridge. It actually has a rooftop bar with a terrace overlooking the Grand Canal. The views from it are spectacular!
The rooms are quite large and nicely decorated. They give a feeling of subtle luxury. The colours, according to the hotel, promote rest and relaxation. I’d say that I agree with it. All of the rooms have Rituals amenities – they are excellent. Some of the rooms offer views of the Canal Grande and even the Rialto bridge.
I’d say H10 Palazzo Canova is definitely one of the best places to stay in Venice, if only for the spectacular view. But according to the reviews, the staff is a close second.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com, expedia.com
Hotel L’Orologio – WTB Hotels
Another luxury hotel that’s located just on the Grand Canal, but just a bit less expensive than the H10. The location is quite exquisite – Hotel L’Orologio is close to many points of interest such as the Rialto market or Campo San Polo, but off the main road thus in a quieter location.
This is a great place to stay in Venice for those who want a bit of a more modern touch to their accommodation. Many places on this list are furnished in a traditional way for a reason – it’s because the majority of accommodation in Venice is that way.
So, in other words, the rooms at hotel L’Orologio are designed in a minimalistic and modern way. The décor is inspired by watches – it’s actually very interesting. And, the rooms are soundproofed which means extra quiet for all of the relaxing.
Part of the amenities includes a TWICE-DAILY cleaning. Honestly, I haven’t seen it really, well, anywhere.
There’s a rooftop bar available as well, where you can enjoy snacks and aperitifs with a view. And even the ground-floor restaurant offers views of the Grand Canal through the windows.
If you’d rather stay in an apartment, hotel L’O, as it’s called on their website, has those available as well. L’O Venezia Flat offers apartments with the luxury of a hotel – you can choose it from the list of “rooms”. That is, you get breakfast, cleaning, and all of the other perks of a hotel while enjoying the privacy of a home.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
Midrange places to stay in San Polo
Locanda Sant’Agostin
Locanda Sant’Agostin is located a bit away from the Grand Canal, 10 minutes from the Santa Lucia Station and the Rialto Bridge.
It’s quite a small bed and breakfast set in a 16th-century building. All of the rooms are decorated with period furniture. Some of them even overlook the San Polo and Sant’Agostin canals, and some have balconies or seating areas.
Locanda Sant’Agostin is quite far from Piazza San Marco, some 15 minutes walk. That just means, though, that you’re away from most of the tourists, thus able to enjoy the quieter and more authentic Venice.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.om
Ca’ Angeli
Ca’ Angeli is a little bed and breakfast located on the Grand Canal, a bit away from the crowds. Still, the Rialto bridge is only 10 minutes away on foot. The San Silvestro water bus (vaporetto) stop is only 4 minutes away, which is convenient both for travelling to the nearby islands or back to the airport.
The bed and breakfast really is small – it has only 6 rooms. That ensures a personalized service, which is praised in the reviews.
The rooms are decorated in traditional Venetian blue and gold, but it’s a kind of subtle luxury which I really like. The rooftop room has a huge terrace with lounge chairs. The junior suite, on the other hand, has a view of the Grand Canal. The canal can be seen from the breakfast room as well.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com
Budget places to stay in San Polo
Ca’ San Polo
Ca’ San Polo is a guest house located approximately 10 minutes from Piazza San Marco. If you’re driving a car to Venice, know that this guest house is just 15 minutes walking away from Garage San Marco Venezia on Piazzale Roma. You can even enjoy Giardini Papadopoli on the way.
The rooms have the traditional red-and-yellow Venetian décor. But be aware that they are tiny. Like, very very small. If you have lots of luggage, you better look elsewhere.
Otherwise, the rooms have all you need – amenities, a bed, a bathroom with a shower, and even a wardrobe. I can see a bathrobe listed in the amenities, which is very untypical for bed and breakfasts in Italy.
As a little plus, there’s a rooftop terrace offering nice views of the San Polo district. So Ca’ San Polo is one of the best places to stay in Venice for the views and for short trips out of Venice – because of the transport options nearby.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
Antica Locanda Sturion – Residenza d’Epoca
Antica Locanda Sturion Residenza d’Epoca is located just 100m from the Ponte di Rialto and 10 minutes from Piazza San Marco. It actually offers fabulous views of the bridge and Canal.
It is actually the last still operating inn out of the 24 that were established by the Serenissima Republic of Venice in the 13th century.
The inn has 11 rooms that have the traditional 18th-century Venetian décor – Red Damasks, traditional furniture and chandeliers made from Murano glass. And the rooms are actually bigger than what you usually get in Venice.
Looking at the value for money, this might be one of the best places to stay in Venice – the location, the history, and the price are incredible. You can get a double room with breakfast included for as low as 90 euros. Incredible!
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
Why stay in San Polo
- Family friendly
- Central and well connected
- Quite a lot of attractions
Why not stay in San Polo
- Still quite expensive
- Still busy, although less so than San Marco
What to see and do in San Polo
- Rialto market
- Rialto bridge
- The church of San Giacomo di Rialto – possibly the oldest church in Venice
Where to stay in Dorsoduro – The best area to stay in Venice if you’re more on a budget
Dorsoduro is a neighbourhood over the Accademia bridge from San Marco. It’s considered the “student’s” neighbourhood because, well, that’s where the university students live.
It’s less popular than the other areas and, thus, cheaper. But at the same time, it’s full of interesting things to do and places for food. Dorsoduro is definitely the area where you’ll find nightlife, as well.
Best places to stay in Dorsoduro
Luxury hotels in Dorsoduro
Sina Centurion Palace
Sina Centurion Palace is located just next to Santa Maria Della Salute, the Punta della Dogana and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. This is one of those places in Venice where to stay if you’re looking for some elegant luxury without over-the-top décor.
The hotel overlooks the Grand Canal, of course, and some of the rooms do, too. The rooms have a contemporary twist on the traditional Venetian décor.
Unlike many other hotels which offer mostly sweet breakfast, the Sina Centurion Palace serves both sweet and savoury items, including eggs, smoked salmon, cheeses and fresh fruit. You can have meals with a view of the Grand Canal.
There’s even a little gym in the hotel. And a nice little courtyard.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace is located just on San Trovaso Canal, in a 15th-century palace where a Doge of Venice Agostino Barbarigo once resided. It’s just in the middle of Dorsoduro, which makes it close enough to pretty much anything you might need or wish to see.
The double rooms are not the biggest, which is normal in Venice, but if you can splurge for the suites, those are huge. The design in the rooms gives a subtle luxury feeling, with just enough royal feeling to not be overwhelming. One nice touch is the toiletries from Acqua di Parma – exceptionally high quality. Some of the rooms actually have a terrace.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com expedia.com
Excess Venice Boutique Hotel & Private Spa – Adults Only
Another extra luxury place to stay in Venice, this time for adults only – that is, not family-friendly. So, if you’re looking for the best places to stay in Venice that will not have kids crying in the next room, look no further!
Excess Venice Boutique Hotel & Private Spa – Adults Only is located just opposite the San Sebastiano church, not far from the Giudecca Canal. It’s just a 10 minute walk from the Santa Lucia Train Station and the Piazzale Roma Bus Terminal. If you’d rather take the water bus (vaporetto), the nearest station is 2 minutes away.
The rooms in the Excess Venice are quite large and each has its own “spirit”: sparkling luxury, secret luxury, or brilliant luxury. Some of them offer a garden or canal view, and there’s even a suite with a private spa.
Speaking of the spa, as the name suggests, there’s one in the hotel – with a Jacuzzi, Finnish Sauna and Chromotherapy Shower. You can book it (and have to book it) for a few hours or even a whole day (there’s a surcharge, though).
There’s also a lovely garden available. It even has beds for lounging – enjoy a book, a cup of tea, or just relax and soak in the luxury.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
Mid-range hotels in Dorsoduro
Ca’ della Corte
Ca’ della Corte is a cute little bed and breakfast located in the heart of Dorsoduro, just 5 minutes from the train station, bus station, and car park in Piazzale Roma. And it’s only 15 minutes’ walk through the atmospheric Dorsoduro to the Rialto bridge and San Marco area.
The rooms are huge and renovated, and they have Venetian marble mosaic floors and big windows with direct views of gardens and old Venetian palaces. The building itself is a palace from the 16th century, and has a nice little courtyard.
There’s a lovely little courtyard in Ca’ della Corte where you can sit down and relax. When it’s nice and warm outside, breakfast is served in the courtyard as well.
This bed and breakfast is the perfect place to stay in Venice for cat and dog lovers – according to reviews, there are cats and dogs going around the property.
If you’d like the privacy of an apartment, Ca’ della Corte has those available, too.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com
Pensione Accademia – Villa Maravege
Pensione Accademia – Villa Maravege is located on the banks of Rio de S. Trovaso, near the Grand Canal. It’s also very close to the Accademia Bridge, giving you a great connection to the San Marco area.
The rooms are not the biggest, but they offer all the comforts you need. There are even sockets with USB! And the rooms overlook either the canal or the garden. They give off a bit of an ancient Venetian charm, with antique (at least looking) furnishings and wooden elements.
Pensione Accademia – Villa Maravege is a dog-friendly hotel. I think this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Venice if you have a dog, as there’s also a nice little private garden. In it, you can sit and have a bit of aperitif or coffee, or just relax in a rocking chair or on a sun lounger.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
Budget places to stay in Dorsoduro
Casa Accademia
Casa Accademia is a budget hotel in Venice located just a few minutes from Gallerie dell’Accademia Museum, two minutes from the Accademia bridge, and 10 minutes from San Marco’s square.
This is really a no-frills place to stay if all you need is a place to sleep. The rooms have only simple and functional furniture, no excess like in the other hotels on this list. But there is a bathroom in each room (booking shows a “shared bathroom” option, too, so make sure to check the correct room). And there’s breakfast included as well.
Casa Accademia has a terrace, too, where you can enjoy some views and fresh air.
And, small animals are allowed if you’d like to take your pet with you.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
Antica Locanda Montin
Antica Locanda Montin is located only 15 minutes from Venice’s historical centre, that is, the San Marco area, and just a couple of bridges from the Accademia gallery.
The style of the hotel and the rooms reflects Venetian art and tradition. There’s also a lovely terrace where breakfast and dinner can be served, or you can even book it for parties.
They have hosted different celebrities, including Jim Carter and David Bowie. So, if you don’t want to stay in the hotel, make sure to visit their restaurant! Or you can even go for a cooking course there.
To see prices and reviews, check: Booking.com or expedia.com
Why stay in Dorsoduro
- Good for nightlife
- Cheaper than in other areas
- Still close to the main attractions in Venice
- Has many things to do and see
Why not stay in Dorsoduro
- Clubs and bars stay open longer which can make it quite loud
- Not as catered to tourists
Things to see and do in Dorsoduro
- Peggy Guggenheim collection
- Church of San Sebastiano
- Galleria dell’Accademia
- Accademia bridge
- Giudecca Canal
- Eat all the cichetti!
Last thoughts about the best places to stay in Venice
Phew, that was quite a few places to stay in Venice, huh?
The hotels in Venice look lovely and interesting, but at the same time, they are more expensive in the “value for money” way, aren’t they?
But really, it’s worth visiting Venice if only for once.
And wherever you stay, it’s going to be incredible.