Many of the hotels on this list are located in San Marco, the most popular of Venice’s six sestieri (central districts). San Marco is home to the city’s top attractions—Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs—and, in turn, is also the busiest part of the city.
While the Venice Venice Hotel lies within the central cluster of islands, it’s perched at the edge of the Cannaregio district, where the Rio dei Santi Apostoli flows into the Grand Canal. Cross the first bridge on your left when you leave the hotel, and you’ll find yourself in a lively yet pleasantly calmer part of the city, where you’re often moving against the tide of crowds heading toward San Marco.
For a stay that’s away from the crowds, opt for a hotel in Dorsoduro, like Il Palazzo Experimental, located at the eastern end of Le Zattere, a residential area which is becoming a bit of a Venice restaurant hub. Also relatively removed from the fray is the Ca’ di Dio, which sits on a scenic stretch of promenade near the entrance to the Arsenale, the Biennale’s central hub, and just a short walk from the Biennale gardens.
For a genuine reprieve, head to the outer islands. Giudecca sits just across from the historic center on the opposite end of the Giudecca Canal. There, you’ll find the Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel. Over on Isola delle Rose, the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa offers a secluded luxury escape, while Casa Burano brings boutique charm to the colorful island of the same name.
