Best Hotels in Venice Every First-Time Visitor Should Book

Venice is truly unlike any other city in the world. Built on over a hundred islands in the middle of a lagoon, it’s the kind of place travelers dream of visiting at least once in their lives—a floating city that’s guaranteed to take your breath away. Between gondolas gliding along the canals and historic Venetian architecture towering over narrow bridges, it’s no wonder this city in Italy sits on top of so many travel wishlists. 

Also known as La Serenissima, or the most serene, Venice has a unique city layout with no cars and only boats and alleyways to take you from one place to another. If you’re visiting for the first time, choosing the right place can make your experience even more enchanting—it’s not every day you wake up next to the sight of the Grand Canal. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the best hotels in Venice to make your trip as unforgettable as the City of Canals.

Ready to plan your trip to Venice? Let’s explore the best hotels the city has to offer!

Ever imagined staying in a palazzo and waking up to the sight of gondolas drifting down the Grand Canal? Well, the Sina Centurion Palace is the perfect place to do so. This five-star hotel sits right in the heart of Dorsoduro, the most culturally rich district in the city!

Just about a 10-minute walk to Teatro La Fenice and Doge’s Palace, this hotel will make you feel like you’ve entered a modern art gallery hidden within a 19th-century Gothic palace. You’ll be greeted with elegant interiors and individually designed rooms, many of which come with a canal view straight out of a postcard. With the Grand Canal right next door, you can easily enjoy a Romantic Gondola Ride. But if you prefer to stay in, you can sip your morning coffee on the terrace and watch the boats drift outside the windows.

Across the Giudecca Canal is one of the most unique hotels you’ll find in Venice, the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. What makes it so unique? It was once a flourishing flour mill that transformed into a luxury hotel on Giudecca Island. Inside, rooms are spacious and equipped with modern amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel.

This redbrick building may be a little further from the tourist attractions, but it’s only a short boat ride to the main island. And if you’re looking for a quiet retreat from crowds but still close enough to the action, this is a top choice. The hotel also offers a low-cost shuttle boat service to Piazza San Marco, so you can easily explore St. Mark’s Basilica or walk across the Ponte di Rialto at your convenience. 

After your day’s activities, head back and enjoy your evening at Hilton’s most notable feature, its rooftop pool and Skyline bar—the highest in Venice. Here, you’ll get panoramic views of the water and rooftops, which light up at night and are especially beautiful during sunset.

If you’re going to indulge in your Italian travels, you might as well splurge in only one of the best hotels in Venice. Few hotels capture the grandeur of the city quite like the legendary Hotel Danieli, and no list of our top stays would be complete without it. Just steps away from St. Mark’s Square, this 14th-century palace has been welcoming royals, writers, and celebrities for centuries.

As you enter its Gothic-style lobby, complete with grand staircases and frescoed ceilings, you’ll feel like royalty stepping into a Venetian fairytale. The rooms here are lavishly decorated with antique furnishings, ornate chandeliers, Murano glass accents, and sumptuous fabrics, creating a timeless elegance that has long been adored by many. 

Fun fact: Did you know “The Tourist” starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie was filmed here?

For those who prefer understated elegance, check out the Palazzo Veneziano along the Zattere waterfront. Situated in a less crowded neighborhood, you’ll find its warm yet sophisticated decor welcoming you in an authentic Venice manner. First-time visitors will especially appreciate its location, as it’s just a short distance away from the vaporetto stops, keeping you within easy reach of the train station and Grand Canal. From the hotel, it’ll take you around 15–30 minutes to the main canals, shops, and other attractions like the Gallerie dell’Accademia. If you’re an early riser and up for some walking, you can even join a Morning Walking Tour in Venice to make the most of your day!

The Palazzo Veneziano has all the comforts—airport and train transfers, free WiFi, excellent service, luggage storage, and even a library for those who want to catch up on some reading. If you want to wake up to water views, enjoy sunsets by the canal, and still have Venice’s best spots at the tip of your fingers, Palazzo Veneziano is a choice you certainly won’t regret. 

Now, we all know the best hotels in Venice aren’t cheap—but if you want to enjoy all the best parts of Venice without completely draining your savings, the Hotel Olimpia Venice, BW Signature Collection is a smart choice. It’s conveniently located near Piazzale Roma, the only part of Venice accessible by car, bus, and airport shuttles, making it one of the accessible hotels in the city. That means no dragging heavy luggage across bridges or getting lost in winding alleys, which is a huge weight off your back if you’re visiting for the first time.

But don’t let its practical location fool you. Hotel Olimpia doesn’t skimp on charm. The hotel is filled with character, with interiors featuring classic Venetian decor and local craftsmanship that bring the essence of Venice right to your room. There’s even a private garden, a little oasis where you can enjoy a meal from their raving breakfast buffet or spend some downtime after a day wandering the neighborhoods of Santa Croc and Dorsoduro (home to artisan shops and local trattorias where you can taste authentic Venetian cuisine).

Choosing among the best hotels in Venice is no easy feat. Each of these hotels shows a different side to Venice and offers different ways to experience the floating city for the first time. If your top priority is a view of the Grand Canal, you’ll feel delighted to wake up to the sparkling waters and floating gondolas outside your window at the Sina Centurion Palace Venice. 

Want to feel like royalty and get a taste of Venetian history? Hotel Danieli is sure to give you your money’s worth. Whereas, a more humble, cozy boutique charm welcomes you at Hotel Olimpia Venice. Prefer something quiet and away from tourist crowds? Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is perfect, especially with its dramatic rooftop view of the sunset. But whichever hotel you pick, you’ll surely make memories that will stay with you long after you leave this serene city. 

Looking for budget-friendly stays? Check out this list we made for you:

For first-time visitors, these hotels stand out: Sina Centurion Palace Venice for a Grand Canal view, Hotel Danieli for a classic Venetian grandeur experience, and Hilton Molino Stucky Venice for a quieter retreat with luxury comforts and the highest view of the city.

San Marco is ideal if you want to be in the heart of everything, just steps away from major attractions. Dorsoduro offers a calmer, artsy vibe, while Giudecca is perfect for peaceful retreats with beautiful views. Santa Croce, or near Piazzale Roma, is practical and convenient for those quickly going in and out of the city. 

Celebrities often check into ultra-exclusive hotels like Aman Venice or palazzos with strict privacy policies. Hotel Danieli, The Gritti Palace, and Ca’ Sagredo are also classic locations during the Venice Film Festival and favorites among VIPs.

If you want to immerse yourself in the true Venetian experience, it’s best to avoid staying too far from Vaporetto stops or on the mainland in Mestre. While rates may be lower there, you’ll lose the magic of waking up to the reflective waters outside your hotel window.