Venice

Destination Guides Map Destination Guides List

Best City Secret

Basilica di San Pietro di Castello

This first Venetian Basilica, situated in the largely residential neighborhood of Castello, has stood in this site since the 7th century.

Best Cultural Secret
Printing Shops
In the 1500s, Venice was the capital of publishing and printing, especially San Polo. Walk to Rio Terra Secondo to see the former printing press of Aldo Manuzio, the inventor of italic type (it’s at number 2311 in the palazetto).
Top Architecture Find
Chiesa di San Pantalon
The church is capped by an incredibly intricate painted ceiling by artist Giovanni Antonio Fumiani, who died during its creation and is buried on the property. (39-041) 523-5893.
Museum Must-See
Bevilacqua La Masa Foundation
Arty types gather at this two-story gallery, which dates back to 1888. Expect contemporary and historic exhibitions featuring artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Frida Kahlo. (39-04) 15-23-78-19; www.bevilacqualamasa.it.
Best View
Punta della Dogana
This museum affords a panoramic view over St. Mark’s Basin, San Giorgio and the Giudecca Islands. (39-41) 271-903; www.palazzograssi.it.
Best Newcomer
Palazzo Grimani
This newly restored marble palace hosts rotating exhibitions, but the building itself is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. (39-41) 52-00-345; www.palazzogrimani.org.
Best Activity/Excursion
Island Hopping
Motorboat tours of the lagoon include stops at the islands of Murano (for glassmaking shops), Burano (to see the lace-makers) and Torcello (with its Byzantine churches).
Best Cocktail with a View
Linea d’Ombra
Right on the Grand Canal, this beloved piano bar is a peaceful place to sip coffee or wine; in the evening you can watch live Jazz and funk performances. (33-041) 241-1881; www.ristorantelineadombra.com

Hotels

Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin

Venice, Italy

Even the most blasé traveler is blown away when arriving at the legendary Hotel Cipriani, the pastel-colored, 15th century palazzo on leafy Giudecca Island. The extraordinary setting was not lost on the city’s greatest romantic, Giacomo Casanova, who is said to have had secret trysts in the gardens. The first impression continues in the opulent interiors, which feature silk brocade furnishings, frescoed ceilings and intricate murals. After a major refurbishment, the new décor captures the essence of Venice with Murano glass, antique mirrors, fabrics by Fortuny and Rubelli and handmade artifacts by local craftsmen. The best views overlook the Venetian skyline, though thanks to the gorgeous garden setting, there are no bad views here everywhere you look, Venice meets your gaze.

Features Reserve Hotel Details

Leading Green Bauer L'Hotel

Venice, Italy

When hotelier Francesca Bortolotto Possati took over Venice's legendary Bauer, brought to international renown by her grandfather in the 1940s, she decided to turn it into two distinctive properties: Bauer’s L'Hotel and Bauer’s Il Palazzo. Housed in a restored, 18th-century palazzo, the Bauer L’Hotel is the more contemporary of the two, with art deco-inspired interiors and an urban vibe. The craftsmanship behind the striking design is unmistakably Venetian, as are such touches as Rubelli and Bevilacqua fabrics and original works of art by local artists. La Serenissima also takes center-stage at De Pisis, the acclaimed restaurant from which diners can watch the gondolas gliding down the Grand Canal.

In the heart of Venice, the property is within walking distance to the major monuments and cultural highlights.

Features Reserve Hotel Details

San Clemente Palace Hotel & Resort

Venice, Italy

With one of the most exclusive historic locations in Venice, the San Clemente Palace occupies the island of San Clemente, which once served as a welcoming spot for dignitaries en route to meet the Doge. The private green oasis—a rarity in Venice—continues to receive illustrious guests today. Its rooms and suites feature Venetian antiques and textiles, whose opulence reflects the city's storied past. The lush gardens surrounding the hotel, a former monastery, were developed in the 17th century, and they emit an authentic air of tradition. Just a short boat ride from St. Mark’s square, San Clemente Palace provides guests with ample outdoor space, ideal for families or couples looking to escape the city's bustle, yet it has easy access to the sights and shops.

Features Reserve Hotel Details

Leading Green Luna Hotel Baglioni Venice

Venice, Italy

Like a character from a Donna Leon novel, the Luna Hotel Baglioni is cloaked in history. A stone’s throw from St. Mark’s Square, the palazzo dates to 1118, and throughout the years has undergone transformations from a convent into an aristocratic palace and even a shelter for the Knights Templar. Today’s hotel brims with original details, like ornate stucco walls, Murano chandeliers, watercolor paintings and gold fixtures. In the Marco Polo ballroom, reimagined as a spectacular dining room, the original ceiling frescoes are attributed to pupils of Tiepolo, the 18th century Venetian painter. Instead of playing second fiddle to the priceless art throughout, the culinary offerings hold their own, especially at award-winning Canova restaurant, renowned for its menu and extensive wine cellar from St. Mark’s Square, the Luna Hotel Baglioni is cloaked in Venetian history.

Features Reserve Hotel Details

Leading Green Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa

Venice, Italy

Housed in a historic palace originally designed by renowned Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, this boutique hotel reopened in 2006 after a complete and doting restoration undertaken by its owning family. Set on Venice's Giudecca Island (historically Venice's garden place), the retreat is complemented by an all-natural organic spa with holistic treatments and rituals for couples and friends. The rooms and suites are decorated with floral tapestries in pastel palettes and adorned with terraces overlooking either the gardens or the lagoon. Best of all is the experience upon arriving via the hotel's solar-powered boat: the atmosphere and sounds of the garden immediately propel guests into an oasis of serenity.

Features Reserve Hotel Details

Leading Green Bauer Il Palazzo

Venice, Italy

The Bauer’s Il Palazzo, a striking boutique property overlooking the Grand Canal, has a Gothic façade, bright red awnings and arched lancet windows. Owner Francesca Bortolotto Possati has a background in European art and antiques, and it shows in the skillfully designed interiors, with restored stucco, trompe l'oeil ceilings, crafted woodwork, silk wall coverings and traditional fabrics from Venice’s acclaimed Rubelli and Bevilaqua houses. Ms. Possati has worked with local artisans to recreate 18th-century splendor as well as give a personal touch to this hotel. Just steps from Piazza San Marco, it excels at customizing itineraries for its guests. There's a private dock for transfers, and guests can take advantage of the spa at sister property Bauer’s Palladio Hotel’s Spa on nearby Giudecca Island.

Features Reserve Hotel Details

Due Torri Hotel

Verona, Italy

Occupying a historic 14th-century palace, Due Torri Hotel is situated in the heart of Verona, just a stone's throw from Juliet's famous balcony. The superb quality of the furnishings and the professional service are highly valued by its devoted international clientele. Extensive recent refurbishments have yielded a fresh facade, contemporary touches, a new dining room, an exclusive interior courtyard, ideal for cocktails, dinners and buffet suppers, and a panoramic terrace with spectacular views of the history dity center. Rooms and suites are appointed with period furniture, and hand-crafted marble in warm tones, mosaic decorations, and refined textiles.

Features Reserve Hotel Details
close
Where do you want to go?

Select your check-in date

Select your check-out date

No. of Guests
Search
Refine My Search