In the first place, there are so many Venice hotels to choose from, but which will be the perfect one for you?  Let me help you find the best Venice Italy hotel that will be perfect for you!
Here are some things to consider.  Do you want to be San Marco, which is in the heart of the action, or in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts.  Are you looking for hotels with pools, they are limited but available. Do you need your hotel’s entrance directly on the canal, or can you walk with your luggage over a bridge and up a few blocks. Would you like to be in the lap of luxury or a stay at a value hotel. Answering these questions will help you find your perfect choice!

LUXURY VENICE HOTELS – POOL

Note:  Even if the hotel is open for the season, the pools may not open until end of June even if the weather is hot.  Check with your hotel for pool opening date so you are not disappointed.

Hotel Excelsior

Luxury with Pool – Located on Lido Island – The Excelsior is a truly exceptional experience. I like the fact that it is away from all the hustle and bustle in the heart of Venice. In fact, this luxury hotel is located on fashionable Lido beach, complete with a private beach club and beautiful pool. The hotel has elegant indoor as well as outdoor terrace dining with a view of the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Even more, they offer complimentary boat shuttles to transport you across the lagoon to St. Marks Square in 10 minutes.  The Excelsior Hotel is a celebrity hot spot, especially during the Venice Film Festival.

Belmond Hotel Cipriani

Luxury with Pool – Located on Guidecca Island – The Belmond Hotel Cipriani is in the perfect location.  It is in a peaceful setting away from the crowds. A complimentary five-minute boat shuttle to St. Marks Square adds to the charm of being in Venice.  It boasts an olympic sized swimming pool, gorgeous grounds, impeccable service and old world charm. everything about the hotel is first class and outstanding, it is expensive but will be an incredible stay! It opens for the season on March 16, 2018

SUPERIOR VENICE HOTELS

Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia

Superior 4* Luxury – Fabulous Hotel Ai Cavlieri di Venezia is ideally located between the Rialto Bridge and St. Marks Square and easily walkable to all main attractions. The decor with 18th century frescos, the ambiance, and the views are wonderful here. Facing the picturesque canals of Venice on two sides of the building, the hotel features a bar with a large terrace overlooking Venice. The staff is wonderful and you will have a fantastic experience here.

Hotel Colombina

Superior – This hotel, positioned in the heart of Venice, is only a two-minute walk from St. Marks Square. It is located on the narrow, beautiful Rio di Palazzo Canal. A parade of gondolas pass by with singing gondoliers therefore try to book a room with canal view.  You can also sit on the dock in front and watch all the gondolas float by.  The canal is so beautiful and adorned with many little bridges. As a matter of fact, the Bridge of  Sighs is a few bridges down this canal. Such a lovely location!  A terrific staff and rooms furnished in elegant Venetian style. I had a unique top floor room with an outside rooftop terrace – perfect for seeing the view and all the gondolas below.

RELAIS VENEZIA

Boutique Hotel – Relais Venezia stands in an old 15th Century palazzo and is perfectly located behind St Mark’s Square on one of the oldest streets in the city. It is in the heart of an authentic and  lively Venetian area with many restaurants and pubs. In addition, it is a short walk to all of Venice’s attractions. The decor is beautiful, and the staff is extremely helpful giving you personal attention.  This hotel is not on the canal, you will have walk a bit with your luggage. My advice is to pack lightly, especially for Venice. Most likely your airport transfer, or vaporetto will drop you off on the dock in front of St. Mark’s Square.
To Find Hotel: Exit St Marks square in the Basilica corner. Turn left immediately before the bridge into a narrow street. Continue until a small bridge, cross it and turn right. Then first left, first right. Continue to the end of the alley. The door is opposite you slightly to the right.

VALUE HOTELS

Hotel Filu

Budget Hotel – If you are doing Venice on a budget, Hotel Filu is a good pick as you can get a room for under $150 per night in season.  The hotel is in an old building but is newly renovated and the rooms are immaculately clean and comfy. Rooms with canal views are available. It is located in the Cannaregio area of Venice which is about at 30 minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and most main attractions.  It is on a canal steps away from Ponte (Bridge) delle Guglie, in a Venetian neighborhood. Hotel Filù is easily accessible from the main arrival terminals – airport, train and vaporetto station.  From Venice airport, take the vaporetto orange line to Ponte delle Guglie, the hotel is a few buildings down on the right after the pharmacy.

Getting to Your Venice Italy Hotel

In my opinion, the best way to get from the airport to your Venice hotel would be a private transfer.  It’s easy and a fast way to get to your hotel– probably right to the front door! Of course, there is the vaporetto (water bus) which is definitely great if you’re on a budget. The vaporetto will leave you at  a vaporetto stop.  You will have to walk a bit with your luggage. Read here for information on airport transfers.

Note:  If you are visiting during the Venice Carnival or Venice International Film Festival, try to book 6 months in advance to get your choice of hotel.

Finding a delicious restaurant in Venice could be challenging. Let me give you some tips and recommendations on finding some of the best restaurants in Venice Italy.  Compared to the rest of Italy, most Venice restaurants are not known for their food.  Indeed, Venice is known for its high prices and poor cuisine. This is because thousands of tourists are passing through and they do not have to hold themselves to high standards or reasonable prices.  Although this may be true, I will give you tips to navigate around this.

In the first place, avoid eating by St. Marks Square or the Rialto Bridge which are the main attractions of Venice. Stay away from touristy restaurants that have picture menus or waiters trying to lure you inside. You can ask your hotel for a few restaurant recommendations, then I suggest to read their reviews before reserving. Go off the beaten path, and you will find something worthwhile.

If you are traveling during carnival time, read my Venice Carnival Guide for information on exclusive and delicious dinners and balls to attend.

Note:  Be aware to look for the following in small print on your menu: A cover charge (coperto) which is about 1-3 euros per person – or more!   A charge for sitting at an outdoor table.  Sitting at an indoor table and not at the bar.

Best Venice Restaurants

Giardino D’Inverno

Fine Dining: This outstanding restaurant is located in the Hotel Papadopoli. You will indulge in delicious food paired with a great selection of local wines. Not only is the food amazing, but the presentation is excellent. Giardino D’Inverno has particularly beautiful ambiance which is enhanced with live music. I think this is one of the best restaurants in Venice! Enjoy!
Address:  Santa Croce 245   Phone +39 041 710400

Osteria alle Testiere

Fine Dining: The menu at Alle Testiere depends on the availability of fresh fish at the market.  Menu varies from shrimp, lobster, razor clams and whole fish to pastas with clams, prawns, etc.  The food is amazing and the Venetian wines are delicious. Reservations are a must. If you love seafood, Osteria alle Testiere is definitely worth a visit.
Address: Calle del Mondo Novo , Castello Venice

La Zucca 

Moderately Priced: Fresh seasonal food that is always delicious and creative. The house wines are also delicious. La Zucca is a small restaurant with outdoor dining and is right off a pretty foot bridge and canal in the Santa Croce area. Note that this is a popular restaurant, by all means, remember to make reservations.
Address: Sotoportego del Tintor 1,  Santa Croce 1762    Phone:  +39 041 524 1570

Trattoria Bar Pontini

Casual:  Away from the touristy area of San Marco, this little restaurant sits on a side canal in the Cannaregio area. Enjoy the delicious food and the waterfront table views. Definitely try the eggplant and zucchini parmesan. Since this is a small restaurant, don’t forget to make reservations or you will wait for a table.
Address: Fondamenta Cannaregio, 1268   Phone: +39 041 714123

WINE BARS

Cantina Arnaldi

Cantina Arnaldi has delicious wine and a warm, cozy atmosphere.  There is a good variety of fine wines, delicious food, abundant cheese & meat boards and a terrific, knowledgeable staff.  A good value for great wines.
Address: Santa Croce 35, Venice

I hope you enjoyed this post of the Best Venice Restaurants!

I hope you and yours will be able to visit this magical city sometime soon!

Venice is a treasure trove of wonderful art and architecture. Discover many popular attractions as well as countless things to do in Venice Italy. Your trip will not be complete without seeing the following Venice Italy attractions.Take an informed tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doges Palace. You will be enlightened about the history and culture of this amazing city. Enjoy lively St. Mark’s Square as you sip a cappuccino and watch the parade of people pass by. Taking an informed walking tour of Venice is also a fun way to spend a few hours seeing this spectacular city. Interests as diverse as kayaking the waterways, floating down the Grand Canal in a gondola or taking in an Opera are at your fingertips.

Tip: To avoid crowds in Venice, visit these popular Venice attractions first thing in the morning, during lunch when other tourists are in restaurants, or right before closing. You can book your tickets online if you are not doing a guided tour.

St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

St. Mark’s Basilica is the most popular Venice attraction and one of the world’s most majestic cathedrals. To begin with, St. Mark’s Basilica has so much history, legend, amazing treasure and artifacts. It is a true masterpiece of Byzantine art. With this in mind, I definitely recommend a guided tour to this must-see sight so that you can soak up its history and legend.
Open: 9:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays)

    St. Mark’s Tower (Campanile di San Marco)

This beautiful bell tower is 325 feet high and is one of the most recognizable symbols of Venice. Crowned by a spire,  you can see the spectacular views of the entire layout of Venice. Luckily there is an elevator that takes you to the top. Ticket price is 8E per person.
Open: 9:00am – 9:00pm ( Nov-Mar  9:30am – 3:45pm)

Doges Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

This Venetian Gothic style palace was home sweet home to the Ruler of Venice. It is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The grand scale of the rooms, works of art and ornate furniture are a treasure trove of magnificent wonders. Absorb yourself in history when you walk across the Bridge of Sighs and see the prison dungeons where Casanova was held prisoner. Additionally, many various exhibitions and events are held here. Click here for upcoming events.
Open: 8:30am-7pm April – October.
Tickets: I MUSEI DI PIAZZA SAN MARCO ticket includes admission to four attractions; Palazzo Ducale, Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale e Biblioteca Marciana 
Prices: Single E20.50 – Children, Students, 65+ E13.50

FAMOUS LANDMARKS

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)

This is the main piazza and central landmark of Venice. A grandiose and famous gathering place, St. Marks Square is alive with worldwide visitors, lovers, photographers and countless pigeons!  Lining the arcade, below the arches, you will find rows of restaurants and shops to keep you busy.  On the other hand, relax at a café and watch the crowds stroll by. During the evening, enjoy the live music that enlivens this tremendous square.

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) 

The Rialto Bridge is an iconic landmark of Venice. This pedestrian bridge has impressive views of the Grand Canal, therefore make sure you get some great photos of the gondolas and boats passing by! When you walk up the steps (note that there are no ramps), you will find it crowded with tourists and shops selling souvenirs, fine jewelry and Murano Glass.

Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)

Significant in Venetian history, this bridge was a passage-way from the court in the Doges Palace to the prison dungeons or even death. As the convicted walked across they would often sigh as they took their last look at beautiful Venice. Tourists from everywhere in the world photograph this beautiful, iconic bridge. The Rio di Palazzo canal that runs under the bridge is my favorite. It is adorned with little bridges and gondoliers singing in an endless parade.  A feast for the eyes and ears!

These are the main attractions and landmarks of beautiful Venice. There are so many other things to see and places to go for a day trip.  Read about them HERE.

Venice is known for its attractions, but Venice Italy events are definitely some of the most well-known in the world and are equally noted for being international gatherings for artists in all walks of life. The Venice Biennale (more…)