5-star hotel guide to Venice
Venice is a sea of dreams; a swimming metropolis of architectural magnificence, with all its extraordinary grandness and historical marvels, apparently floating on water. The canals are the roads, the boats and gondolas are your cars.
When you approach Venice, best experienced by water taxi, you can't help but feel the excitement that travellers and traders have shared for countless generations. You feel a sense of romance, inspired by a desperate urge to quench a cultural thirst. There is so much to see, so much to take in as you glide towards this extraordinary city without inhaling noxious fumes or hearing the effects of congestion rage. That edgy feeling that most cities induce just doesn't exist here.
Luxury Explorer knows Venice very, very well. From its best 5-star hotels to its finest restaurants (and which ones not to bother with) we can guide you. If you are seeking a unique Venetian grand-luxe experience away from the crowds, choose The Cipriani; if the Grand Canal is calling and you are looking for a perfectly restored palazzo with outstanding canal views, pick between George Clooney's favourite Aman Venice, Bauer Palazzo and aristocratic Ca' Sagredo; or if the buzz of St Mark's Square and Harry's Bar appeals, then the lovely Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice's oldest hotel, is just steps away from all the action.
As an alternative to a 5-star hotel, why not stay in a private luxury apartment? Palazzo Cristo offers two beautiful one-bedroom apartments and a large three-bedroom apartment perfect for longer stays where you can feel like a Venetian, rather than a tourist.
For longer stays with larger groups of family or friends, we recommend a private luxury villa or apartment. Palazzo Alvera is the perfect way to experience Venice as a Venetian. This gorgeous private palazzo on the Canal Grande, close to San Marco, sleeps between 8 and 15 guests.
Cultural events
There is always much to see and do in Venezia, from Carnevale and its grand masked balls, on between 19th February and 1st March 2022, to art and architecture Biennales from April to November, regattas and fireworks over the Lagoon in July and the International Film Festival, from August 31st -10th September. Markets, museums and wonderful galleries are year-round destinations, as are the beautiful Renaissance churches, palaces and islands, such as Murano, famous for its glass.
Restaurants
Venice is also synonymous with seafood and fine cuisine, but it's easy to pay high prices for an indifferent culinary experience. Our hotels have good to great restaurants, with the Cipriani offering Michelin-starred menus at Oro and Aman's new dining concept, Arva, upping the game to a much higher level than before, with a divine contemporary take on traditional Italian dishes.
We also adore a handful of favourite local establishments. Ristorante Il Quadri in Piazza San Marco is a memorable, if expensive, Venetian institution, and the same can be said of Harry's Bar, but the best value fine cuisine is found at the tiny but splendid Il Ridotto. Da Fiori is another long-term favourite, but try and get the window table overlooking the canal. The seafood here is exceptional...
We want you to leave Venice a romantic
If you arrive in Venice a realist, we want you to leave a romantic. This is entirely possible, if you let us guide your circumnavigation of this unique sea of dreams. Contact our concierge for advice and best available prices at our handpicked 5-star hotels in Venice.