Venice is one of the world’s most extraordinary cities. A labyrinth of canals, bridges and centuries-old palaces rising from a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, the city is unlike anywhere else. Narrow lanes reveal Renaissance churches, trattorias spill out onto cobbled piazzas, and gondolas glide beneath the stone archways which have connected some of the 118 small islands for more than a thousand years. Whether you’re keen to admire the collections of the Gallerie dell’Accademia, to immerse yourself in the spectacle of Carnival, or to savour the romance of the city’s bars and eateries at night, Venice is sure to dazzle and delight. Unwind at one of the many boutique hotels in Venice, experiencing the city’s charm far from the crowds.
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36 rooms Built upon the water, this UNESCO World Heritage city is, in many ways, a living museum. It’s also a cultural and culinary hotspot, bound to fascinate foodies, art aficionados and romantics alike. St Mark’s Square, flanked by the ornate Basilica do San Marco and the soaring bell tower of the Campanile, may be a tourist hotspot, but it’s also a brilliant starting point for visitors to Venice. Other landmarks include the Rialto Bridge, fringed by bustling market stalls, and the stunning Doge’s Palace.
For fans of opera, performances at the opulent Teatro La Fenice are sensational. Marvel at pieces by Titian, Tintoretto and Bellini at the Gallerie dell’Accademia, tour the modern Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or delve into 700 years of craft with artisanal glassblowers on Murano. Day trips to colourful Burano, with its brightly painted houses and long-standing lacemaking traditions, also come highly recommended. Venice is crammed with independent galleries and boutiques; eager shoppers will be in their element.
Gondola rides along the city’s quieter canals are a wonderful way to get off the beaten track, and great fun for families.
Venetian cuisine is reason enough to visit. Deeply rooted in the sea, the city’s favourite dishes include sweet-and-sour sardines and superb squid ink risotto. Cicchetti, Venice’s answer to tapas, is ideal for evenings with friends or as a couple; and even better when paired with a tipple or two at a traditional wine bar.
Venice is divided into six districts, each with its own character.
Venice has long been famed for its intimate, characterful boutique hotels. Most of the best places to stay in the city are housed within converted palazzi, merchant townhouses or former convents. The most imposing face the Grand Canal, but others are hidden along smaller, quieter waterways. All offer the chance to step back in time, discovering centuries-old buildings and a fascinating way of life.
With their terracotta tiles and pastel-painted exteriors, most heritage hotels appear very traditional. Some feature original frescoes, glittering chandeliers of Murano glass, polished terrazzo flooring and striking antiques. Others, however, offer a more modern aesthetic with crisp white-on-white furnishings and minimalist design choices.
What every traveller can appreciate, however, is a hotel with a reputation built on discretion, atmosphere and personalised service. Expect exceptional attention to detail, and a real pride in creating a sense of place. This is Venice, after all.
