Search
Travel

The Most Extraordinary Hotels to Book During the Venice Biennale

From a historic palace that dates back to 1475 to the city’s only beachfront stay and bespoke experiences, including market strolls with local culinary greats

By Galerie editors
Rooftop patio with two chairs and a table overlooking Venice canals and cityscape with boats on the water.
Altana at Ca’ di Dio. Photo: Courtesy of SLH

The 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, titled “In Minor Keys,” officially opens on May 9 and runs through November 22, with plenty of additional programming, including the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, taking place in between. While previews and festive events help build momentum around the Biennale’s opening day, there is still ample time to visit Venice this summer or early fall to experience the exciting new cultural centers, art spaces, and restaurants that have industry insiders buzzing.

Sunset view of Grand Canal in Venice with gondola and historic buildings in the background.
The Gritti Palace. Photo: Courtesy of the Gritti Palace
Elegant living room with vintage furniture, floral sofa, ornate lamps, and large artwork on coral-colored walls.
A corner of the John Ruskin Suite at the Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice. Photo: The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Elegant room with an open window view of a canal, ornate desk, vase of flowers, books, and red drapes.
A view of the Grand Canal from the John Ruskin Suite at the Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice. Photo: The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Elegant living room with modern art, large mirrors, gray seating, and a large window with city view.
A suite in the Gritti Palace. Photo: Courtesy of the Gritti Palace
Elegant vintage living room with ornate decor, antique furniture, a globe, chandelier, and rich red and gold color scheme.
John Ruskin suite at The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice. Photo: Courtesy of The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Elegant bedroom with vintage decor, chandelier, ornate rug, and large mirror above a wooden desk by a window.
The Somerset Maugham Royal Suite at the Gritti Palace. Photo: Courtesy of Gritti Palace

1. The Gritti Palace

Set on the picturesque Grand Canal, Gritti Palace dates back to 1475 and was once the private residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, before it was transformed into a hotel in the 19th century. The interiors feature many artworks that belonged to the long line of noble families who once called the palace home, and underwent a major renovation in 2013. The 61 rooms and 21 suites are rich with Venetian design elements such as wall tapestries, velvets, and Murano glass. 

Elegant hallway with chandelier, reflecting floor, and open doors leading to a canal view with blue posts outside.
Entrance of Ca’ di Dio. Photo: Courtesy of SLH
Luxurious hotel lobby with elegant seating, modern chandelier, and statues, creating an inviting and sophisticated ambiance.
Reception. Photo: Courtesy of SLH
Cozy living room with blue sofa, round chair, table, and lamp, offering view of water and historic buildings through window.
Ca’ di Dio suite. Photo: Courtesy of SLH
Elegant restaurant interior with dim lighting, tables set with glassware and napkins, and decor featuring textured walls and artwork.
Vero restaurant. Photo: Courtesy of SLH
Rooftop patio with two chairs and a table overlooking Venice canals and cityscape with boats on the water.
Altana at Ca’ di Dio. Photo: Courtesy of SLH
Courtyard with a fountain, surrounding trees, seating areas, and tables with umbrellas in a modern building setting.
Essentia restaurant. Photo: Courtesy of SLH
Lush garden with raised wooden planters, green lawn, and trees, alongside an old brick wall and wooden pergola.
Vegetable garden. Photo: Courtesy of SLH
Cozy room with armchairs, bookshelves, warm lighting, and artistic wall design.
Reading room. Photo: Courtesy of SLH

2. Ca’ di Dio

Conceived by interior designer Patricia Urquiola, a Galerie Creative Mind, Ca’ di Dio is a 66-key hotel that recently reopened and welcomes guests in the lobby with a large-scale Murano glass chandelier. Located along the Riva degli Schiavoni, the property also offers one of Venice’s most coveted assets: large garden courtyards shaded by magnolia trees. 

Luxurious hotel room with elegant decor, turquoise sofa, plush bedding, and fresh flowers on a coffee table.
Airelles Venezia. Photo: Mark Luscombe-Whyte

3. Airelles Venezia

In Giudecca this year, Airelles is welcoming guests to its first location outside France. Airelles Venezia took over the former Bauer Palladio complex, and offers guests gardens, gravel paths, and more with easy boat shuttles to St. Mark’s Square. With three restaurants, two bars, a spa, and a kids’ club on site, the hotel offers plenty to do before retiring to one of the remarkably decorated rooms and suites.

Luxurious hotel lobby with elegant furnishings, large abstract painting, chandeliers, and patterned marble floor.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Elegant living room with vintage decor, featuring a white sofa, unique metallic chair, and ornate teal lamp near a door.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Luxurious marble bathroom with double sinks, checkered floor, bathtub, large mirrors, and elegant lighting.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Elegant bedroom with abstract painting, floral decor on ornate table, open window view of garden, and natural light.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Rooftop view of a pool surrounded by trees and lounge chairs, set against a picturesque Venetian cityscape at sunset.
Belmond Hotel Cipriani. Photo: Genvis Loci, Courtesy of Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Elegant living room with orange walls, large abstract painting, floral arrangements on a vintage console, and natural light.
A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice with interiors by Peter Marino. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond

4. Hotel Cipriani

The iconic Belmond property on Giudecca Island recently underwent a masterful refresh by renowned architect Peter Marino. The redesign included 13 rooms, two of which were conceived as full apartments that include a dining room, library, and salon. The hotel is also now ready to welcome guests for dinner at Oro, which is set under a gold-leaf dome with a menu that features an innovative take on traditional cuisine. 

Elegant living room with chandelier, large windows, white sofas, and round coffee table in a classic, refined setting.
Aman Venice.
Elegant dining room with ornate chandeliers, decorative ceilings, large windows, and luxurious furnishings.
Aman Venice. Photo: Courtesy of Aman Venice
Elegant bedroom with a chandelier and painted ceiling, featuring a bed, chairs, dresser, large windows, and warm lighting.
Aman Venice. Photo: Courtesy of Aman Venice

5. Aman Venice

Set along the Grand Canal in the monumental Palazzo Papadopoli, Aman Venice features original 18th-century frescoes, Murano glass chandeliers, and silk wall coverings, all exquisitely complemented by the contemporary interiors of Jean-Michel Gathy. At the Palazzo Kitchen Table, guests are offered the opportunity to take a market stroll with a chef, cooking classes, and private dining experiences.

Elegant restaurant interior with arched windows, ornate decor, and neatly set tables with glassware and chairs at Il Palazzo Experimental.
Il Palazzo Experimental. Photo: Courtesy of Il Palazzo Experimental
Elegant bedroom corner with vintage wall lamp, wooden headboard, white pillows, and blue curtains near a sunlit window.
Il Palazzo Experimental. Photo: Courtesy of Il Palazzo Experimental
View of Venetian canal through arched windows, warm lighting enhances historic architecture, evening ambiance.
Il Palazzo Experimental. Photo: Courtesy of Il Palazzo Experimental


6. Il Palazzo Experimental

Set within the former headquarters of a shipping company, Il Palazzo Experimental is careful to reference its past while staying true to a contemporary aesthetic. The French hospitality brand turned to award-winning designer Dorothée Meilichzon for the 32 rooms and suites, which each have a touch of seaside whimsy. Terrazzo floors pave the lobby, while sumptuous Rubelli fabrics cover custom furniture throughout. Original features from the Renaissance-era palazzo also remain intact, such as the doors to the guest rooms.

Sunny day view of a hotel along a canal in Venice with flags and balconies, bridge in the background.
Baglioni Hotel Luna. Photo: Courtesy of Baglioni Hotel Luna
Elegant dining room with ornate ceiling, chandeliers, and tables set with yellow tablecloths in a historical building.
Marco Polo Ballroom. Photo: Courtesy of Baglioni Hotel Luna
Elegant hotel lobby with chandeliers, mirrors, armchairs, and decorative plants on a central table.
Baglioni Hotel Luna. Photo: Courtesy of Baglioni Hotel Luna
Luxurious hotel room with elegant decor, large bed, chandelier, red accents, two windows with scenic view, and wooden floor.
Guest suite at Baglioni Hotel Luna. Photo: Courtesy of Baglioni Hotel Luna
Elegant hotel room with a luxurious canopy bed, ornate gold accents, and blue wallpaper with intricate patterns.
Guest suite at Baglioni Hotel Luna. Photo: Courtesy of Baglioni Hotel Luna.

7. Baglioni Hotel Luna

While one of the oldest hotels in the city, the Baglioni Hotel Luna recently underwent an extensive redesign, including the entrance lobby and Canova Bar. Located less than a 1-minute walk to St. Mark’s Square, the hotel features elegant rooms and signature suites with unparalleled views of the lagoon, and expansive common areas to take in a comprehensive art gallery. Many historic elements remain unchanged, including original tapestries in the Marco Polo ballroom by pupils of Tiepolo.

Historic building with restaurant by pool and sun loungers, blue sky in the background.
Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido. Photo: © Hotel Excelsior
Elegant hotel room with a luxurious bed featuring a green quilted headboard, mirrored wall, and soft ambient lighting.
Guest suite at Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido. Photo: © Hotel Excelsior
Luxurious hotel room with elegant decor, plush seating, large windows, and a desk with books and a lamp near a scenic view.
Guest suite at Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido. Photo: © Hotel Excelsior


8. Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort

Known for its Moorish architecture and deep ties to the Venice Film Festival, the beachfront Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort features exotic domes, arched doorways, and the grand Sala Stucchi ballroom that appeared in the movie Once Upon a Time in America. Private boat shuttle provides access to St. Mark’s Square, while a heated pool overlooks the Adriatic Sea. The hotel’s iconic Blue Bar is a prime location for people watching, and often a favorite hangout for Hollywood’s brightest stars.