Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how many times you've seen it in photos and movies, seeing it in real life is more dreamlike than you could have imaged. With canals acting as streets, water is surrounding you everywhere. The magnificent palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a trading center between Europe and Asia. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a must experience part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.
Although there are days when tourists outnumber locals by two to one, Venice never loses its capacity to enchant. Summer brings some of the busiest crowds, but they come just like you to experience a city that seems miraculously built on water. When traveling Venice, remember that even at peak visitor times, you are never more than a bridge and an alley away from a more secluded city. These hidden alleys are my favorite as they're full of secret squares, handsome Gothic palazzi and lively neighbourhood wine bars. In any season, Venice's churches and museums offer antique glories, but there is also a vibrant contemporary art scene, even away from the Art Biennale.
If you're planning to travel Venice in any upcoming season, below are three hotels that have consistently been the most highly rated to make your time to Venice unforgettable:
Ca Maria Adele
If you're looking for a once in a lifetime experience, stay at the Ca Maria Adele. Facing the Canale della Salute waterway in a structure that housed salt suppliers in the 1500s, this hotel is a 10-minute walk from Piazza San Marco and Saint Mark's Basilica.
Elegantly furnished, the refined rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning and minibars. Suites add living rooms or terraces.
Complimentary breakfast is served in the posh dining room with low sofa seating and a piano. On-site amenities include an eclectic lounge living room with wood-beam ceilings and a fireplace, plus a cozy terrace with sofas.
CimaRose Venice
If you're looking to stay right next to the Grand Canal, the CimaRose is for you. A minutes’ walk from a vaporetto stop, this elegant bed-and-breakfast palazzo on the Grand Canal is 12 minutes from Ponte di Rialto (bridge) and an additional 7 minutes to Piazza San Marco.
The polished rooms with exposed-beam ceilings have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and en suite bathrooms. Upgraded rooms add canal views and private facilities. Suites on the canal come with separate living areas.
Breakfast is served in a bright dining room/kitchen and there’s a amazing courtyard garden.
Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo
To stay in the heart of Venice, the Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo would be the call. A minute's walk from San Stae vaporetto stop, this haute boutique hotel with antique decor is also 1.1 km from Saint Mark's Basilica and 1.3 km from Piazza San Marco.
The elegant rooms and suites come with hand-painted doors, 18th-century furnishings and exposed wood beams, as well as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms and suites add separate sitting areas. Amenities include free breakfast, a courtyard and a steam room.
Now if you're planning a trip to Venice or already in the city, be sure to check out these three breathtaking places to stay!