Venice, Italy's iconic 'City of Love' and 'La Serenissima', is a treasure trove of intimate and characterful boutique hotels. With countless options clinging to canalsides and nestled within historic palazzos, choosing the perfect stay can be daunting. To help, we've curated a definitive list of the ten best boutique hotels in Venice for 2025, drawing on deep local expertise to ensure your visit is nothing short of magical.
How to Choose Your Perfect Venetian Retreat
The key to a successful Venetian holiday often lies in location. Do you crave the vibrant energy near St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), or would you prefer the quieter, residential charm of districts like Cannaregio? Perhaps a tranquil escape on one of the lagoon's outer islands appeals more. Our selection, presented in no particular order, covers all these desires, from affordable Grand Canal gems to contemporary design-led openings, ensuring there's a perfect match for every taste and budget.
The Independent's Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Venice
1. Hotel Flora, San Marco
Just a three-minute stroll from the bustling Piazza San Marco lies the serene Hotel Flora, a family-run haven owned by the Romanelli family since the 1960s. This three-star property defies its rating with antique-filled rooms, a peaceful courtyard for breakfast, and exceptionally warm service. Guests enjoy superb beds, Ortigia toiletries, and a beautifully presented breakfast service.
Address: San Marco 2283/A, Venezia 30124 VE, Italy. Price: From £220.
2. Cima Rosa, Santa Croce
This five-room labour of love in a 15th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal is run by architect Daniele and interior designer Brittany. It blends Venetian lagoon colours with modern comforts like Frette robes and Cultum Cosmos toiletries. The experience focuses on cultural immersion, with personal orientation, artisan tours, and a lavish homemade breakfast.
Address: Santa Croce 1958, Venezia 30135 VE, Italy. Price: From £197.
3. Novecento, San Marco
A sibling to Hotel Flora, Novecento offers a bohemian twist, inspired by the multicultural style of early 1900s Venice. Its nine unique rooms feature global textiles and Philippe Starck fittings. The hotel emphasises sustainability and offers a homely living room and quiet courtyard for guests.
Address: San Marco 2683/84, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy. Price: From £220.
4. Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, Santa Croce
An affordable 17th-century palazzo just moments from the Grand Canal, this hotel is run by two proud Venetians. It features rooms with Murano chandeliers and traditional fabrics, a tranquil courtyard, and is a short walk from the Rialto Bridge.
Address: Santa Croce 1985, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy. Price: From £88.
5. Madama Garden Retreat, Cannaregio
An adults-only sanctuary in Cannaregio, this hotel is the creation of former perfumer Mara De Guidi. Its nine rooms, each named after a flower, feature luxurious fabrics and Diptyque toiletries. The highlight is the enchanting canalside garden, entered under a pergola of citrus trees.
Address: Cannaregio 3604, Fondamenta San Felice, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy. Price: From £246.
6. Venissa, Mazzorbo (Lagoon)
For a true escape, Venissa on the island of Mazzorbo offers a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms. This self-contained retreat features a vineyard, vegetable garden, and rustic-chic rooms. It's perfect for foodies seeking peace, with a vaporetto stop outside for access to central Venice.
Address: Fondamenta S. Caterina 3, 30142 Mazzorbo, Venezia VE Italy. Price: From £141.
7. Il Palazzo Experimental, Dorsoduro
Breaking from Venetian tradition, this stylish hotel on the Zattere waterfront offers a contemporary, Wes Anderson-esque aesthetic. The 32 rooms feature Renaissance-inspired colours, while the Experimental Group's signature cocktail bar provides sleek social spaces.
Address: Dorsoduro 1410, Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy. Price: From £255.
8. Hotel Palazzo Stern, Dorsoduro
This intimate, family-run hotel on the Grand Canal offers a more personal alternative to the large luxury properties. Its dinky waterside garden, historic features like a coffered ceiling, and a spectacularly painted bar create a uniquely charming atmosphere.
Address: Dorsoduro 2792/A, Venezia 30123 VE, Italy. Price: From £277.
9. Hotel San Cassiano, Santa Croce
A budget-friendly option on the Grand Canal, this hotel occupies the former home of painter Giacomo Favretto. It retains a historic feel with terrazzo floors and heavy drapes. Six rooms have direct canal views, and a small terrace bar overlooks the water.
Address: Santa Croce 2232, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy. Price: From £75.
10. Ca’ di Dio, Castello
This luxurious 66-room hotel on the waterfront near St Mark's Basin offers stunning lagoon views without the immediate crowds. Housed in a 13th-century building, it features design by Patricia Urquiola, spacious courtyards, and suites with traditional Venetian roof terraces.
Address: Riva Ca’ di Dio 2183, Castello 30122 Venezia VE, Italy. Price: From £302.
Essential Venice Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: The shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. July and August are peak season with high prices and temperatures. November to January is colder but atmospheric.
Where to Stay: San Marco is central but busy and expensive. Cannaregio and Castello offer more local atmosphere and better value. Dorsoduro is ideal for art lovers, while the lagoon islands provide total tranquillity.
Currency: The currency used in Venice is the Euro (EUR).
This selection is curated by The Independent's expert travel writer, Julia Buckley, who lived in Venice for several years, ensuring informed and trustworthy recommendations for an exceptional stay.
