Lit with a painter’s dreamlike hues – with monumental buildings and colorful faded palaces lining its canals – romantic Venice can’t fail to enchant.
It’s simply one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy!
A top honeymoon destination, Venice is home to some of Europe’s most romantic hotels.
Yes, you need really deep pockets to stay at some of them.
But, fortunately, Venice also has lovely couple’s digs that don’t break the budget.

7 Incredibly romantic hotels: Venice, Italy
We’ve visited Venice many times.
Here are our picks for the most romantic hotels in Venice (we’ve stayed at all of them).
If planning a visit to Italy, you’ll want to check these out:
1) Palazzo Abadessa

This gem is one of the most romantic hotels in Venice, Italy. And it’s also very easy on the budget too.
Formerly a 16th century palace, it’s been turned into a charming Venice hotel.
The hotel’s atrium has marble floors and stained lead-glass windows that overlook a canal.

Palazzo Abadessa is handily located in the quiet northern Cannaregio district, a 15- to 20-minute stroll from St. Mark’s Square.
Some people think it’s too far from the center of things, but we like walking – and crossing Venice’s beautiful bridges and canals. That’s partly what Venice is about, right?
(And the fact that it’s a bit of a walk to get to no doubt accounts for why Palazzo Abadessa costs less than it would if it was more centrally located.)
Guest rooms:

The palazzo contains 15 rooms and suites, each unique, adorned by Murano chandeliers, antique furniture and silk wall coverings.
All are a joy – though avoid the teensy smallest room (it’s really too cramped for comfort).
Our favorite is Room 26 (once the palace kitchen), with its exposed timber beam ceiling, stone fireplace and an original giant stone sink in the bathroom.
A marble staircase takes you up to the first floor and more rooms.

Eating and drinking:
You can sip complimentary Prosecco and nibble on snacks, set out on silver trays in the hall, before heading off to dinner.
Breakfast (included) in the tranquility of the walled garden is a special treat.
Fortified by fresh-baked croissants, sliced fruit, ham, cheeses and as many cappuccinos as we could drink, we happily set off each morning to explore Venice’s splendors.

Budget:
Affordable
What we especially like about Palazzo Abadessa:
It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!
The Palazzo Abadessa is one of the best-value, romantic, boutique hotels in Venice, Italy – with loads of charm and character.
2) Hotel Cipriani

For the ultimate romantic splurge, book the Hotel Cipriani – it’s one of the top honeymoon hotels in Venice, Italy.
At this serene Belmond-branded property – set amid lush gardens on Guidecca Island – the atmosphere is “private country estate.”

Expect unparalleled service, of course – the hotel has one staff member per guest.
A private mahogany motor launch runs continuously 24 hours to St. Mark’s square, which is a five-to seven-minute ride from the hotel.
Rooms and suites:

The hotel itself has 96 rooms and suites.
Lavish details can be found in the wood floors, marble bathrooms, Murano glass chandeliers, gold-framed mirrors and a mix of antique and modern furnishings.
Linked to the hotel through an ancient courtyard and flowered loggia is the Palazzo Vendramin, a 15th century residence which has ten two-bedroom apartments, each featuring a private entrance hall, sitting room, two baths and a kitchen.
There’s also the adjoining Palazzetto Nani Barbaro with five suites. All palazzo suites have personal butler service.

Dining:
Make sure to dine by candlelight at the Michelin-starred Oro restaurant.
We started with a Bellini in the courtyard while perusing the menu, before moving to the outdoor terrace, overlooking the lagoon, to feast on fresh sea bass and thin green pasta noodles with ham au gratin.
It was one of the most magical dining experiences ever!

Budget:
Seriously expensive
What we especially like about Hotel Cipriani:
The hotel’s inviting Olympic-sized saltwater pool (heated, of course) is one of the hotel’s most outstanding features – imagine lounging by this gorgeous pool after taking in the sights of Venice!
You can also play tennis on a red-clay tennis court.
3) Hotel La Calcina

Yes, there really is such a thing as a lovely, 3-star hotel in Venice – one that makes a great Venice honeymoon hotel if you’re trying to be careful with your spending.
Previously known as Pensione La Calcina, the family-run Hotel La Calcina is found in a historic 4-floor building in the Zattere area, located on the Giudecca Canal.
Where John Ruskin stayed:

Poets, artists and writers liked to sip coffee in the hotel’s café in the 1800s.
How romantic to think that the bard of Venice – the painter, writer and art critic John Ruskin (who wrote “The Stones of Venice”) – made La Calcina his home in 1877!
Rooms:

The 29 rooms have parquet floors and wooden furniture. But all are different. The most romantic rooms are larger and overlook the Giudecca Canal.
Tip: The most romantic room is No. 4. It has a unique terrace looking right out over the canal.
Prosecco before dinner here?

While spickety clean, the bathrooms aren’t exactly honeymoon-worthy, however.
Budget:
Affordable
What we especially like about Hotel La Calcina:
The hotel has a floating terrace jutting out into the Giudecca Canal, where breakfast is served in good weather.
We loved waking up to the tasty continental buffet of yogurt, pastries, fresh fruit, cheeses and cold cuts, enjoyed on the banks of the shimmering canal.
The hotel is also just steps away from a great wine bar and good dinner restaurants.
4) Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido

The beach island of Lido is a great option for escaping the crowds that flock to Venice in the summer – and if you want a more beachy holiday feeling.
A complimentary water taxi (15-minute ride) whisks you away from Venice to the 5-star Hotel Excelsior on the Lido.
Rooms and suites:

Built as a long-stay resort hotel at the beginning of the 20th century, the Excelsior’s 193 rooms and suites are lovely and spacious.
Reflecting a whimsical Moorish-style décor, they feature arches and ivory lattice woodwork.
Tip: You don’t really need a to book a pricier sea view room.
Rooms with a courtyard view are just as enticing (though corner rooms looking out to the Venice skyline and lagoon are perhaps the best deal).
The beach:

The Excelsior enjoys an enviable location right on the beach.
And nothing says romance better than reliving the golden age of luxury by lounging about in one of the hotel’s white cabanas!
Make like Bogie and Bacall as you relish comfy sunbeds for two with mattresses, deck chairs with cushions, chilled champagne and free WiFi – though Humphrey and Lauren wouldn’t have had the WiFi!
The pool is also gorgeous for relaxing. (And it overlooks the beach.)

Note: You pay extra for one of those white cabanas lined up in rows on the beach. And the gray sand can be hot.
Budget:
Seriously expensive
What we especially like about the Hotel Excelsior Venice:
Staying here gives you two holiday experiences – a beachy island holiday (Italian-style), with all the delights of Venice and its cultural scene at your fingertips.
5) Hotel American Dinesen

Now don’t be misled by the name.
This isn’t an American hotel. It’s very Venetian. (But totally suited for North Americans.)
The 4-star Hotel American Dinesen is tucked away in a quiet location in Dorsoduro, near the Accademia Bridge. It has its own private canal dock, so you can arrive by boat, if you wish.
For a quiet place to read your Venice guide book or relax with a drink from the bar, settle into a comfy corner on the hotel’s outdoor terrace on the first floor.

Rooms:
The 30 elegant rooms and suites are a good size.
And while dressed in Venetian damasks and silk wall coverings, they look contemporary, with polished wood floors and modern rain showers in the bathrooms.

Go for a Superior Canal View room with a Juliet balcony.
You get sweet views of the San Vio Canal. (Hey, honey, check out the gondola floating by!)

Budget:
Mid-range
What we especially like about the Hotel American:
Owned by the same family for generations, the hotel is well run, with lots of contemporary touches. There’s no sacrificing comfort when staying here.
It’s also in the art district, so it’s very convenient for visiting the famous 20th century art museum, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Two more romantic hotels in Venice, Italy
More options?
Here are two more great Venice hotels for couples.
The price point of the following hotels is between the “affordable” (#1 and #3 above) and “mid-range” (#5 above) categories, on the one hand, and the “seriously expensive” (#2 and #4 above) categories, on the other hand.
They’re in the “mid-deluxe” range for a lovely honeymoon-worthy Venice hotel.
(We haven’t stayed in them, but based on our research, these beautiful boutique hotels in Venice are ones we’d definitely pick, and we’ve bookmarked them for future stays.)
6) Ca Maria Adele

Named the hotel “Best for Romance” in Europe in the 2019 Conde Nast Johansens’ Awards for Excellence, Ca Maria Adele is an intimate boutique hotel in Venice’s quiet art district (near the Hotel American Dinesen, #5 above).
Rooms are lavishly decorated, with Murano chandeliers and lots of gilt.

And for breakfast? Start your day with a glass of complimentary Prosecco.
Ca Maria Adele: Check rates and availability here
7) Hotel Ai Reali di Venezia

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this upscale 4-star Venice hotel is housed in a refurbished 17th century palace, a two-minute walk away from the Rialto Bridge.
It offers 32 rooms and suites, a fine dining restaurant with canal views, piano bar and (rare for Venice) a spa with a pool and Turkish bath.

The vibe is traditional Venetian – painted ceilings, antiques and Murano chandeliers.
Ai Reali di Venezia: Check rates and availability here
Now you know the best romantic hotels in Venice!
Where would you like to stay when visiting Venice as a couple?
Discover more gorgeous hotels around the world!
Mallorca (Spain) | Where to stay in Mallorca? See these enchanting hotels (including a castle and lovely rural fincas).
Los Cabos (Mexico) | The very artsy Hotel El Ganzo in San Jose del Cabo? The luxurious all-inclusive Grand Velas? Yes, these are the best luxury hotels in Cabo.
Bocas del Toro (Panama) | From overwater bungalows to a boutique Bali-style inn, you’ll love these darling places to stay in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Fiji | The ultimate Polynesian fantasy? A stay in one of the dreamy overwater bungalows in Fiji.
Victoria (Canada) | See our insider guide to the best luxury hotels in Victoria, BC.
Our top travel tips and resources
Here are our favorite travel resources:
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out GetYourGuide and Viator.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, with coverage for more than 150 activities, as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Vaccines and meds: We follow CDC travel guidelines to see what medications and vaccines are needed for trips. You can get vaccines at your pharmacy, travel medical clinic or doctor’s office.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo Credits: 5, 6 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | Other hotel photos courtesy the respective hotels

About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews, insanely useful travel tips and more!
Paris M.
Wednesday 25th of January 2023
Another lovely romantic hotel in Venice is the hotel Al Ponte Antico, which is just gorgeous. I had the pleasure of staying there in 2016.
Janice and George
Wednesday 25th of January 2023
That hotel does look lovely. Thanks for your contribution!