The Best Hotels in Venice, From Five-Star Grande Dames to Design Boutiques | Vogue

"As one of Venice’s storied grande dames dating to the 15th century and once a Doge’s family seat, this place casts a transportive spell with classic gilded decor, Murano chandeliers, and hand‑painted walls—yet never feels fusty thanks to thoroughly modern comforts like lightning‑fast room service and a sophisticated in‑room lighting system. A roll call of illustrious guests from Winston Churchill to Elizabeth Taylor hints at its legend, while the sleek Riva Lounge serves signature Venetian spritzes with unrivaled views of the Salute and the Grand Canal and some of the city’s best people‑watching. Dinner at Club del Doge is a must, especially the risotto “Hemingway‑style,” with succulent scampi folded through the rice and delicately raw scampi on top. Don’t miss the Epicurean School, where you’ll raid the Rialto markets before cooking lunch with executive chef Alberto Fol. Steps from Piazza San Marco yet cocooned like a private palazzo, it feels peerless in Venice." - Liam Hess