The 24 Hotels Traveler Readers Booked Most This Year
"As you carry your luggage through the courtyard of this 15th-century palazzo in Santa Croce, you’ll understand the Cima Rosa spirit: Old roses scramble up brick walls and age-worn marble carvings peek out through fragrant faux jasmine. Inside, an exquisite pastel palette mirrors the colors visible through the front windows, which overlook the Grand Canal. Five rooms and suites, personalized service, and great comfort complete the picture. This is a grown-up kind of place for travelers who love Venice and know it sufficiently well. —Anne Hanley"
"As you truck your luggage through the courtyard of this 15th-century palazzo in Santa Croce, you’ll understand the Cima Rosa spirit: Old roses scramble up brick walls and age-worn marble carvings peek out through fragrant faux-jasmine. Inside, an exquisite pastel palette mirrors the colors visible through the front windows, which overlook the Grand Canal. Five rooms and suites, personalized service, and great comfort complete the picture. This is a grown-up kind of place for travelers who love Venice and know it sufficiently well." - Sarah James, Anne Hanley
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? As you truck your luggage through the courtyard of this 15th-century palazzo, you’ll understand the Cima Rosa spirit: Old roses scramble up brick walls and age-worn marble carvings peek out through fragrant faux-jasmine. Inside, an exquisite pastel palette mirrors the colors visible through the front windows, which overlook the Grand Canal. Five rooms and suites, personalized service, and great comfort complete the picture.
What's the backstory? Cima Rosa is the creation of American Brittany Hymore and her Venetian architect husband Daniele Vallot, whose mix of classic furnishings, beautiful shades, and luxurious comforts set the tone of the five-suite B&B.
Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? There’s so much to love about Cima Rosa’s rooms, from the restful, Venetian colors to the mingling of modern touches with antiques. Go for one of the three Grand Canal–facing rooms, where light glows off the water. Three airy self-catering apartments – two in the Dorsodoro district, one in San Marco – complete the Cima Rosa offer.
Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Free wi-fi; good quality.
Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Daily continental breakfast takes over a large, low-ceilinged living room where the Grand Canal laps just outside the windows. Everything is simple and fresh; eggs can be scrambled or made into an omelette. There’s also an area where guests can make themselves tea or coffee.
And the service? Owner Brittany and her staff are charming and knowledgeable; you really will feel like you’re staying with friends. Hymore has even created her own guide to the city featuring excellent restaurant recommendations.
What type of travelers will you find here? This is a grown-up kind of place for travelers who love Venice and know it sufficiently well not to mind the residential area that's far from most of the city's main sights.
What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Santa Croce is quiet, charming, and homely. You’re close to the train station here, although you’d never know it. And it’s a bridge-free walk to the San Stae vaporetto stop.
Is there anything you'd change? One room has a bathroom across the hall; it’s private, but some guests might find it awkward.
Bottom line: Worth it? Why? This place is so warm, you’ll be planning your next stay before you leave." - Anne Hanley
Secret Venice: Go Where the Venetians Go | Condé Nast Traveler
"Cima Rosa is a modern but cozy five-room bed and breakfast with a chic Restoration Hardware vibe and an ideal spot for a morning cappuccino in the shaded garden."
Cima Rosa Venezia, Santa Croce, Venice - Explore & Book
"Lie in bed and watch boats sliding up and down the Grand Canal then drink cappuccini in the tiny green courtyard; this place is a real retreat in Venice, hidden away in untouristy Santa Croce. It's run by native Venetian Daniele and his American wife Brittany, who honed their interior architecture and designer skills in the States before returning to his home city to open a B&B in 2011. Months were spent searching for the right property to renovate, until they came across this divine 15th-centruy palazzo and moved into the upper floors, gradually turning the ground and 1st floor into their romantic guesthouse. It is an intimate, stylish home that gives guests a real feeling of living like a local in this city of tourists.
The entrance hall is atmospherically lit by lanterns, and the 6 guest bedrooms are extremely elegant - Venice reimagined for a more style-savvy audience. Original details like mullioned windows, ancient beams and terrazzo and parquet floors are offset by misty lagoon greys and cool blues in the decoration; much of the furniture is antique, some original to the building and being carefully restored by the owners, piece by piece. An inspiring labour of love.
Highs
Off the beaten track but just 5 minutes from the Rialto, and near a vaporetto stop that's a 25-minute scenic chug from St Mark’s and links directly to the airport
Wonderful views of the Grand Canal from 3 bedrooms and the guest lounge; sit in the window and gaze
The owners are exceptionally welcoming and provide insider tips to the city and unusual activity ideas
A great breakfast (not a given in this city), plus a kitchen for guests to make snacks and store drinks
A locals' neighbourhood with authentic restaurants, bakeries and gelaterie
Lows
The rooms overlooking the canal can be noisy
Only breakfast is served but that's no hardship in this area
The Charming Rooms have no real view and are a little dark, but their price reflects this" - Aoife O'Riordain
Cima Rosa is just beautiful. The rooms are lovely. Our ground floor room was very spacious and had fantastic views of the Grand Canal. The bed was enormous and very comfortable and the bathroom was large and warm (even in December). The staff at Cima Rosa are welcoming and always friendly. They also offer really good service at all times. Even the walled garden at the entrance is beautifully maintained and well planted. Cima Rosa is situated in an area that does not have too many tourists but it is only a ten minute walk to the Rialto and the vaporetto water bus stop San Stae is a couple of minutes away. We had a wonderful stay (I think it was the sixth time we have stayed there) and will certainly return.
E6377EKnicolao
Google
This is our second stay with Cima Rosa. We love its location - quiet yet conveniently placed. It effortlessly combines beauty, warmth and comfort. The thoughtful attention to detail ensures that your visit to Venice is as delightful as possible, making it truly special. The elegant and refined atmosphere is complemented by the friendly staff. Brittany and her team, Melody and Dora, are so helpful making it feel like a home from home. Could not recommend it highly enough.
U8213DHpaulc
Google
We had a very pleasant stay. It is a lovely, atmospheric small hotel right on the Grand Canal run with the personal touch. Dora, the hostess, was really helpful and the lady serving breakfast was so smiley, it put us in great mood for rest of the day! We had a room without a view as Venice is not cheap, but you still get the views from the lounge area. It is quite central but in a really quiet part of town, which was a welcome relief.
245alasdairm
Google
Cima Rosa was the perfect retreat for our recent trip to Venice. From the beautiful surroundings of the property to the high level of our well-appointed room, there was an air of relaxation and calm, matched by faultless service from the Cima Rosa team, whose care and attention to every detail made this a most memorable stay. Venice is La Serenissima, and Cima Rosa can justifiably hold that title too! Can’t wait to return in the future!
brigitteb204
Google
This is my favorite place on earth period! I have been coming since the beginning and when I return yearly, I feel I have come home. Brittany and the entire staff is a family. Melodie and Dora are so wonderful. Truly I feel as if this Palazzo is my magical home away from home in Venice. I deeply love this place xoxoox Brigitte
545aleyal
Google
Cima Rosa is a stand-out "pensione" on the Grand Canal in Venice's San Croce neighborhood. Quiet, beautiful, beautifully run, perfectly located, and meticulously cared for, with a small, dedicated, friendly staff, all happy to contribute to your plans and get you where you want to go. A treasured visit, to be repeated!
will3731
Google
On our recent two week trip to Italy, Cima Rosa bed and breakfast was definitely one of the highlights. The accommodations were excellent and well located. Melody and Dora made us feel so welcome and were invaluable in helping us plan our days in Venice. The breakfasts were wonderful. I would give this place 10 stars if I could!
Thomas C.
Google
Perfetto! We are so glad we chose Cima Rosa and give thanks to its wonderful staff who chose us right back. We loved the elegant “living room” with its quintessential windows to the Grand Canal, gorgeous courtyard and location, only a few minutes walk to the Realto Bridge but felt like miles away from the crowds. We appreciated the curated list of restaurants provided and dined at many of them, each amazing. We definitely recommend the hospitality of this remarkable property for a Venetian holiday.