The St. Regis Venice

"The stretch of Grand Canal frontage west of St. Mark's square hosts some of the city's most famously classic luxury hotels. The St. Regis, inaugurated in 2019, is a newly crowned queen among these, boasting more water-facing balconies than any other. If it's a close-up relationship with the superb basilica of Santa Maria della Salute you're seeking, this is the hotel for you. A massive pre-inauguration restoration removed traditional brocades and gloomy corners, clearly aiming to entice a younger, more culturally aware clientele by filling public spaces and suites with some excellent contemporary art, and a collection of pieces by top Venetian glass makers. Between the two canal-facing wings, a gorgeous garden is the perfect venue for aperitivi." - Sarah James, Anne Hanley

"Overlooking the Grand Canal, the St. Regis Venice debuted in 2019 following a two-year renovation to the Grand Hotel Britannia, which originally opened in 1895—the year of the inaugural Venice Biennale. The hotel has hosted such artists as J.M.W. Turner and Claude Monet; both painted Grand Canal views on display in this hotel of 130 guest rooms and 39 suites, all designed with bright colors and flooded with natural light (and many with private balconies). Art remains a central focus of the hotel. Works by Ai Weiwei adorn the halls in the form of eccentric chandeliers and cheeky “Middle Finger” sculptures. Recently, the St. Regis opened Arts Bar, which serves cocktails named after famous paintings and served in custom-designed glasses by Berengo Studio, located on the nearby island of Murano. (The hotel can arrange exclusive tours of the studio for guests.) Thanks to its prime location less than five minutes by foot from Piazza San Marco, St. Regis Venice is full of cinematic moments, whether you’re disembarking from your private boat transfer at the hotel’s waterfront entrance or enjoying breakfast on the terrace at Gio’s Restaurant as gondolas and seagulls sail by." - Jennifer Flowers

"Italy is home to three properties on this year’s list, including The St. Regis Venice, which secured the No. 12 slot thanks to what one reader proclaimed is the “exclusive and best location in Venice.” Another reader went further, describing the hotel's perch as a “magical setting, with perfect views over the Grand Canal.”" - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Opened in 2019 after a thorough renovation of the historic Grand Hotel Britannia, The St. Regis Venice managed to keep the mystique this waterfront address has held since 1895. 'Exclusive and best location in Venice,' said one reader. 'The service, rooms, food, and employees make this hotel the best in class. We loved it so much, we are going back this summer, too.' The staff was at the center of multiple rave reviews, and there’s no doubt the signature St. Regis butler service played its part — though general manager Patrizia Hofer is also 'truly wonderful in making her guests feel taken care of while staying at her hotel,' according to another reader. 'A wonderful luxury experience,' the same fan added." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"The St. Regis Venice offers nightly Champagne sabering in a picturesque courtyard along the Grand Canal. The hotel features a robust cocktail program at the Arts Bar, which draws inspiration from Venice's artistic history. Signature drinks include the Venetian Cobbler, inspired by painter Tintoretto, and the Canal-Art, an homage to Banksy. The Santa Maria Bloody Mary, unique to this location, celebrates the nearby Baroque church. Additionally, a spritz trolley serves various shades of the iconic Italian cocktail. Guests can participate in the Champagne sabering ritual, making it a memorable experience." - Regan Stephens