Top Hotels in Venice
 

I am booked at the San Clemente Palace in August and I have become concerned about staying in the lagoon because I have to take one of the hotels boats in order to go anywhere.

I was told to stay at this hotel opposed to the Cipriani, but even if I decide to stay at the Cipriani I will still have the problem of staying in the lagoon. Has anyone stayed at either of these hotels and has an opinion on one of them.

I am also considering maybe switching to the Danieli or the Gritti. But they are old and I have been told that they are not very nice because Starwood has not kept them up very well. With this in mind, am I better off staying at a nicer hotel in the lagoon and just having to deal with the boat ride?

Have you considered Londra Palace? I haven't stayed there, but have seen very positive reviews and it's not in the lagoon.

Whenever in Venice I stay at the Cipriani, its décor is far more tasteful than the flashy vulgar far too Italianate Starwood properties. The boat is never a problem for me, I don't see why it would be to be honest, everyone else manages too.

If you don't want to take the boat (the ride to the Cipriani is about 3 minutes) then the Bauer Palazzo is a gorgeous hotel, prime location.
But do go to the Cipriani for drinks or dinner, there's something very luxurious about riding in that private boat.

to clarify, the Bauer is the hotel, the part of it that you'd want is called the Palazzo

More commonly known as Il Palazzo at the Bauer.

My experience at the Gritti contradicts what you've been told. Was there for three nights last June and yes it is old, but is is beautiful. It's not modern so if that's what you're looking for it isn't for you.

I stayed at the Europa recently, in what they call the venetian decor area, which I think they call it so because it ls not recently renovated; it was charming and very old world.
We went twice to the Cipriani on their boat shuttle and it takes only a few minutes; you call it from the san marco dock. It would not have bothered me to have to take the shuttle, even a few times a day; the ride and the breeze are wonderful.

We regretted not staying at the Cipriani, although we did realize that it would have been so much more expensive. They just inaugurated their new spa Casanova.....we got massages twice, excellent therapists.
We had lunch and drinks at the hotel, divine.
A simple chicken sandwich is 23 euros.

My original plan was to stay 4 days at the Cipriani and 5 days in the city and the resort feel at the Cipriani would have been great for starters and restfulness.

Sargent:

I must strongly disagree with the advice you have been given regarding the Starwood ("SW") properties. I stayed at ALL SW properties during my honeymoon last summer (Roma, Florence and Venice), including the Regina, and all of them had the most luxurious fabircs in the rooms and the most fabulous bathrooms (on par with the Four Seasons). I liked the Regina better than the Gritti and Danieli based on location, noise factor and their lobbies. Also, by staying at a SW property, you have run of the house at all the other SW properties in Venice, including the Excelsior Lido, where we spent lazy days on the beach being pampered, after which we would return to "town" and wander and shop and then take an early evening nap and go out again for dinner or a concert . If last summer with the heat was any indication of this summer - you will want the luxury of beach/pool access. See my trip report for further info. Have a WONDERFUL time.

Sargent:
My family stayed at the SCP in March and LOVED it. First, the boat ride is fun, scenic and not inconvenient. We went back and forth several times a day and never waited more than 15 mins. for our "ride" (and that one time was at 11:30pm when the boats only run every 30 mins.) The hotel is beautiful, peaceful, well-managed. Truly an oasis away from the crowds and activity of Venice. And the views of San Marco from SCP are spectacular. Oh,and don't forget the pool, putting greens, jogging course.

As we have told many of our friends, the only drawback was that we were there in March when the weather did not allow us to truly utilize the best that SCP has to offer.

I compleetly agree with Pad, the SCP was the last stop on our honeymoon and by far the best hotel and best experience we had. Being on the private island added to the romance, especially at night taking the boat back and forth. it gives you the best of both worlds a great pool and hotel away froma ll the tourists and roudy people and at the same time its only 10 minutes to the heart of St. Marks. I highly recomend them

Annette:
What a fabulous way to complete your honeymoon trip. I agree with you that the San Clemente Palace is a beautiful resort. Twenty years ago, we stayed at the Gritti Palace on our honeymoon, and as luxurious as it was, I still prefer the SCP overall. And it was great fun visiting this year with our sons who really loved the entire Venetian experience.
Consider doing the same in 20 years with your own offspring!!!