4 Best Hotels in Cannaregio, Venice

Traditional Venetian style mixes with contemporary design: the clean white-marble entrance leading up to the luminous piano nobile (main floor) of the 15th-century palace gracefully contrasts with the opulent Murano chandeliers and rich wall brocades. Some rooms have canal views, bathrooms are large and modern, and a rich breakfast is served in a bright salon that overlooks a wide canal. The location, just off the Grand Canal near the Ca' d'Oro and a variety of good restaurants, is another plus.

Though the atmosphere of this 15th-century palazzo harkens back to Venice's connection with the Silk Road, the surroundings and amenities are everything you'd expect from a 21st-century establishment. Some rooms and suites overlook the expansive canal along the Fondamenta della Sensa, one of the bright, broad byways typical of the upper Cannaregio district. In good weather, you can also take breakfast or a Venetian spritz cocktail at a sunny table along the canal. Ask about the type and location of room you're reserving when booking; rooms overlooking the canal are especially pleasant.

Venetian grandeur meets a modern, relaxed ambience in this extensively renovated 16th-century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal and bustling Campo Santo Sofia. Two rooms have balconies overlooking the campo and two plush suites lord over the Canale Grande, while the rooftop terrace offers truly spectacular Venetian vistas.

Set in a quiet corner of Cannaregio, with an attractive pool, courtyard, and guest rooms accented with rich Venetian furnishings and gold-leaf flourishes, this is a decent option, especially if the Superior Deluxe rooms are on offer. Some may find the decor a tad cliché, but there's much to enjoy here, including rare outside hotel space, a garden room, and a billiard salon. Rooms vary considerably in size and have either rooftop or courtyard views, so book early and ask about the size and view.