The capital of Italy’s Veneto region, Venice is a city that has long inspired some of history’s greatest artists, architects and scholars. From Shakespeare to Canaletto, Venice has found its way into the hearts of visitors for centuries, and will so for centuries to come. 5 star hotels in the heart of Venice, close to the iconic Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge, will inspire an unparalleled sense of romance. With gorgeous views over the ancient city, exceptional hospitality and a private Gondola service right outside, 5 star hotels in Venice are truly the best way to explore this magnificent and timeless city.

5 Star Hotels in Venice: The Best Hotels for the Ultimate Romantic Escape

Venice: A City of Wonder

Built on over 100 small islands, Venice is one of the world’s most unique cities. Over 400 bridges connect the islands in the Adriatic lagoon, making it easy to explore all the hidden piazzas, cozy pizzerias and narrow alleyways that can be found around every corner. 5 star hotels in Venice are housed in gorgeous renaissance buildings right in the heart of the city, with access to the breathtaking sites of the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco. Begin your tour of the city with a Gondola ride taken from right outside your hotel. Gondolas are as much a part of Venice’s history and landscape as its architecture, having been used to transport the population of the city as far back as 1094. Today they are mainly a tourist attraction, but are still one of the best ways to explore the city. From your 5 star hotel, Venice’s gorgeous Piazza San Marco is minutes from your room. The vast square is home Venice’s tallest tower – the Campanile – and, of course, the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica. Shimmering with golden frescoes, stone angels and bronze statues, it’s thought Venetian travelers returning from modern-day Asia brought back opulent gifts to adorn the basilica with. While the wealth of Venice should not be overlooked, a more modest city can be found only a few streets from the main square. Get lost in storybook surroundings as you explore the sleepy alleyways and canals that have not changes for centuries. Art is a big deal in Venice, and from your centrally located 5 star hotel the works of Michelangelo, Bellini and Giorgione are minutes away. For more contemporary works check out the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housing famous art from 20th century masters. To explore Venice like a local, an excursion down to Venice’s university district is a must. South of the Grand Canal, Dorsoduro’s cheap bars (or bacari) are a great place for a quick bite (ciccheti) before picking up some souvenirs from Calle Sant’Agnese. No stay in any of Venice’s 5 star hotels would be complete without a cone of Italy’s best gelato, with the best found at Boutique del Gelato.

Veneto: Beyond the Canals of Venice

If you wish to extend your stay with a 5 star hotel in Venice, the whole of Veneto is at hand to make sure your itinerary is never empty. While Venice has enough to keep you occupied for days on end, Veneto’s glamor extends beyond the Grand Canal and into some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. Veneto is one of the three regions which border Lake Garda – Italy’s favorite vacation destination. A 5 star hotel on Lake Garda has access to the stunning Dolomites, alongside Sirmione – home to an impressive castello, thermal baths and ancient ruins. Other towns on Garda’s shores offer ample beach hopping opportunities, watersports and hiking trails. If you’ve had your fill of Venice’s canals and art history, take a weekend trip from your 5 star hotel to Verona. The setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Verona’s Renaissance romance can be found in every nook and cranny. Admire the impressive 1st century AD amphitheater before tucking into some classic Veneto dishes such as gnocchi and the rich Risotto all’Amarone made with local red wine. You can also visit Juliet’s famous balcony. Home to one of the world’s oldest surviving universities, Padua is another stop on your tour of Veneto that shouldn’t be skipped. Under an hour from your 5 star hotel in Venice, Padua is an exceptional daytrip. Visit the Scrovegni Chapel (but make sure you book ahead), meander through the historic streets and pop into century-old churches and stop for a gelato in the Piazza della Erbe.

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