The hype
The location and terrace are magical, but the rooms vary wildly in size and view quality.
The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
$1,100-1,800+/ night
Book this if You want the definitive 'Hemingway in Venice' experience and have the budget to back it up.
Why People Love It
- Unrivaled Grand Canal terrace views at Club del Doge
- Opulent Venetian decor (Murano glass, antiques, Rubelli fabrics)
- Service that feels like old-world royalty, not corporate hospitality
Quick Take: It is obscenely expensive and some rooms feel slightly tired, but the location and history are practically unbeatable.
Reviewed by @GabrielDUgo6631304: I felt like actual royalty staying here. The level of detail in the decor—from the oil paintings to the silk drapes—is insane. It’s not just a hotel room; it’s a piece of Venetian history. If you want the full aristocratic experience, you have to book this suite.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the address and the lobby; base-level rooms can feel underwhelming and dark for $1,200+ a night.
- You appreciate heavy, historic decor over modern minimalism
- Breakfast on a terrace watching the Grand Canal wake up is your dream
- You want a concierge who can actually open impossible doors
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Generally impeccable twice-daily service, though rare reports of missed turndown exist.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are usually spotless; isolated reports of maintenance issues like ceiling cracks.
- Maintenance: Historic building means occasional creaky floors or 'tired' furniture, but generally well-preserved.
- Linens & towels: High-quality Frette linens and plush towels.
- Odors & scents: Signature Acqua di Parma scent in lobby; no musty canal smells reported inside.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Vaporettos and water taxis on Grand Canal
- Church bells from nearby campaniles
- Creaky historic floorboards in hallways
Before you book
Good to know
- Overnight guests are exempt from the Venice Access Fee (€5) but you MUST register for an exemption QR code online beforehand.
- The private hotel dock allows direct water taxi arrival (approx. €140 from airport), which is the only way to arrive in style.
- Breakfast is not automatically included in all rates and costs ~€55/person if purchased separately.
What to pack
- Dressy evening wear (dinner at Club del Doge is a formal affair)
- Comfortable walking shoes (water taxi drop-off is great, but you will walk everywhere else)
- US-to-Italy power adapter (older rooms may have fewer USB ports)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Landmark Grand Canal Room (for the iconic view)
- Sestiere Suite (often used for upgrades, good space)
- Rooms on the 2nd or 3rd floor for higher ceilings
Rooms to avoid
- Deluxe Rooms (often dark, small, and face internal walls)
- Rooms near the service elevator (noise complaints)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would appreciate a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor for the higher ceilings. If a Canal view isn't possible, a quiet courtyard view away from the service elevators is preferred over an internal wall view.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is no pool for general guests. Only the top-tier Redentore Terrazza Suite has a private plunge pool.
Does the hotel have a shuttle?
No free shuttle. You must arrange a private water taxi (expensive) or take the Alilaguna public boat to the S. Maria del Giglio stop (cheaper, but requires walking).
Is breakfast included?
Not in standard rates. It costs around €55 per person if not part of your booking package or elite status benefit.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs and cats up to 6kg (13lbs) stay for free. They provide a luxury dog bed and bowls.
Is there a resort fee?
No resort fee, but there is a city tourist tax of approx. €5 per person/night collected at the hotel.
Can I get an upgrade?
Marriott Bonvoy elites often get upgraded to 'Venetian' rooms or 'Sestiere' suites, but these usually face the courtyard, not the canal.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Venetian Room' upgrade often comes with a shower/tub combo rather than a separate tub, so ask specifically if you want a walk-in shower.
- ✨
You can order coffee on the terrace even if you aren't staying there—a cheaper way to enjoy the view than a full dinner.
- ✨
The concierge can arrange a private boat tour to the vegetable gardens on Sant'Erasmo island where the restaurant sources produce.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Venetian' style decor can feel dark and heavy to modern tastes.
💡There is a steep 'coperto' (cover charge) of €12 per person at the restaurant, even for hotel guests.
💡The terrace can be chilly in shoulder seasons and heating is minimal.
💡You might get a room with a view of a brick wall if you book the base rate.
💡The gym is very small and tucked away—clearly an afterthought.
Local Playbook
Map
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