Last Updated on September 25, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Everything you need to know before booking the Gritti Palace & your luxury Venice hotel
Everything you need to know before booking The Gritti Palace, from the rooms and Grand Canal views to breakfast, location and whether this luxury Venice hotel is worth the splurge. If you’re planning a romantic getaway to Venice and wondering whether The Gritti Palace is worth its luxury price tag, here’s my experience staying at one of the city’s most famous five-star hotels. My sister recommended The Gritti Palace because it’s where they normally stay, and after researching luxury hotels in Venice, my husband and I narrowed our choices down to The Gritti Palace and Hotel Danieli. We eventually chose The Gritti Palace for its Grand Canal location, historic interiors, attentive service and intimate atmosphere. Was it worth the splurge? For us, absolutely. From arriving by private water taxi to leisurely champagne breakfasts overlooking the Grand Canal, it was exactly the romantic Venetian experience we’d hoped for. However, there are a few things I’d consider before booking, especially when it comes to room sizes, canal views and whether you prefer historic or contemporary hotels.
This is my unsponsored Gritti Palace review, including our firsthand experience, the things I’d do again and my recommendations for making the most of your stay. It does contain affiliate links which do not affect the price or my opinion.
The Gritti Palace at a glance
Location: Grand Canal, San Marco, Venice, Italy
Hotel: Five-star Marriott Luxury Collection property
Atmosphere: Historic Venetian luxury, intimate, romantic and elegant
Best for: Couples, anniversaries, romantic escapes and travelers who appreciate traditional luxury
What I loved: The location, exceptional service, champagne breakfast and Grand Canal terrace
What to consider: Rooms vary in size, not every room has a canal view and the traditional interiors won’t appeal to everyone.
How to Arrive at The Gritti Palace in Style: Book a Vaporetto
My sister highly recommended arriving at The Gritti Palace by private water taxi for the experience. We followed her advice and were so glad we did. The view is breathtaking as you turn into the Grand Canal, and arriving directly at the hotel’s private jetty is such a memorable way to begin a romantic Venice getaway.
If you’re arriving by train, the Ferrovia vaporetto stop is right in front of Venezia Santa Lucia train station, slightly to your left as you exit the station and walk down the steps. From there, you can catch a public vaporetto along the Grand Canal to the Giglio stop, which is a short walk from The Gritti Palace.
Alternatively, you can take a private water taxi directly to the hotel’s jetty. You can arrange one on arrival or organize your transfer in advance. The hotel concierge can also help arrange your return journey.
My recommendation is to budget for a private water taxi at least once during your trip, particularly if it’s your first visit to Venice or you’re celebrating a special occasion.
Where to Stay in Venice: Luxury Hotels Venice
Choosing where to stay in Venice wasn’t easy. There are so many beautiful luxury hotels, but we eventually narrowed our choices down to The Gritti Palace (book Gritti Palace on Marriott Bonvoy) and Hotel Danieli.
We wanted somewhere romantic and luxurious with a central location, beautiful views, exceptional service and the atmosphere of a historic Venetian palace. The Gritti Palace offered everything we were looking for, and my sister’s recommendation helped make the decision.
The two hotels offer slightly different experiences. The Gritti Palace sits directly on the Grand Canal and has an intimate, private-residence atmosphere. Hotel Danieli overlooks the Venetian Lagoon near Piazza San Marco and has its own spectacular historic architecture.
Danieli has since undergone an extensive renovation and reopened as Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, so it’s no longer part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection.
If you’re deciding between them, I’d consider which view and atmosphere appeal to you most. For us, having breakfast and cocktails right on the Grand Canal was a major part of the experience.
The Gritti Palace Review and helpful tips
The Gritti Palace review: Location
What makes The Gritti Palace one of the top hotels in Venice Italy and one of the biggest advantages is its prime location. It’s directly on the Grand Canal, with beautiful views across the water and easy access to some of Venice’s most famous attractions. It’s just a quick 5 minute walk to the all of the luxury stores for your tax-free shopping and Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). As well as a short walk to Teatro La Fenice Opera House.
We found it’s central location the perfect base for exploring Venice on foot. We could spend the day sightseeing, shopping and discovering little streets and canals before returning to the hotel for cocktails overlooking the water.
The nearby Giglio vaporetto stop is useful for traveling farther around Venice without relying on private water taxis for every journey.
If you’re looking for one of the best luxury hotels in Venice with a Grand Canal location, this is one of The Gritti Palace’s biggest selling points.
Privacy, romance and celebrity guests
The Gritti Palace is known for its romantic atmosphere, but what I particularly appreciated was how quiet and private it felt. There were celebrities staying at the hotel during our visit, and everyone left them alone. It has that discreet, established luxury atmosphere rather than feeling like somewhere people go simply to be seen. The hotel’s famous past guests include Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, while Brad Pitt is another celebrity associated with the property.
My husband and I love romantic escapes together. We work hard and enjoy spending our time traveling, discovering beautiful places and creating memories, so the atmosphere of a hotel is just as important to us as its amenities.
If you’re planning an anniversary, honeymoon or romantic Venice getaway, the privacy and setting are two of the things that make The Gritti Palace special.
Gritti Palace dining and drinks on the Grand Canal
No Gritti Palace review would be complete without talking about the food, particularly breakfast.
Champagne breakfast overlooking the Grand Canal
Don’t skip breakfast at The Gritti Palace! At home, I’m normally eating breakfast while working at my computer, so it was wonderful to slow down and enjoy a leisurely champagne breakfast on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Grand Canal.
The breakfast was exceptional, with plenty of fresh food and an elegant buffet. My recommendation is to order the Eggs Benedict and choose one of the decadent pastries. Their chocolate croissants were buttery heaven. Your waistline might not thank me, but you will! Sitting outside, watching the boats on the Grand Canal and enjoying breakfast without rushing anywhere was one of my favorite parts of our stay.
If you’re choosing between room rates with and without breakfast, I’d check the difference before booking. Breakfast on the terrace is an experience in itself, although outdoor seating is naturally weather-dependent.
Cocktails at Riva Lounge and Bar Longhi
We enjoyed quite a few drinks during our Venice trip, including pre-dinner cocktails and nightcaps at The Gritti Palace.
The Riva Lounge is a glamorous place to enjoy a drink overlooking the Grand Canal, especially around sunset. It’s the sort of setting that makes you want to order another cocktail simply to stay a little longer.
Bar Longhi is another elegant option, particularly if you’re looking for a more traditional Venetian cocktail-bar atmosphere.
Club del Doge restaurant
Club del Doge is The Gritti Palace’s signature restaurant, serving Venetian cuisine in an elegant historic setting overlooking the Grand Canal. We didn’t eat dinner here because we were already enjoying breakfast and drinks at the hotel and wanted to try other restaurants around Venice.
However, from our breakfast experience, the views, ambience and service were exceptional. It’s somewhere I’d consider for a special romantic dinner, particularly if you’re staying elsewhere but want to experience The Gritti Palace. The atmosphere is historic, comfortable luxury rather than modern chic.
Gritti Palace Rooms: What to know before booking
The Gritti Palace has 82 rooms and suites, each individually decorated with traditional Venetian furnishings. The interiors have the intimate atmosphere of a private residence, albeit a very luxurious palace. Expect ornate furniture, beautiful fabrics, marble bathrooms, artwork and the sort of historic details that give the hotel its character.
Like many older European hotels, some rooms are smaller than American travelers might expect. The more lavish suites offer considerably more space, but don’t assume every room will be enormous simply because you’re staying in a five-star hotel. Our room was quiet and beautifully appointed, with air conditioning and the luxury amenities you’d expect. The Acqua di Parma bathroom products were another lovely touch.
Which Gritti Palace room has the best view?
Not every room overlooks the Grand Canal, so pay particular attention to the room category when making your reservation.
The Landmark Grand Canal View rooms offer views across the water toward some of Venice’s most recognizable landmarks. The hotel’s Grand Canal suites are another option if the view is a priority.
For a particularly extravagant stay, there’s the Hemingway Presidential Suite, with its historic interiors and Grand Canal views. No, we didn’t stay in this one!
The hotel also offers other signature suites, including accommodations with private terraces and views across Venice.
If waking up to the Grand Canal is central to your dream Venice holiday, book a room category that explicitly includes that view rather than assuming you’ll receive one.
A makeup tip from our stay
One small but useful detail: I found the best lighting for doing my makeup was by the full-length mirror in our room’s entrance hall.
Not exactly the first thing most luxury hotel reviews mention, but if you’re getting ready for a romantic dinner or a night at the opera, you’ll appreciate knowing where the best lighting is. Preferably with a glass of vino!
Marriott Bonvoy and The Gritti Palace
The Gritti Palace is part of Marriott’s luxury Collection, so Marriott Bonvoy members can check eligible member rates and available points-redemption options. I’d compare the total price, cancellation policy, breakfast inclusion and any available benefits before deciding how to book.
The building itself dates to 1475, when the Pisani family transformed it into a Gothic palazzo. It became the private residence of Andrea Gritti, Doge of Venice, in 1525 and later became a hotel.
That history is a huge part of its appeal. If you love contemporary minimalist hotels, The Gritti Palace probably isn’t your ideal choice. If you appreciate historic architecture, traditional Venetian interiors and personalized service, it offers a very different experience from a modern luxury hotel.
Nine things to know before staying at The Gritti Palace
- The Gritti SPA by Sisley Paris: The hotel has an intimate spa offering Sisley Paris treatments. It’s an indulgent option after a full day exploring Venice on foot.
- Fitness suite: There’s a fitness facility for hotel guests, although I’m embarrassed to say we didn’t set foot in it. We got plenty of exercise walking around Venice instead!
- Private water-taxi access: You can arrive directly at the hotel’s private jetty. The Giglio public water-bus stop is also nearby.
- Luxury experiences: The concierge can help arrange special experiences, including cooking classes, wine tastings and other Venetian activities.
- Makeup lighting: The full-length mirror in our room’s entrance hall had the best lighting for getting ready.
- Grand Canal views: Not every room overlooks the Grand Canal, so choose your room category carefully. For the ultimate splurge, there’s the 990 sq foot Hemingway Suite , with its beautiful historic interiors and Grand Canal views.
- European room sizes: Don’t expect every room to have the proportions of a Las Vegas luxury suite. Some of the hotel’s historic rooms are comparatively compact.
- Business facilities: The hotel offers facilities and services for guests who need to work during their stay, although I’d personally recommend spending as little time working as possible while you’re in Venice.
- Riva Yacht Experiences: For a particularly luxurious way to explore the Venetian Lagoon, the hotel offers private excursions aboard its Aquariva speedboat, Il Doge.
Is The Gritti Palace worth the money?
For us, yes. We chose The Gritti Palace for its history, service, location and romantic atmosphere, and it delivered the experience we wanted. The Grand Canal setting is a huge part of its appeal, especially when you’re enjoying breakfast or cocktails on the terrace. Its central location also makes exploring Venice on foot incredibly convenient. However, whether it’s worth the price depends on what you want from your hotel.
If you’re planning to spend almost all your time sightseeing and simply need somewhere comfortable to sleep, you may not get as much value from its restaurants, terrace and luxury facilities. Similarly, if you prefer contemporary interiors, enormous modern rooms or a resort-style hotel with extensive outdoor facilities, I’d consider other properties. I’d particularly recommend The Gritti Palace for a romantic getaway, anniversary or special occasion when the hotel itself is part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to stay.
Other luxury hotels in Venice to consider
Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel
Hotel Danieli was our other main contender when choosing where to stay in Venice. The historic hotel overlooks the Venetian Lagoon near Piazza San Marco and is known for its elaborate Venetian architecture and rooftop views. It has since reopened under Four Seasons following an extensive renovation, so it’s worth considering if you want a historic hotel with refreshed interiors and the Four Seasons experience.
Explore Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel
Hotel Bauer
Hotel Bauer was another property we considered, particularly because of its central location and fantastic rooftop views. We visited its rooftop bar, which offered sweeping views across Venice. My tip was always to arrive early to secure a good seat. The property has been undergoing redevelopment, so check its reopening and current operating status before planning a stay or visiting its rooftop bar.
Things to do close to the Gritti Palace
There are so many wonderful things to do in Venice, but these are some of my favorite experiences for combining the famous sights with a little more of the city’s character.
Spend an evening at the opera
One of our favorite experiences was booking La Traviata at Musica Palazzo. If you’ve never been to the opera, it’s a wonderful introduction, particularly because of the intimate Venetian setting. We booked the 8:30 p.m. performance and made an evening of it with dinner beforehand.
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace
Both are essential stops if it’s your first time in Venice. I’d combine them with time exploring Piazza San Marco and wandering through the surrounding streets. Venice is such a wonderful city to explore on foot, and some of our favorite moments came from simply discovering beautiful little canals and quieter neighborhoods.
Take a gondola ride
Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also one of those quintessential Venice experiences. A gondola ride gives you a completely different perspective of the city, particularly when you leave the busier waterways and explore the smaller canals.
Book a Venetian food tour
We booked a food tour through Viator, which was a great way to try traditional Venetian food and drink while discovering places we might otherwise have missed. Make sure you try cicchetti, Venice’s traditional small plates, ideally accompanied by a glass of local wine. You can also explore the neighboring islands if you have enough time, particularly Murano and Burano. Read my Venice travel guide
Restaurants close to The Gritti Palace Venice Italy
Restaurants near The Gritti Palace
There are plenty of excellent restaurants within walking distance of The Gritti Palace. These are the places we visited or researched for our trip, including a few that offered a more traditional Venetian experience away from the busiest tourist areas.
One of my tips when traveling in Italy is to look for restaurants with predominantly Italian menus, although a multilingual menu doesn’t automatically mean the food won’t be authentic.
Antico Forno
Antico Forno, Ruga Rialto 973, Venice.
A casual option for pizza, approximately a 16-minute walk from The Gritti Palace.
Moro Frari
San Polo 2604, Venice.
Another restaurant to consider while exploring the San Polo neighborhood, approximately a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
Antica Birraria La Corte
Antica Birraria La Corte, Campo San Polo 2168, Venice.
A restaurant in the beautiful Campo San Polo, conveniently located if you’re spending time exploring this neighborhood.
Trattoria Antiche Carampane
Trattoria Antiche Carampane, San Polo 1911, Venice.
A traditional Venetian restaurant worth considering if you want to venture away from the immediate San Marco area.
Harry’s Dolci, Cipriani
Harry’s Dolci at Cipriani for a Bellini or two without the crowds at the original Harry’s Bar, Harry’s Dolci on Giudecca is another option.
We actually walked out of the original Harry’s Bar because it felt like a cheap diner when we visited late at night. It was empty and lacked atmosphere, which wasn’t what we’d expected from such a famous Venetian institution.
Ostaria Antico Dolo
Ostaria Antico Dolo, San Polo, San Polo, Venice.
We stopped here for lunch, and you might initially wonder why I’ve included it. It’s small, historic and has an old-world charm rather than glamorous interiors.
We enjoyed the food and authentic atmosphere, and there were plenty of locals. It’s tucked away from the touristy waterfront in this neighborhood.
Trattoria alla Madonna
Trattoria alla Madonna is a famous old Venetian trattoria near Rialto, approximately a 15-minute walk from The Gritti Palace.
Ristorante da Raffaele
We discovered Ristorante da Raffaele on a small canal near The Gritti Palace and ate here on the evening we went to the opera at Musica a Palazzo. It’s conveniently located if you’re heading to the opera or staying near Hotel Bauer. We loved the summer black truffle pasta and sea bass. The fish is traditionally served with its head on, but you can ask for it to be filleted or served without the head and tail if you prefer.
Trattoria Da Giorgio
I’m so glad we stumbled across Trattoria Da Giorgio on our first night in Venice. We were drawn in by the canal views and menu, and it turned out to be a romantic, reasonably priced option away from the busiest tourist routes. It’s not completely traditional in the sense that the menu is available in more than one language, but the food tasted authentic, and we really enjoyed our experience.
You can find lots of authentic places in this area to eat, many of which serve Cicchetti which you have to try!
Gritti Palace Venice FAQs
Is The Gritti Palace one of the best luxury hotels in Venice?
The Gritti Palace is one of Venice’s established five-star luxury hotels, known for its Grand Canal location, historic Venetian interiors and personalized service. It’s particularly appealing to travelers looking for a traditional, romantic hotel rather than a contemporary property.
Does every room at The Gritti Palace have a Grand Canal view?
No. Some rooms overlook other parts of Venice, so book a room or suite category that explicitly includes a Grand Canal view if that’s important to you.
Can you visit The Gritti Palace without staying there?
You can experience the hotel’s restaurants and bars without necessarily booking a room, subject to opening hours, reservations and availability. Its Grand Canal terrace is particularly appealing for a romantic meal or cocktail.
Is The Gritti Palace part of Marriott?
Yes. The Gritti Palace is part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection and participates in Marriott Bonvoy.
Is The Gritti Palace suitable for a honeymoon?
Its intimate atmosphere, historic interiors, Grand Canal views and private water-taxi access make it particularly appealing for honeymoons and romantic escapes.
Is breakfast worth booking at The Gritti Palace?
Breakfast was one of my favorite experiences during our stay. The champagne breakfast, fresh pastries and outdoor Grand Canal setting made it feel like a special part of our holiday rather than simply another hotel meal.
My final thoughts on The Gritti Palace
The Gritti Palace was everything we’d hoped for from a romantic luxury hotel in Venice. The combination of its historic atmosphere, Grand Canal views, exceptional service and central location made our stay memorable. I particularly loved arriving by private water taxi, lingering over champagne breakfast and returning to the hotel for cocktails after a day exploring the city.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely, particularly for a special occasion when I wanted to enjoy the hotel as much as the destination.
If you’ve stayed at The Gritti Palace, Hotel Danieli or Hotel Bauer, come and tell me on Instagram which you chose and what you thought. I’d love to hear about your experience.
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If you’ve been to the Gritti Palace, Hotel Bauer or Hotel Daniele let me know on Instagram what you thought and why you chose that over the other 2. I might even share some quotes in this luxury Venice hotel guide and Gritti Palace review.
