People travel to Venice for its beauty, history, and the unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else. It’s one of those cities that feels almost unreal. Venice is built on water, with canals acting as streets. Instead of cars, people get around by boat, gondola, and water taxi. That alone makes it feel completely different from most cities. With millions of tourists visiting each year, and day-trippers crowding the city, it can get overwhelming, especially around St Mark’s Square (Italian: Piazza San Marco).
If you want a more authentic feel of this unique city, I recommend staying a little farther from the busy center. I chose my accommodation in Dorsoduro, one of Venice’s main districts (sestieri). Known for being quieter and more local, it is still close to major sights like the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. It is about 1 km from St Mark’s Square, which makes for a pleasant 15-minute walk. I fell in love with this neighborhood as soon as I stepped off the water bus we took from the airport.
From about the 9th to the 15th centuries, Venice was one of Europe’s most powerful trading hubs. The wealth of its past is still clearly visible in the city’s architecture, especially in its hundreds of palaces and grand museums. The Grand Canal alone is lined with over 170 palazzos, many of which are still used today as homes, hotels, museums, or government buildings.
Venice is not cheap. During peak season (the summer months and holidays), room rates often range from €300–500+ per night, especially in the historic center or along the Grand Canal. Nevertheless, when in Venice, I couldn’t resist the experience of staying in one of the historic palazzos. It’s best to book as early as possible and consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for better availability and prices.
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
The five-star Palazzo Nani Mocenigo is located on the San Trovaso Canal, near the Accademia Bridge and waterbus stops. It is a beautiful example of 15th-century Venetian Gothic architecture. The splendor of its noble past is reflected in the exquisite Murano chandeliers, the original Venetian-style flooring, and the classic furnishings that adorn every room. It truly offers one the most authentic Venetian atmosphere.
The grand reception area led to a beautiful, cozy bar with dark blue sofas, as well as an inner courtyard with dining tables. We were served coffee and biscuits right after check-in, then decided to have lunch in the inviting garden while waiting for our room to be ready. Upstairs, there are many more beautiful rooms for the clients to discover.
My Comfort Room
I had chosen their least expensive room category. The room felt small (approximately 14–16 square meters), yet elegant and classic, with hardwood floors and a marble bathroom. It featured a tea and coffee maker, complimentary toiletries, and a walk-in shower. The room was accessible only via a narrow staircase. Unfortunately, the view was of the street behind the hotel rather than the courtyard. Otherwise, we liked the room and didn’t mind the size, as we spent very little time there.
The Amenities of Nani Mocenigo Palace
Breakfast was served stylishly at the bar, with dining tables available both indoors and outside on the patio. The selection included fresh vegetables, a variety of cheeses and cold cuts, yogurt, granola, fresh bread, croissants, and other pastries. Coffee and eggs were prepared and served at the table according to each customer’s preference.
The inner courtyard was the most charming place to relax, enjoy drinks, or dine. It felt like a secret garden, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the canals. La Bauta Restaurant is an elegant bistro created by two-Michelin-starred chef Gennaro Esposito. Each dish, albeit small, was a culinary delight. The menu featured iconic Venetian dishes, as well as flavors from Campania, such as vegetable parmigiana.
I loved Venice, and I believe anyone who visits will fall in love with its historical charm. I cannot recommend Hotel Nani Mocenigo enough. Their customer service was always extremely polite, and they provided assistance whenever requested.
Guests of the hotel can also enjoy a complimentary visit to a Murano glass factory, where they can witness the fascinating art of glassmaking up close. I also recommend visiting the colorful island of Burano nearby. The concierge service at the hotel can easily organize these day trips for you, but it is also possible to visit independently by water taxi.
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