Hotel prices are subject to IVA (value added tax) at 10% and service charges. These are usually included within the prices given. Breakfast is usually extra, although some hotels may include it in their rates.

The hotels below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over €350)
$$$ (€250 to €350)
$$ (€150 to €249)
$ (under €150)
The prices quoted are the starting prices for a double room, including tax but excluding breakfast, unless otherwise specified.

Hilton Molino Stucky
Half a century after the historic flour mill and granary on Giudecca closed, the Stucky is back in business, this time as an expansive new 5-star retreat. Opened in 2007, this 380-room hotel is perfect for business, with the city's most impressive range of conference facilities, catering for 1,000 delegates. It boasts a fully-fledged health spa, choice of eating venues, rooftop swimming pool and the Skyline Bar with perhaps the best views of any Venetian drinking den. The Hilton shuttle boat runs from San Marco via Zattere with no charge to guests or anyone using its restaurants, though note it takes a long break for both lunch and dinner.

Giudecca 810
Tel: (041) 272 3311.
Website: www.molinostuckyhilton.com
Price: $$$

Hotel Danieli
The 5-star Danieli overlooks St Mark's basin, next door to the Doge's Palace, and incorporates the celebrated gothic palace of Doge Dandolo. There are 192 double rooms, 29 single rooms and 12 suites, all lavishly furnished with Murano glass chandeliers and antiques. The Doge's Suite is one of the most impressive in the city, all period antiques, vaulting ceilings and sweeping lagoon views. The magnificent marble atrium and staircase is an attraction in its own right, as is the view from the rooftop restaurant, Terrazza Danieli. The Danieli has its own private beach and sporting facilities on the Lido, a business centre and meeting facilities for up to 350.

Riva degli Schiavoni, Castello 4196
Tel: (041) 522 6480.
Website: www.luxurycollection.com/danieli
Price: $$$$

Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal
Modern design has been brought to this palatial old building with stunning results. The hotel, which enjoys a privileged location right on the banks of the Grand Canal within a stone's throw of St Mark's Square, still exudes old world charm, but has also been brought bang up-to-date with a recent makeover that had traditionalists weeping. There are only 100 rooms and most of them tend to be booked up well in advance. The Ridotto, an old gambling den, has been reinvented with a ballroom and eight meetings rooms that provide a unique business space.

Calle Vallaresso, San Marco 1322
Tel: (041) 520 0211.
Website: www.hotelmonaco.it
Price: $$$$

Hotel Sofitel
Part of the highly regarded Sofitel chain, Venice's modern 4-star Hotel Sofitel offers 97 rooms that are ideal for smaller business parties. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, radio, TV and mini-bar. The conference room seats up to 48, while the restaurant, Papadopoli, situated in the hotel winter garden, caters for all business requirements. Conveniently situated on the Tolentini canal, near the Grand Canal and parking in Piazzale Roma and the station, the hotel also has its own jetty for water taxis. The decor may be formal and impersonal but professional service and the convenience of access more than compensate.

Santa Croce Giardini Papadopoli 245
Tel: (041) 710 400.
Website: www.sofitel.com
Price: $$

Hotel Gritti Palace
Built in 1525, the 5-star Hotel Gritti Palace enjoys a prime location on the banks of the Grand Canal. The former palace of Venetian Doge Andrea Gritti provides guests with luxurious accommodation, from intimate single rooms to the elegant Hemingway Suite. Attention to detail and impeccable service have earned the hotel a world-class reputation. The Gritti's illustrious visitors have included members of the British Royal Family, Ernest Hemingway and numerous Hollywood stars.

Campo Santa Maria del Giglio 2467
Tel: (041) 794 611.
Website: www.luxurycollection.com/grittipalace
Price: $$$$

Hotel Cipriani
Italy's most exclusive hotel remains one of Europe's finest. Hidden by a thick barricade of trees, this bolthole on the tip of Giudecca has been the number one choice of the super rich since 1958. The hotel's annual closure for renovations and improvements ensures it stays ahead of the game. The 91 rooms are laden with antiques and beaux-arts, while the huge 33m (108ft) swimming pool is perfect for cooling off. After arriving by yacht at the private marina, guests can ease into luxury by checking into one of the suites in the main hotel or the Palazzo Vendramin, both with private butler service. For sweeping views of San Marco and the Giudecca, the Vendramin wing is the place to book.

Giudecca 10
Tel: (041) 520 7744.
Website: www.hotelcipriani.it
Price: $$$$

Hotel Santa Lucia
There are few hotels with rooms from under €100 a night in Venice that would meet minimum standards in most other European tourist cities, but Hotel Santa Lucia is one of them. It might not win any awards, but this trim and well run 1-star enjoys a handy location a few minutes walk from Santa Lucia. The spartan rooms all have TVs and are cleaned daily; some also have their own bathrooms. Breakfast is served on the small garden terrace outside. The only downside is a rather old-school 0100 curfew.

Calle della Misericordia 358, Cannaregio
Tel: (041) 715 180.
Website: www.hotelslucia.com
Price: $

Locanda Marinella
The Locanda is situated just off the Rio Nuova and ideally located for those visitors arriving or departing Venice from Piazzale Roma. The small family-run hotel has spacious and tastefully decorated air-conditioned guest rooms. Rooms also have satellite television, affordable mini-bars and pleasant bathrooms equipped with a shower, hairdryer and heated towel rail. For some, the only downside of a hotel that offers excellent value for money may be its distance from the main tourist centre around Piazza San Marco.

Sestiere Santa Croce 345
Tel: (041) 275 9457.
Website: www.locandamarinella.com
Price: $

Charming House DD724
One of a newer breed of small hotels that cater for discerning travellers tired of tired old-world hotels and chains. This characterful hideaway by the Guggenheim Museum only has six rooms in the main buildings as well as three more nearby. The decor is design-led with muted browns and creams complementing the work of local artists that hangs in all rooms. For guests looking to take home more than memories, note that much of the art is for sale. The chic modern rooms and suites boast plasma TVs and free Wi-Fi. Be sure to book one of the rooms with a coveted canal view.

Dorsoduro 724.
Tel: (041) 277 0262.
Website: www.thecharminghouse.com
Price: $$$

Luna Hotel Baglioni
The Luna Hotel Baglioni stakes a claim to being the city's oldest hotel and its historic charm is indeed compelling. Once inside, it's easy to see why this supreme hotel has won a string of awards. It was once a retreat for the Knights Templar, and has since proved popular with the likes of Nelson Mandela, Sean Connery and Michael Douglas. Genuinely friendly service, 104 large (for Venice) rooms and sumptuous public areas make for a refreshing change. Be sure to book a room with a lagoon view, which offers some of the best vistas in the city. Also note the 18th-century frescoes in the palatial breakfast room.

San Marco 1243
Tel: (041) 528 9840.
Website: www.baglionihotels.com
Price: $$$$