Venice is a dream – a city so gorgeous it will take your breath away! Lining the banks of the Grand Canal are centuries of Venetian architecture. Dazzling palazzi, iconic churches, and its most famous Basili di San Marco add many exclamation marks to this canal city. It’s no wonder then that Venice features on many bucket lists. The city pulls in the crowds in droves, but that should not put you off. A visit to Venice is definitely worth the hype, even if you’re on a tight budget. You’ll find plenty of cheap hotels in Venice, Italy, with a larger number of cheap hotels in Venice city centre. While the best cheap hotels in Venice may not have all the usual trappings you would expect to find at a popular tourist destination, they hit all the right notes on elegance and class. From upmarket B&Bs to gorgeous boutique hotels, they’re all there for the picking.
Some of the budget hotels are right up there on style and class, giving the best hotels in Venice a run for their money! That being said, there’s so much to see and do in Venice you won’t be spending much time at the hotel. As one of the most beautiful canal cities in the world, Venice will definitely leave you mesmerized.
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Hotel Santa Marina
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One would hardly imagine the elegant Hotel Santa Marina was once an ancient convent. With its beautiful interiors and charm, this hotel hits all the right notes. It’s just a short walk to Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square from here. So if you’re interested in the best cheap hotels in Venice city centre, it’s a good option.
Dark wood panel walls, red and white marble flooring, and Murano glass embellishments create a warm, intimate atmosphere. The rooms furnished in an original mix of styles seamlessly blend the classic with the contemporary. Junior Suites and Superior rooms come with warm parquet flooring, elegant walnut furniture, and fine tapestries, while Classic rooms feature upholstered fabrics with soft, relaxing colors. The ensuite bathrooms in these rooms feature whirlpool baths.
One of the standout features of the hotel is its beautiful terrace, open for breakfast during summer. It’s also a great place to unwind with a drink at the end of the day.
Hotel Ca’Dogaressa
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Sitting in a picturesque corner overlooking the Canale di Cannaregio, Hotel Ca’Dogaressa offers Instagram-worthy photo ops from the rooms in front. The hotel is a little away from the popular St. Mark’s and Rialto, but the railway station is a short walk from here, so getting around is easy. You’ll also find the Jewish ghetto not too far away either.
Period furniture, rich fabrics, and precious marbles can be found in many areas of the hotel. The hotel has elegant rooms and junior suites offering wide vistas of the surroundings. All rooms feature the 18th-century style of Venice. This classic style combined with modern conveniences makes for an interesting stay. This one is worth checking out for someone looking for the best cheap hotels in Venice, Italy, at a quieter location.
The terrace on the top floor is especially popular with guests. You can enjoy a continental breakfast on the terrace along the Fondamenta in front of the hotel in good weather. At other times, breakfast is served in the Hotel Bar.
Domus Orsoni
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Some of the best cheap hotels in Venice are stylish B&Bs like the Domus Orsoni, located in some of the best areas of the city. You’ll find this B&B in the northern district of Cannaregio, a characteristic and lively area of Venice that is quite removed from the touristy bustle.
Typical for a B&B, the property has only five rooms. Each room is unique and fitted with a few modern comforts, such as an ensuite bathroom, minibar, television, and air-conditioning. Exposed beams and traditional Venetian terrazzo floors give the rooms a simplistic touch. However, rooms are embellished with mosaic works by different Italian artists to give them a special feel.
Breakfast is a good spread of fresh pastries, fruit, and cereals. Predictably, there are no other facilities you can look forward to here. That being said, the place is extremely popular as getting a booking here can be tough at times.
Locanda Ca’Zose
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Art aficionados traveling on a budget will love the location of Locanda Ca’ Zose near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Academia gallery. The location is a little removed from the crowds but still close enough for someone looking for the best cheap hotels in Venice city centre.
It’s a step back in time at this hotel, housed in a 17th-century building. Though the decor will not win any awards, the furnishings are warm and welcoming. The guest rooms range from Standard, Superior and larger Suites. All come equipped with standard accessories for a comfortable stay. You’ll find rich-colored carpets and comfortable mattresses in the rooms. The rooms are quite spacious and clean, but some feel a bit dated.
Barring a rather ordinary buffet breakfast and a few offers, there are no extraordinary extras at the hotel. Given that this is one of the cheap hotels in Venice, Italy, the lack of facilities should not come as too much of a surprise.
Hotel Rio
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Hotel Rio places you just a few steps away from St. Mark’s Square and the well-known Bridge of Sighs. It’s a good option if you’re looking for cheap hotels in Venice city centre. It’s the ideal starting point to discover Venice’s rich history. However, for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet, this may not be the best location.
While negotiating your way through the hotel may be a tad confusing as it’s spread over four adjoining buildings, you can be sure of a clean, comfortable stay. A renovation in 2019 has given the hotel a fresh, clean look. Modern guest rooms have a cozy Venetian feel to them. They come equipped with a good range of amenities.
You won’t find much else at the hotel except a lounge room and free WiFi. However, that should not bother you too much as there are plenty of dining facilities in the vicinity.
Hotel Serenissima
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Cheap hotels in Venice city centre couldn’t be closer to San Marco than Hotel Serenissima. It sits in the heart of Venice between the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza San Marco. The iconic basilica is just a few minutes away from the hotel. You’ll find many traditional restaurants and shops in the vicinity.
The hotel has been welcoming guests since 1960. In fact, you’ll find many works of art left behind by renowned artists to settle their bills during the Venice Biennale in the 1960s and 1970s. Bright guest rooms are comfortable but simple with Venetian-style furnishings. They come with private bathrooms, LCD TVs, air conditioning, and complimentary WiFi. Guests looking for larger accommodation can check out their apartment, located about 300 meters from the hotel.
Breakfast is a good mix of sweet and savory options that include products from historic Venetian food brands. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available on request. Also, on-site, you’ll find a cozy bar available to in-house guests.
Al Ponte Mocenigo
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Another hotel that stands out among the cheap hotels in Venice, Italy, is Al Ponte Mocenigo in the Santa Croce district. Though the hotel is away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, it’s not too far either. Rialto Bridge is a few minutes walk, while St. Mark’s Square is a longer 15-minute stroll from the hotel.
Housed in an ancient Venetian palace with an extended annex, the rooms here are quite spacious and comfortable. Like most hotels in Venice, the rooms here also feature the style of 18th century Venice. Large beds, Murano chandeliers, traditional terrazzo floors combined with pastel green or gold shades give the rooms a stylish, traditional feel. Rooms on the ground floor have exposed ceilings and original Venetian floors. Ensuite bathrooms are bright and modern with showers or tubs.
As with most of the best cheap hotels in Venice, Italy, you won’t find too many indulgences at the hotel. Breakfast is included in the rate, but there are no extras at the hotel other than a small bar.
Hotel dell’Opera
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The best cheap hotels in Venice, Italy, may not be overflowing with amenities, but one thing you can look forward to at these places is elegance and style. The Hotel dell’Opera is one such place. Housed in an 18th-century converted palace, the hotel is rife with traditional details.
Exposed beams, an antique well in the entrance, and original Venetian floors reminisce the past while modern touches merge harmoniously with hand-picked furniture. Guest rooms also reflect the past with antique furnishings and rich fabrics. There’s a cozy charm to the rooms that make guests more than welcome.
What makes this property special is the attention to detail. Whether it’s the small touches in the rooms or the panoramic terrace with its 24/7 honesty bar, the hotel goes that extra mile for guests’ comfort. The Honesty Bar on the terrace is a self-service bar that has a wide selection of drinks, soft drinks, and tea. It’s a good space to relax in when you’re done with your wanderings. Breakfast, included in the rate, is also a good spread. You can also request a delicious gluten-free breakfast if that’s your preferred choice.
Locanda Fiorita
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Right in the heart of the historic center, you’ll find the charming Locanda Fiorita, a quiet oasis amidst the touristy mayhem. Given its location so close to the main attractions, it’s worth a look if you’re looking for cheap hotels in Venice city centre. It’s also one of the top gay-friendly hotels In Venice.
However, it’s not just the convenient location that puts this boutique hotel at the top of our list of the best cheap hotels in Venice, Italy. This 10 room hotel exudes charm with its wisteria-draped walls. Like most budget hotels in Venice, the rooms here are quite compact. The elegance of the rooms more than makes up for the lack of space, though. All rooms come furnished with antiques and touches that reflect 18th century Venice. LCD TVs, air-conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms complete all rooms. Some bedrooms open out onto leafy balconies, while one of the larger rooms has its own private terrace.
On cold days, breakfast is delivered to the rooms, but breakfast is served al fresco in the small square during the warmer months. In the summer, guests can also enjoy the rooftop terrace of the neighboring Bloom guest house.
B&B S. Marco
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For someone looking for the best cheap hotels in Venice city centre with a difference, the B&B S. Marco ticks all the right boxes. It’s not only easy on the pocket but also offers a stylish, intimate space just five minutes from San Marco.
You won’t find a wide range of room types here, just three gorgeous bedrooms that look out onto the canal. The beautifully furnished rooms reflect the home’s rich past. What makes the rooms stand out from most affordable hotels in Venice is the space. Only one of the rooms has an ensuite, while the other two rooms have a shared bathroom. The home has plenty of character with art, books, music, and the owners’ personal touch enhancing your stay here. It’s one of the few ‘true B&Bs’ in Venice with the owners in residence.
Breakfast is a warm affair at the family table with Marco and his wife. You’ll receive excellent travel advice and insights into lesser-known areas of the city.
Hotel Sant’Antonin
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Hotel Sant’Antonin scores big on location being one bridge away from the Arsenale waterbus stop and five minutes from San Marco. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants in the neighborhood. Despite being so close to all the action, the hotel is set back from all the noise. Boasting one of the largest private gardens in Venice, the old palazzo is one of the most tranquil hotels to unwind at.
The palace was initially built as a warehouse at the beginning of the 16th century and later converted into a palazzo in the 19th century. Many of the original furnishings and accessories occupy the hotel’s spaces. The elegant guest rooms either look out onto the front courtyard or the garden. Some rooms come with private terraces that look out onto the canal.
What sets this hotel apart from the cheap hotels in Venice, Italy, is the outside. The shaded courtyard and private garden are quite exceptional. You’ll find multiple seating areas in the garden where you can sit in silence. Breakfast is served on the patio, which leads out to the gardens. It’s one of the best ways to begin your day in Venice.
Top Affordable Bars in Venice
- Al Merca – Probably one of the smallest wine bars in the city but one that punches far above its weight. Besides affordable top quality local wines, prosecco and spritzers, it’s also a great place to enjoy a delicious selection of Venetian cichhetti and bite sized seafood antipasti. You’ll find this bar within the bustling Rialto Markets area.
- Osterio Al Squero – If you’re in the Zattere area in the Dorsoduro district, one of the best places to enjoy affordable cocktails, wine and quick bites is at this tiny bar. There are only a few seats inside so most people sit on the bank of the canal to take in the views of the Church of Saint Trovaso and the oldest gondola boat yards. During lunch time you can enjoy delicious crostinis with varied.
- Bacareto da Lele – For someone wanting to have a quick bite while exploring the city, this bar in Santa Croce is a good place to start. You’ll find different kinds of sandwiches in the morning and meat and cheese plates in the late afternoon. It’s also a good place to enjoy a glass of wine. The bar closes by 8pm so if you’re planning a night out on town this isn’t the best place for it.
Top Affordable Restaurants in Venice
- Osterio alla Staffa – A good place for affordable Spaghetthi vongole is at this cozy restaurant. It’s not only the food that’s good but also the ambiance of the restaurant.
- Trattoria da gigio Venezia – This family style restaurant on one of the main streets of Cannaregio is a great place to enjoy traditional Italian and seafood. The food is affordable and the service top notch.
- Trattoria Dalla Marisa – If you crave for something simple and genuine cooked the way your grandma would make it, head to this family-owned restaurant steps awy from Ponte dei Tre Archi. This restaurant is popular with students and workers on their lunch break. The menu changes every day so you won’t find a printed paper menu.
Free Things To Do in Venice
- St. Mark’s Basilica – Venice’s mother church dazzles with its glimmering mosaics and gorgeous interior. The main church is free to visit for prayers or Mass, but youll have to pay a small fee to visit some areas like the upstairs loggia. A good idea is to book your entry through the website to avoid waiting in the long queue.
- Markets at Rialto – The Rialto bridge and its surroundings are popular for the daily produce market that has been around since 1097. If you enjoy the buzz of nightlife, the evening is the best time to drop by.
- Jewish Ghetto – This tranquil area in the Cannaregio district is worth a visit with its peaceful surroundings and three ancient synagogues around the campo. While the word ghetto may conjure up negative connotations, the ghetto in Venice was actually set up because this was where the iron was smelted (gettato). It holds the dubious distinction of being the oldest ghetto in world.
