The 12 Best Family Hotels in Venice + Top Areas and Neighbourhoods (2024)

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Looking for the best family hotels in Venice?

Venice, with its beautiful canals and historic charm, is a top pick for many travellers. If you’re travelling with kids, you need a place that’s both comfortable and convenient.

Venice is surprisingly full of child-friendly accommodations to make your stay memorable and ensure you have a fantastic trip to Italy with kids.

We’ve picked the top family-friendly hotels in Venice that promise a memorable stay. From spacious rooms to kid-friendly amenities, these hotels have it all.


Best Areas to Stay in Venice for Families

Venice’s areas are known as ‘sestieri’. There are six, and each has something unique to offer. Here’s our top pick of the best areas to stay in Venice for families. Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll find somewhere amazing because Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

  • Castello. The largest sestieri in Venice, Castello is quieter than most neighbourhoods. Still, it’s a short distance from the city’s biggest attractions and offers plenty of family-friendly hotel options.
  • Dorsoduro. It is close to Venice’s tourist sites but far enough from crowded spots. Dorsoduro has lovely hotels and fascinating attractions, including the Accademia and the Guggenheim Collection.
  • San Marco. The tourist hub of Venice,San Marco, is the location of St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Bridge (one of the most stunning Italy bridges). It’s a little expensive to stay here, but you’re close to the action and surrounded by Venice’s top sites.
  • Santa Croce. The perfect spot if you’re travelling on a budget, Santa Croce has many cheaper hotel options, mainly because it is not as touristy as other quarters. It’s also the city’s transportation hub, where the ferry and water taxi terminals are.

Best Family Hotels in Venice

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and has a solid reputation for romance, art, and culture.

Despite being a popular honeymoon destination, the city is popular with families with children all year round. And if you’re wondering where to stay in Venice with kids, here is a list of the best family hotels in Venice. 


Santa Croce: Best for Authentic Venetian Experience

ust a stone’s throw away from the bustling main tourist spots, Santa Croce is Venice’s hidden gem, offering an authentic slice of Venetian life. This district effortlessly blends the city’s historic charm with a laid-back local atmosphere.

Located alongside the Grand Canal, Santa Croce is filled with quaint squares, family-run trattorias, and picturesque canals minus the usual tourist crowds.

Best Things to Do in Santa Croce, Venice

  • Wander through the historic Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio.
  • Marvel at the artistry in the Church of San Nicolo da Tolentino.
  • Sip on authentic Italian coffee at a local café along Fondamenta dei Tolentini.
  • Explore the Fondaco dei Turchi, home to Venice’s Natural History Museum.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Grand Canal’s quieter paths, enjoying the serene views.


Best Places to Stay in Santa Croce, Venice

1. Albergo Marin

Affordability: Budget

Venice is notorious for being expensive, but at the cosy Albergo Marin, you can enjoy a delightful stay without overspending.

Located on a quiet street, this family-run hotel is a short walk to the Grand Canal and the Santa Lucia Train Station.

All rooms have air-conditioning, tiled floors, free WiFi, a kettle, and a cable TV with children’s channels; some have a Turkish bath and a fully furnished kitchen.

The hotel serves a breakfast buffet with gluten-free meals on request. It also has a bar with outside seating.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!


2. Hotel Antiche Figure

Affordability: Mid-Range

Set in a 15th-century restored palace by the Grand Canal, Hotel Antiche Figure blends classic Venetian elegance with contemporary comforts.

All rooms include free WiFi, cable TV, private bathroom, and minibar. 

The hotel has a daily breakfast buffet, a bar with canal views from the terrace, and babysitting services.

Famous attractions nearby include the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square and the Venice Vintage Toys Exposition. 

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3. Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal

Affordability: Luxury

Overlooking the Grand Canal, Hotel Carlton dazzles with its antique furniture, Venetian stuccoes, and Murano glass lamps.

Yet, it is welcoming to families, with its homey rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV, comfy beds, and a private bathroom.

You can enjoy a hearty breakfast each morning on the open-air patio or unwind at night at the rooftop bar.

Hotel Carlton is a fantastic base for exploring Venice and offers personalised itineraries, such as boat trips to the lagoon islands, guided city tours, and theatre shows. Guests have free access to the Venice Casino. 

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San Marco: Best for Famous Landmarks and Cultural Immersion

San Marco is pulsating with life, history, and unparalleled grandeur.

Every corner of San Marco is steeped in history, from its world-renowned square filled with orchestras and alfresco cafes to its intricate network of narrow alleys lined with artisanal boutiques.

Best Things to Do in San Marco, Venice

  • Marvel at the stunning Basilica di San Marco, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
  • Ascend the Campanile di San Marco for panoramic views of Venice.
  • Revel in the art and history at the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace).
  • Window shop along the Mercerie, Venice’s main shopping street, connecting San Marco to Rialto.
  • Experience the lively atmosphere of Piazza San Marco, where Venetian life unfolds in all its splendor.
  • Navigate the Bridge of Sighs, echoing with tales of old.

San Marco isn’t just an area to visit; it’s an experience waiting to be lived. Whether you’re soaking in the art, relishing the music, or simply wandering, you’re in the very heart of Venetian magic.


Best Places to Stay in San Marco, Venice

4. Hotel Saturnia & International Venezia

Affordability: Luxury

Opened in 1908, Hotel Saturnia and International lies in the heart of Venice, about 200 metres from St. Mark’s Square.

Its classically styled rooms with parquet floors, vintage furniture, and marble bathroom exude old-world luxury but also provide modern comforts such as WiFi, flatscreen TV, and mini bar. Interconnected rooms are available.

The hotel serves complimentary breakfast. Other top amenities are a gym with a jacuzzi and a Turkish bath, a terrace with lovely views, and an onsite restaurant, La Caravella.

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5. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

Affordability: Luxury

If you’re looking for celebrity treatment, you’ll not be disappointed with JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa, set on Isola delle Rose in the Venetian lagoon.

It has various pools (including a kids’ pool), manicured gardens, a church, and four restaurants, one of which is by Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi.

You can stroll around the olive groves, have lunch at the picnic area, or wander down the cycling paths on a rented bike.

The hotel has air-conditioned family rooms with flatscreen TV, ensuite bathroom, minibar, and private balcony with garden views. It also has a shuttle boat that gives free rides to guests heading to the city centre.

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Castello: Best for Exploring Hidden Venice

Tucked away from the often-trodden paths of central Venice, Castello offers a breath of fresh air for those looking to discover a quieter, more genuine side of the city.

This sprawling district, one of the largest in Venice, is a delightful maze of narrow lanes, green spaces, and local haunts.

Castello effortlessly maintains its traditional Venetian atmosphere, giving visitors a glimpse into everyday life, away from the tourist hustle.

Its tranquil canals, historic churches, and artisan workshops breathe a different rhythm, making it the perfect retreat for true explorers.

Best Things to Do in Castello, Venice

  • Wander the peaceful pathways of the verdant Giardini della Biennale.
  • Dive into history at the Naval History Museum, celebrating Venice’s maritime legacy.
  • Discover the lesser-known but equally captivating Church of San Pietro di Castello.
  • Browse through local crafts and produce at the Via Garibaldi market.
  • Sit and enjoy a traditional Venetian meal at one of the many family-run osterias.

Best Places to Stay in Castello, Venice

6. Ruzzini Palace Hotel

Affordability: Luxury

Your luxurious home away from home, Ruzzini Palace Hotel, impresses with its family-friendly environment. Its rooms feature extra-long beds, flatscreen TV, free WiFi, minibar, ensuite bathroom and cots upon request. A buffet breakfast is available daily.

Located on Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of Venice’s oldest squares, Ruzzini Palace Hotel is a short distance from the Rialto, Doge’s Palace, Basilica di San Marco and Campanile di San Marco. 

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7. Hotel Bucintoro

Affordability: Luxury

Perched on the dock of San Marco, Hotel Bucintoro provides superb family stays in Venice.

Its air-conditioned rooms have satellite TV, free WiFi, private bathroom, mini bar and views of St Mark’s Square, Palazzo Ducale, or San Giorgio Island. 

Hotel Bucintoro offers complimentary breakfast and babysitting services, walking tours, and airport drop-off/pick-up for an additional charge.

Nearby are the Museum of Naval History, Biennale Gardens, Bridge of Sighs, and Doge’s Palace.

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Dorsudoro: Best for Arts and Bohemian Vibes

a body of water with buildings along it

ust a vaporetto ride away from Venice’s main thrum, Dorsoduro has a laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

This is where Venice’s soulful side unfurls, where traditional meets contemporary, and where every turn is an invitation to revel in art and life.

Dorsoduro isn’t just about galleries and museums, though they are aplenty; it’s also about soaking in the canalside views and wandering through timeless squares.


Best Things to Do in Dorsoduro, Venice

  • Immerse yourself in the contemporary art collections at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
  • Wander around the Campo Santa Margherita, the district’s lively square teeming with local life, markets, and cafes.
  • Explore the grandeur of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, an architectural marvel.
  • Engage with local artists and their crafts in the tucked-away studios and workshops.
  • Enjoy an evening by the Zattere promenade, watching the sunset over Giudecca Canal with a spritz in hand.

8. Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

Affordability: Luxury

Once a flour mill on the banks of Giudecca Island, Hilton Molino Stucky balances modernity and tradition with its rooftop pool, chic restaurants, and world-class spa.

Its airy family rooms include a mini bar, flat-screen TV, and marble bathroom. It also has interconnected rooms with two single beds and one extra-large double bed.

Molino Stucky is one of the best Venice hotels for families seeking respite from the urban bustle, but it is only a five-minute boat ride from the city centre.

A breakfast buffet is available daily, with continental, Asian, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

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9. San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice

Affordability: Luxury

Your ultimate hideaway, San Clemente Palace, lies on an exclusive island in the Venetian lagoon and consists of beautifully-restored monasteries, a 12th-century chapel, and a 6-hectare 900-year-old park.

It has three gourmet restaurants, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a 1500-meter jogging path, a tennis court, a children’s playground, and a spa.

The spacious rooms include a flat-screen TV, marble bathroom, mini bar, and free WiFi.

The resort also has interconnected rooms with cots on request. Complimentary breakfast is available daily, and the restaurants serve kid-friendly buffets.

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10. Hotel Cipriani

Affordability: Luxury

Set on the idyllic Giudecca Island, Hotel Cipriani boasts a massive outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, world-class wellness facilities, Michelin-star dining, a sprawling garden, and incredible panoramas of the Venetian lagoon and St Mark’s Square.

The rooms are spacious and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and views of the garden or vineyard. A buffet breakfast is available every morning.

Hotel Cipriani hosts child-friendly activities such as cooking classes, walking tours, fishing, hiking, and canoeing. If you want to cross to St Mark’s Square, you can take the hotel’s complimentary boat service.

Nearby attractions include the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Guggenheim Collection.


Mestre: Best for Affordable Stays with Easy Venice Access

Just across the lagoon from the heart of Venice, Mestre stands as a practical and cost-effective gateway to the enchanting City of Canals.

As the mainland companion to the water-woven city, Mestre offers a blend of modern conveniences, sprawling parks, and urban living, making it a compelling choice for many travelers.

While Mestre might lack the canals and ancient palazzos that define Venice, it compensates with a vibrant local life, spacious accommodations, and a strategic location that ensures Venice is just a quick train or bus ride away.

Best Things to Do in Mestre

  • Wander around Parco San Giuliano, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, offering stellar views of Venice across the water.
  • Dive into history at the Torre dell’Orologio, a clock tower and a landmark in Mestre’s center.
  • Shop and dine at the bustling Piazza Ferretto, the heart of Mestre’s social life.
  • Take a day trip to Forte Marghera, a historic fortress now turned cultural space for events and gatherings.
  • Easily access Venice with a quick journey on the train, letting you explore by day and retreat to the comforts of Mestre by night.

Mestre is an excellent choice for those desiring proximity to Venice without the Venice price tag, offering a balanced blend of modern amenities and a convenient launch point for Venetian adventures.


11. Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana

Affordablity: Mid-Range

Novotel Venezia is in Mestre, a borough in the mainland connected to Venice by the Liberty Bridge and about 20 minutes from the city centre.

This modern 4-star hotel has 215 rooms, a restaurant, an outdoor pool, a gym, and kids’ play areas. Its rooms include a lounging area with a couch, a flat-screen TV, minibar, private bathroom, and free WiFi.

Kids under 16 sharing a room with their parents stay at the hotel for free. They also get complimentary breakfast and a welcome gift.

If you plan to go to Venice, take the free-of-charge hotel shuttle to Piazzale Roma, the famous square at the city entrance.

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Lido: Best for Beachside Relaxation

beach resort during daytime

Lido is Venice’s breezy, sandy retreat, a slender barrier island that separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea.

A stark contrast from the maze-like alleys and grand canals of Venice, Lido is renowned for its sandy beaches, tree-lined avenues, and the world-famous Venice Film Festival.

Being just a short vaporetto ride away from the hustle and bustle of Venice’s main islands, Lido offers a more laid-back experience with an undeniable charm that has attracted artists, writers, and movie stars for generations.

Best Things to Do in Lido

  • Sunbathe on the golden sands of Lido’s beaches, offering both private resort areas and public stretches.
  • Cycle down the Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta, Lido’s main street lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Attend the prestigious Venice Film Festival if you’re visiting in early September, and possibly catch a glimpse of international cinema stars.
  • Take a scenic tour of the 19th-century mansions and Art Nouveau villas, remnants of Lido’s Belle Époque heyday.
  • Head to the southern tip, Alberoni, for a serene nature reserve and an even quieter beach experience.

Lido provides a delightful blend of beachside relaxation and cultural excitement, making it the ideal spot for those wanting a diverse Venetian experience.


12. Hotel Excelsior Venice

Affordability: Luxury

Located on a serene beachfront along the Adriatic Sea, Hotel Excelsior offers ultimate relaxation with its outdoor pool, nightly entertainment, and access to a private beach.

Moorish architecture, rich tapestries, and crystal chandeliers welcome you as you arrive at this newly-restored 1908 hotel.

The rooms are cosily modern with a satellite TV, mini bar, free WiFi, ensuite bathroom with complimentary bathrobes and slippers, and views of the Adriatic, Venice across the lagoon, or the Moorish courtyard.

A breakfast buffet is available. You can sample Mediterranean dishes at the Tropicana restaurant for lunch or have an alfresco dinner at the Adriatico Terrace.

If your little ones need to burn off some excess energy while you unwind, sign them up for the kids’ club, where they can join arts and crafts workshops, storytelling, and activities at the beach.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!


Booking a Family Friendly Hotel in Venice Tips

Picking a family-friendly hotel in Venice is not as difficult as it seems. But to make the process easier, here are some ideas.

  • Check if they have age-appropriate activities, services, and facilities for families.
  • Ask if they offer special discounts for families with children.
  • Ensure the rooms provide cots or extra beds for your little ones.
  • Consider the location carefully and choose one according to your priorities.


FAQs About the Best Family Hotels in Venice

Is Venice Italy family friendly?

Yes, Venice is family-friendly. There’s something for everyone of all ages, from gondola rides to parks to museums to delicious cuisine. However, a holiday in this city takes a lot of planning.

Are hotels expensive in Venice?

Venice can be expensive, with some luxury hotels costing around £500 or more per night. Hotel rates vary based on location, type and amenities, and you’ll find many affordable, family-friendly options. The average price for most mid-range hotels is £110.50 per night, while some budget accommodations cost less than £100 a night.


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Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.