Hotel Palazzo Stern

Hotel Description

I remember stepping off the vaporetto at Ca’ Rezzonico – you know, that stop right on the Grand Canal where the water taxis zip by like they’re late for a gondola party – and there it was, Hotel Palazzo Stern, tucked into Dorsoduro like it had been waiting for me all along. Honestly, Venice can feel overwhelming with all the crowds spilling out from San Marco, but this spot? It’s in that quieter, artsier neighborhood where locals actually live, not just pose for selfies. The building itself is this gorgeous old palazzo, all faded frescoes and heavy wooden doors that creak just enough to remind you it’s got centuries of stories. I arrived in the late afternoon, the kind of golden light that makes the canal sparkle, and check-in was a breeze – no long lines, just a friendly staffer who handed over my key with a quick tip about the best nearby cicchetti bar on Campo Santa Margherita (try the baccalà mantecato, it’s divine). Oh, and fair warning: if you’re hauling luggage, those narrow bridges can be a workout, but the hotel’s right on the water, so you could technically arrive by private boat if you’re feeling fancy.

What really sold me on Palazzo Stern, though – and I’ve stayed in a few Venice spots over the years – is how it blends that historic charm with stuff that actually makes your trip easier. My room overlooked the Grand Canal, and waking up to the soft lap of water against the stones, mixed with the distant hum of vaporettos starting their routes, was pure magic. The beds are comfy, sort of plush but not over-the-top, and there’s this rooftop terrace that’s a hidden gem – I spent an evening up there with a spritz, watching the sun dip behind the Salute church, and it felt like my own private Venice. Breakfast is solid too, with fresh pastries and that strong Italian coffee that hits just right after a night of wandering; they even have a little garden area where you can eat outside if the weather’s cooperating (which it often is in spring, before the summer humidity kicks in). That said, it’s an old building, so expect some quirky plumbing – the shower pressure was fine, but nothing spa-level – and if you’re noise-sensitive, the canal traffic picks up early. Still, it’s way calmer than spots near the Rialto, where the tourist buzz never quits.

Look, if you’re coming to Venice and want something authentic without the chain-hotel vibe, this place is it. It’s not the cheapest four-star around, but that 8.7 rating doesn’t lie – it’s earned from real travelers who appreciate the location’s walkability to gems like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (just a five-minute stroll) or a quick hop to the Accademia. I mean, I left feeling like I’d actually experienced the city, not just skimmed the surface, and isn’t that what Venice is all about? Book it for shoulder season if you can; the crowds thin out, and you’ll have that terrace practically to yourself.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $192. Superior Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 – 1 guests
• Estimated price from: $286. Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $349. Superior Double Room with Full Breakfast with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $387. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $450. Deluxe Double Room with Full Breakfast with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $489. Suite with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $643. Junior Suite with Grand Canal View with 1 large double bed for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $706. Junior Suite with Grand Canal View and Full Breakfast with 2 double beds for 1 – 2 guests
• Estimated price from: $324. Superior Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $419. Superior Triple Room with Full Breakfast with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $425. Deluxe Triple Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $519. Deluxe Triple Room with Full Breakfast with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $680. Junior Suite (3 Adults) with Grand Canal View with 2 large double beds for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $775. Junior Suite (3 Adults) with Grand Canal View and Full Breakfast with 3 single beds for 1 – 3 guests
• Estimated price from: $719. Junior Suite (4 Adults) with Grand Canal View with 2 large double beds for 1 – 4 guests
• Estimated price from: $845. Junior Suite (4 Adults) with Grand Canal View and Full Breakfast with 4 single beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Suvodeep from France – 5 April 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing location, old world charming – great service

• Anna from United Kingdom – 11 February 2025 (9/10)

  The hotel is absolutely beautiful. The historic building retains its original character & charm, while offering up to date facilities. Terrace right on Grand Canal would be hard to beat anywhere in the world.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Modglin from United States – 30 January 2025 (9/10)

  Our front desk young lady was so helpful with suggestions of restaurants, etc. She was very pleasant!

• Julie from Australia – 1 January 2025 (9/10)

  The people,the property the whole shabang
  
  What could be improved: How could you not love being a guest in this magnificent hotel

• Suzanne from New Zealand – 30 December 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: Very special

• Ryan from United States – 5 December 2024 (9/10)

  The hotel and staff were outstanding. From the moment we arrived we were treated to an amazing experience. The hotel is stunning and exactly what we were looking for in a Venician getaway.

• Liesel from South Africa – 24 November 2024 (9/10)

  Location, atmosphere, size of room, decoration, all superb
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast was expensive. Maybe in summer when you can habe it on the terrace, it would be worth the premium, but in winter? Better to go to a vibey cafe bar in the neighbourhood

• Kenneth from United States – 12 November 2024 (9/10)

  Ideal location – Dorsoduro is a nice local neighborhood. The Hotel is located very close to a vaporetto stop which makes it easy to get around town.

• Chris from Australia – 5 November 2024 (9/10)

  This is the best hotel that we have found in Venice in a great quiet but central location. This was our 8th visit in ten years and we will continue to return to Palazzo Stern.
  
  What could be improved: I preferred the breakfast when it was a buffet service.

• Madeleine from United Kingdom – 4 November 2024 (9/10)

  It’s in a fantastic location and is not at all pretentious.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really. The only thing we missed was having a kettle in the room to make hot water bottles, we being brits! Also we thought it would be better if they served fresh orange juice instead of some kind of squash.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities