Londra Palace Venezia

Rooms and decor

With only 53 rooms, every one gets close attention. The look mixes neoclassical style with modern design — warm ivory and midnight blue alternate from room to room. Lagoon-facing rooms frame the whole Venice lagoon in the window, with passing boats and the Giudecca islands as a backdrop you see all day. What reviewers come back to again and again is the pink-marble bathroom (Rosa Portogallo) — far bigger than expected, with both a soaking tub and a separate shower, and feeling more luxurious than the rate would suggest. Several say the bathrooms here beat those at 5-star hotels charging considerably more.

Food and amenities

The Do Leoni restaurant on the ground floor has a waterside terrace looking straight out over the lagoon and the boat traffic. The à la carte breakfast runs wide — continental Italian and international — and reviewers single it out as unhurried, like eating breakfast in a house on the water. The bar is the spot for a Venetian Spritz in the evening before you head out. Being small, the staff stay closer than a big chain would; the concierge sorts tours, restaurant bookings, and detailed tips on local bacari.

Location and getting there

It stands on Riva degli Schiavoni along the lagoon. The San Zaccaria dock is about 150 metres off, a 2-minute walk, where you can pick up vaporetto line 1 or 2 toward Rialto and on to Santa Lucia Station. Piazza San Marco is 5 minutes on foot, the Doge's Palace 3 minutes, and the Bridge of Sighs just a few steps away. Same address as the Danieli, but for a lot less — if you want a genuine lagoon-side Venice base, this is the best value in the area.

Things to know before booking

There are only 53 rooms, so some dates fill months ahead, especially around Carnival and through summer — book early. Prices rise clearly in peak season, so check the rate and lock it in when it's good. And not every room looks at the water: the inner rooms are quieter but have no view, so specify a lagoon-view room if that's what you're after.

Our take

Londra Palace suits couples and travelers who want a 5-star lagoon-side stay in Venice with good service and quality that runs ahead of the price — the 9.2 score reflects guests who left very happy. Rates from $271 sit clearly below the Danieli, and with just 53 rooms, you'll want to book ahead.