Hotel Indigo Venice Sant Elena
Peaceful location in residential Sant’Elena Boutique-style hotel in a former convent Relaxing internal garden courtyard Close to the Venice Biennale gardens and cultural venues 2.2km scenic stroll from St Mark’s Square along the waterfront Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Once a peaceful Venetian convent, Hotel Indigo Venice Sant Elena has been lovingly transformed into a characterful boutique retreat. Expect cloistered walkways, original architectural details and a leafy internal garden, all reimagined with stylish contemporary design. Tucked away in the quiet Sant’Elena neighbourhood at the eastern tip of the lagoon, this mellow hideaway is perfect if you want to balance atmospheric, authentic Venice with easy access to the headline sights around St Mark’s and the Grand Canal.
Gallery
12 photos
Map & location
Venice City, Italy
Base yourself in one of Venice’s most tranquil corners. Hotel Indigo Venice Sant Elena sits in the leafy Sant’Elena district on the eastern edge of the lagoon, a mainly residential area that feels worlds away from the day-tripper crowds. Yet you’re still wonderfully connected: the nearest vaporetto stop is roughly 230m away, putting the Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal just a few boat stops from your door.
Stroll along the waterfront Riva degli Schiavoni promenade and in around 25–30 minutes on foot you’ll reach St Mark’s Square, passing ornate churches, photo-worthy bridges and lively cafés as you go. The Biennale gardens, home to Venice’s famous art and architecture exhibitions, are close by, making this a smart base for design and culture enthusiasts too.
- Approx. transfer time from airport typically 40–70 minutes from Venice Marco Polo (VCE) by water taxi, airport boat or a combination of bus and vaporetto, depending on route and connections.
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
There’s no pool or beach on-site – this is an authentic city bolthole rather than a resort-style stay. Instead, the hotel’s tranquil internal garden and shaded courtyards become your open-air “living room”, ideal for a quiet coffee, aperitivo or post-sightseeing unwind.
For those who like to be by the water, Venice’s lagoon is all around you. The nearby vaporetto stop connects you with the Lido’s sandy beachfront in season, where you can hire sunbeds and umbrellas for a classic Italian seaside day, then boat back to the peace of Sant’Elena by evening.
Spa, sports & wellness
This is very much a slow-travel, design-first boutique hotel. While there’s no spa, gym or organised entertainment programme, you’ll find:
• A peaceful garden courtyard for reading, relaxing and aperitivi
• Stylish lounge and lobby areas with contemporary Venetian-inspired décor
• Concierge and reception team on hand for restaurant recommendations, gondola bookings and tickets for the Biennale or museums
• Lift access across the four floors
Venice itself becomes your playground: from early-morning canal walks to island-hopping adventures across Murano, Burano and Torcello, all easily arranged with the hotel’s assistance.
Activities
? Easy access to Venice Biennale gardens and exhibitions (seasonal)
? Lagoon and island-hopping via nearby vaporetto stop
? Photogenic strolls along Riva degli Schiavoni to St Mark’s Square
? Slow evenings with aperitivi in the garden courtyard
? Gondola and classic boat experiences that can be arranged locally
While there’s no formal entertainment schedule, Venice itself provides the culture, with museums, churches, galleries and artisan workshops within easy reach.
Guest services
?️ 24-hour reception
?️ Concierge service for dining, gondolas, tours and event tickets
? Luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures
? Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
? Lift access to upper floors
? Daily housekeeping, with options to reduce linen changes to travel more sustainably
The team can also help with practicalities such as vaporetto passes, directions around the city and suggestions for quieter, more local dining spots away from the main tourist routes.
Food & drink
The hotel’s heart is Savor Restaurant, an intimate à la carte venue where Venetian and wider Italian flavours take centre stage. Breakfast is served here each morning, and in the evening you can expect thoughtful dishes built around local produce, beautifully plated in a contemporary setting that nods to the building’s monastic past.
Savor Bar completes the picture with a cosy, design-led space for pre-dinner spritzes, Italian wines or a late-night cocktail. On warmer days, drinks often spill into the courtyard areas, blending relaxed lounge vibes with the calm of the former cloister.
A smart-casual dress code may apply in the evening. Reservations for dinner are recommended, and any supplements or inclusions can vary depending on your chosen board basis and travel dates (check locally for the most up-to-date details). What All Inclusive typically includes.
Rooms
Premium Room
Sleeps: minimum 1, maximum 3
More spacious than standard rooms, ideal if you’re staying a little longer or travelling with an older child or friend. Décor keeps the same boutique, design-led approach but adds extra square footage and seating.
In addition to the facilities of Double or Twin Rooms, Premium Rooms may feature:
• Extra space and seating area
• Flexible bedding options for a third guest
• Air conditioning (usually in operation between 01 Jun and 30 Sep, weather dependent)
• Linen and towel changes on request, supporting more sustainable travel
Standard Suite
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2
Suites are a great choice if you prefer a separate sitting area or simply want a little more room to spread out. Each suite is individually styled, combining heritage features with modern comforts.
Facilities are broadly in line with the main room types, with the added benefit of additional space and a more residential feel. Specific layouts and furnishings can vary between suites.
King Suite
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2
For an indulgent city break, the King Suite offers generous space and a refined atmosphere, often with enhanced seating or lounge areas. These suites are designed for longer stays or special occasions, pairing historic character with upscale, contemporary design.
As with other rooms, actual configurations may differ between suites; exact details are confirmed at check-in.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Venice is a walking city built on canals, so comfortable shoes and a willingness to wander are essential. Public transport is via vaporetto (waterbus) and water taxis, with Sant’Elena well connected to the main hubs around St Mark’s, Rialto and the railway station.
Local language: Italian
Currency: Euro (€)
Time difference: GMT +1 (and +2 in summer)
Electricity: 230V, standard European two-pin plugs
Typical UK flight time to Venice: around 2–2.5 hours
Hotel facilities, opening hours and services can vary by season and occupancy and may change without prior notice. Some services and items (such as minibar contents or selected drinks) may carry an extra charge, payable locally.
For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Italy advice.
Prices & book
Find your dates
Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.