Hotel Aquarius Venice
Venice City | Italy
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tucked inside a beautifully restored historic palazzo, Hotel Aquarius Venice is a boutique gem that fuses contemporary Italian design with period character. Think Murano chandeliers, artisan-made furnishings and original architectural features framing a peaceful internal courtyard garden. With a private water door on a typical Venetian canal and all the headline sights within strolling distance, it’s a stylish, quietly romantic base for exploring Venice City.
Inside the walls of Palazzo Pemma-Zambelli, Hotel Aquarius Venice blends modern boutique flair with traditional Venetian soul. Soft lighting glints off Murano glass, contemporary art sits comfortably beside centuries-old stone, and a leafy courtyard offers rare tranquillity in the heart of the city. With just 28 rooms and suites, stays feel intimate and personal – ideal for couples and culture-focused breaks.
For couples seeking Italy’s most romantic city with a calm, design-led base, Hotel Aquarius Venice delivers the perfect balance. The palazzo hideaway is typically around 35–45 minutes by water taxi from Venice Marco Polo Airport, depending on tides and route. See more Italy holidays.
Hotel Overview | Hotel Aquarius Venice
Highlights
🏛️ Modernised historic palazzo with original features
🎭 Traditional Venetian decoration with Murano glass and local artwork
🌿 Peaceful central courtyard garden – rare in Venice’s historic core
🌉 Around 900m on foot from iconic Rialto Bridge
⛪ Approx. 1.4km from St Mark’s Square and the Basilica
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rating and Board
Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: 28 | Floors: 4 | Lifts: 1
Board options: Bed and Breakfast
Child policy: Children are welcome; typical child age for offers up to 9 years.
Location | Hotel Aquarius Venice
Location
Hotel Aquarius Venice sits in the authentic Santa Croce district, a characterful area of Venice City where locals still outnumber tourists. From the palazzo’s private water door you step straight onto a narrow canal, while cobbled lanes lead you to neighbourhood bacari (wine bars), hidden squares and artisan workshops.
The Grand Canal is roughly 750m away, giving you easy access to vaporetto (water bus) links. A leisurely 10–15 minute stroll brings you to Rialto Bridge, and in around 20 minutes you can wander into St Mark’s Square for the Basilica, Campanile and Doge’s Palace. Despite being so central, the internal courtyard and thick palace walls keep the hotel itself wonderfully serene.
Distances and Transfers
Approximate walking distances:
• Grand Canal: ~750m
• Rialto Bridge: ~900m
• St Mark’s Square: ~1.4km
• Bridge of Sighs: ~1.6km
• Doge’s Palace: ~1.7km
Approx. transfer time from airport: Typically 35–45 minutes by water taxi from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), depending on tides and route.
Map
Venice City, Venice, Italy
Facilities and Rooms | Hotel Aquarius Venice
Restaurants and Bars
Start days with a refined buffet breakfast in the dedicated breakfast room, where vaulted ceilings and contemporary lighting set a relaxed tone. Expect continental classics alongside hot options: fresh pastries, breads, cheeses, charcuterie and seasonal fruit, with barista-style coffee to match the setting.
The elegant lounge bar is open from late morning until late evening, ideal for a pre-dinner spritz or a nightcap after exploring Venice’s bacari. With cosy seating and stylish décor, it’s a comfortable alternative to heading back out once the city winds down.
A smart casual dress code may apply at meal times. Reservations and any supplements can vary by season and board basis; please check locally for the latest details. What All Inclusive typically includes.
Pool Areas and Beach
There is no pool at Hotel Aquarius Venice – typical of characterful city-centre palazzi – but you gain something arguably more special: a tranquil internal courtyard and garden in the very heart of Venice. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet coffee before sightseeing or an evening drink away from the crowds.
Venice does not have a traditional city beach. For a day by the sea, you can take a vaporetto to the Lido, where long sandy beaches and classic beach clubs line the Adriatic coast (seasonal operations and local charges apply).
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
Hotel Aquarius Venice keeps facilities boutique but considered. There’s a compact, air-conditioned gym equipped with cardio machines, typically open from early morning into early evening for a pre-sightseeing workout (minimum age 18 years).
A small spa area offers massage treatments and wellness therapies, also usually for guests 18+ and at an extra charge – ideal for easing tired legs after a full day exploring the calli and bridges.
Around the hotel you’ll find:
• Peaceful internal courtyard garden
• Atmospheric vaulted lobby evoking the lagoon environment
• Free Wi-Fi throughout
• Lift access to guest floors
• Concierge-style reception with local tips and restaurant bookings
• Luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures
Rooms
Comfort Double Room
Intimate and well-designed doubles, ideal for solo travellers or couples who plan to spend most of their time discovering Venice. Expect a flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, kettle, mini-fridge, chargeable minibar, and a bathroom with shower. Air conditioning operates seasonally (typically mid-April to mid-October). Daily housekeeping with linen and towel changes on request keeps things fresh and sustainable. Sleeps 1–2.
Deluxe King Room
Slightly more spacious than Comfort rooms and set up with a plush king-size bed, these are perfect for longer city breaks. Traditional touches blend with modern comforts, including flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, hairdryer, kettle, fridge and chargeable minibar. Bathrooms feature a shower, and seasonal air conditioning is included. Daily cleaning; linen and towels changed on request. Sleeps 1–2.
Executive Double Room with French Bed
Offering a cosy French bed (smaller than a standard double but wider than a single), these rooms suit solo travellers who like extra space or close-knit couples. Facilities match the other categories with TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, kettle, fridge, minibar (charge), and bathroom with bath or shower. Seasonal air conditioning. Daily cleaning with on-request linen and towel changes. Sleeps 1–2.
Romantic Junior Suite
Tailored to couples, Romantic Junior Suites introduce extra space with a lounge-style seating area and elegant décor, often highlighting the palazzo’s original features. You’ll have a flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee machine, kettle, fridge and minibar (charge). Bathrooms come with a shower, plus quality toiletries. Seasonal air conditioning; daily housekeeping with linen and towel changes on request. Sleeps 1–2.
Family Junior Suite
Great for small families or friends travelling together, these suites offer flexible sleeping arrangements in an open-plan layout or semi-separated zones (configuration may vary). Expect a flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee machine, kettle, fridge, chargeable minibar and a shower bathroom. Air conditioning runs seasonally, and daily cleaning with on-request linen/towel changes is included. Sleeps 1–4.
Deluxe Junior Suite
A step up in terms of comfort and space, Deluxe Junior Suites feature a defined seating area, contemporary furnishings and character details. Facilities include a flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee machine, kettle, fridge and minibar (charge). Bathrooms offer either a bath or shower. Seasonal air conditioning; daily cleaning; linen and towels changed on request. Sleeps 1–3.
Rooftop Suite
Sitting at the top of the palazzo, the Rooftop Suite is a standout choice for longer stays or special occasions. Expect generous floor space, a stylish lounge area and elevated views over the Venetian rooftops (vistas vary by suite). In-room amenities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, hairdryer, coffee machine, kettle, fridge and minibar (charge). The bathroom features a bath for post-sightseeing soaks. Seasonal air conditioning. Daily cleaning with linen/towel changes on request. Sleeps 1–3.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
While Hotel Aquarius Venice is primarily a serene, design-focused base, you can easily combine your stay with:
🚶 Self-guided walking tours through Santa Croce and San Polo
🚤 Classic gondola rides or private water taxi tours along the canals
🏛️ Visits to St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs
🖼️ Gallery hopping between the Accademia, Peggy Guggenheim Collection and contemporary spaces
🍷 Cicchetti and wine tastings in authentic bacari scattered around the neighbourhood
The hotel team can help with restaurant suggestions, reservations and directions for day trips to islands such as Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Guest Services
🛎️ Reception with concierge-style support and luggage storage
📶 Free Wi‑Fi throughout hotel and rooms
🥐 Breakfast room with highchairs available for children
🍸 Lounge bar (approx. 11:00–23:00; hours may vary seasonally)
💪 Air-conditioned gym with cardio equipment (18+)
💆 Spa area with massage treatments (18+, local charges apply)
👨👩👧 Family-friendly room options, including Family Junior Suites
♿ Lift to guest floors (note: some historic areas may still have steps)
Services and opening times can vary by season and occupancy; always check the latest information on arrival.
Practical Info
Venice City essentials: the local language is Italian and the currency is the Euro (€). Venice is one hour ahead of the UK, and typical flight time from the UK to Venice Marco Polo Airport is around 2–2.5 hours.
Hotel Aquarius Venice is in the Santa Croce district, well-placed for exploring on foot and by vaporetto. Dress comfortably for cobbled streets and bridges, and remember that water levels (acqua alta and low tides) can affect water taxi routes and moorings.
Shared and private water taxis usually take 35–45 minutes between the airport and Venice. If tides permit and the boat can use the hotel’s private water door, you’ll arrive directly at the palazzo; otherwise, you may be dropped at a nearby public dock and walk a short distance.
Many historic buildings in Venice have a mix of lift access and steps; if you have mobility concerns, speak to our team so we can check the most suitable room category and access route.
For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Italy advice.
Prices and Book | Hotel Aquarius Venice
Hotel Aquarius Venice Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and offers. Book with low deposits. ATOL Protected.
FAQs | Hotel Aquarius Venice
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far is Hotel Aquarius Venice from the main sights?
Hotel Aquarius Venice is ideally placed for sightseeing on foot. It’s around 750m from the Grand Canal, roughly 900m to Rialto Bridge and about 1.4km to St Mark’s Square. The Bridge of Sighs is approximately 1.6km away and Doge’s Palace about 1.7km, depending on the route you take through the lanes and bridges.
2. What board basis does Hotel Aquarius Venice offer?
Stays at Hotel Aquarius Venice are on a Bed and Breakfast basis. A buffet breakfast is served each morning in the breakfast room, with continental and hot items. For lunch and dinner you’ll have Venice’s many trattorie, osterie and bacari within easy walking distance.
3. Does Hotel Aquarius Venice have family rooms?
Yes. In addition to double rooms, Hotel Aquarius Venice offers Family Junior Suites and Deluxe Junior Suites that can sleep up to four or three guests respectively, making them suitable for families or small groups. Travel cots or extra beds may be available on request; let us know your party make-up when enquiring.
4. Is there a pool at Hotel Aquarius Venice?
No, there is no swimming pool at Hotel Aquarius Venice, which is common for historic palazzi in the city centre. Instead, guests enjoy the rare luxury of a tranquil internal courtyard garden and atmospheric lounges. If you’d like a beach day, you can take a vaporetto over to the Lido, where long sandy beaches line the Adriatic coast (seasonal services and local charges apply).
5. How do I get from Venice Airport to Hotel Aquarius Venice?
Most guests travel by water taxi from Venice Marco Polo Airport. Depending on tides and canal access, the boat may be able to use the hotel’s private water door; if not, you’ll disembark at the closest public dock and walk a short distance through the streets to the palazzo. The journey typically takes around 35–45 minutes. We can arrange shared or private transfers as part of your Travelisto package.
6. Is Wi-Fi free at Hotel Aquarius Venice?
Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout Hotel Aquarius Venice, including in guest rooms and all main public areas, making it easy to plan your sightseeing or stay in touch with home.
7. Does Hotel Aquarius Venice have a gym or spa?
The hotel features a small, air-conditioned gym with cardio fitness equipment, usually open from early morning until early evening for guests aged 18 and over. There is also a compact spa area offering massage treatments for an additional charge, again typically for guests 18+.
8. Is Hotel Aquarius Venice suitable for guests with reduced mobility?
The hotel has a lift serving guest floors, but as with many period buildings in Venice there may still be some steps or uneven surfaces in and around the property. Canal-side access and nearby bridges can also pose challenges. If you have specific mobility needs, speak to our Travelisto team so we can check the most suitable room type and provide up-to-date access information.












