My wife will be with me so it needs to be pretty upscale, 4-star, or at least highly-rated on TA. An area with small picturesque canals for early morning and blue hour photos. Preference for Santa Croce or San Polo just from looking at the map…lots of small canals
Posted by
NorthCarolina
1088 posts
Al Ponte Antica ! It's at the Rialto Bridge. It's a palace from centuries ago. Only 9 rooms, so book ASAP. Owners are incredible and make the BEST breakfast. Check out reviews on TripAdvisor, but book direct with the hotel. They also have a private dock so you can take a private water taxi from airport/trainstation straight to hotel and get dropped off at the hotel instead of hauling luggage over bridges, etc.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5689 posts
I'd ask you to consider the Cannaregio area. I can take sunset pix without anyone spoiling the frame, it's all scenic back canals. There are no crowds, and about 10-15 walk to the train station.
Our favorite lodging is Hotel Ai Mori D'Oriente- great staff and full of charm, has its own dock for the water taxi , and only a ten minute walk to a vaporetto stop on the Grand Canal. Book directly for the best prices, but don't wait too long. When will you be there?
We are returning to this neighborhood for the third time in May, 2025.
Enjoy your trip. Safe travels!
Posted by
OP
Castle Rock, CO
43 posts
Thanks Pat and ChinaLake! I will check out each of your suggestions for our Sept trip!
Posted by
Switzerland
13 posts
In my opinion, if your focus is on small, scenic canals, the sestiere of Dorsoduro is the best choice. Unlike the more structured layout of Cannaregio, Dorsoduro offers many twists and unexpected beautiful corners for photo opportunities. Its also slightly off-the-beaten-track (especially in the southwest) which means you can often have the place to yourself.