The Ruzzini Palace Hotel in Venice is probably the most popular and best rated hotel in Venice, if one had to judge by reviews it received on travel websites. At the moment its approval rating on Venere.com is a whopping 97%, while on TripAdvisor.com it is rated fourth out of the more than 400 hotels in Venice.

With endorsement like that, this is the hotel to book when visiting Venice!

What makes the Ruzzini so incredibly well rated? The hotel is clearly distinguished by its romantic ambience, luxury and ideal setting – it’s located a minute or two’s walk from St Mark’s square, yet its setting is a quiet, picturesque piazza. The rooms overlook the piazza, yet are quiet – those who’ve stayed over will know the gentle, exquisite stillness that envelops Venice at night. For many tourists who have stayed there it was the large rooms that impressed them most – small hotel rooms are generally the norm in Venice, even at four star hotels. So if it’s spaciousness you’re after, the Ruzzini is the place to stay.

All the reviewers raved about the ample breakfast (if you’ve stayed in average hotels in Venice, you’ll know that in some places breakfast is a croissant and weak coffee).

I did a quick compare with other, much more expensive, five star hotels in Venice and in all cases the reviews were much less favourable than the ones the Ruzzini is getting. There’s absolutely no doubt that if the Ruzzini falls within your budget range, this is the hotel to  make your home in Venice.

The only thing to be aware of is that the decor of the Ruzzini is modern with straight lines, pastel colours and soft tones. You may be a person who loves that kind of setting, but if you’d rather be surrounded by classical Venice decor and interior design, then perhaps something like the magnificent Danieli Hotel is more for you.

In addition, perhaps (this is Venice, after all) you’d like a room with a view over the Grand Canal, which the Ruzzini doesn’t have. Be aware however that such rooms come at a premium! However, one only lives once, and perhaps this will be the only time ever you’ll be in Venice, so make it special…

Special tip: If you’re arriving from the airport, book yourself a private water taxi to the Ruzzini. It’s worth it, especially since the taxi drops you off right at the Ruzzini’s front door. Also, the vaporetto stop is quite a distance from the hotel, and with heavy luggage that could be difficult.