People come to Venice for the canals and the sights – and you can’t get closer to both than the Madama Garden Retreat in the city’s Cannaregio district. The famous Rialto Bridge is a mere skip away, St Mark’s Church not much further, and the canals, well they literally lap beneath your window, leading straight to the Grand Canal itself in a three-minute walk. A stay here can feel almost sinfully indulgent. From the luxurious satin and silk furnishings in the 9 rooms to the sumptuous sofas and chairs, hand-crafted wallpapers and antique objets – all set off by blissfully intimate low lighting – it’s a heady mix of old Venetian splendour and ultra-modern glamour.
At its heart is the garden. With its leafy pergolas, resplendent flower bushes and a path leading straight to the canal (you can also access the hotel by boat), it’s a perfect hidden retreat to take breakfast or unwind with an aperitif after a hard day’s sightseeing. And there are so many sights to see. Even better, the hotel can arrange private tours around some of the city’s most famous attractions, giving you access that everyday tourists can only dream of. A break at the Madama is therefore less of a stay and more of an experience – one unlikely to ever be forgotten.
Highs
- Location is everything here. The most famous sites are literally on your doorstep and the gondolas float past your window; you can easily get to the airport via water taxi
- Impeccable service – whether you want a private tour, tickets to the theatre or breakfast in your room, no request is too big or small
- The design is to die for – discreet luxury and olde-worlde charm quietly sit alongside modern amenities and elegant comfort
- The garden itself – a beautiful oasis
- Eco measures in place include renewable energy, the food is sourced locally where possible and plastic usage is limited
Lows
- An experience like this comes at a price
- The front desk isn't manned at night
- It’s not designed for children – there’s an age limit of 15 years old
- No pool or spa
- Rooms have a wonderfully moody ambiance, which can feel dark on cloudy winter days
Best time to go
Venice's best travel months (also its busiest and most expensive) are April-June and September-October. Summer in Venice is more temperate (high 70s and 80s) than in Italy's scorching inland cities - but be aware that aircon is usually only available from May-September in most places, to conserve energy. Winter is cheaper and cooler, except for Carnevale in February when the hordes descend again.
Our top tips
The Madama can arrange a private after-hours tour of St Mark's Basilica and it is truly an unforgettable experience. After the doors have closed to the daytime tourists, you can explore the delights of this world-famous church on your own – and even get to see behind the scenes at parts that are normally closed to daytime visitors. Highly recommended.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
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