Carlton On The Grand Canal
Great for couples looking for classic Venetian charm Prime setting directly on the Grand Canal 1.5km stroll to the iconic Rialto Bridge About 2.1km from St. Mark’s Square and the Basilica Conveniently opposite Venice Santa Lucia train station Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Nestled right on Venice’s Grand Canal and opposite Santa Lucia train station, Carlton On The Grand Canal is a characterful, family-run 4-star hotel with classic Venetian styling. Expect Murano-glass chandeliers, rich fabrics and a memorable rooftop terrace bar where you can sip cocktails while vaporetti glide by below – a romantic base perfectly placed for exploring Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square and the city’s maze of canals.
Gallery
11 photos
Map & location
Venice City, Venice, Italy
Carlton On The Grand Canal occupies a coveted spot on Venice’s most famous waterway in the Santa Croce district. Step outside and you’re right on the Grand Canal promenade, with gondolas, water taxis and vaporetti drifting past. Santa Lucia station is just across the water, putting wider Italy at your feet, while Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square are easily reached on foot or by waterbus.
The surrounding streets are packed with trattorie, bacari (wine bars) and artisan shops. It’s a superb base whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a short city break or a rail-through-Italy itinerary.
- Approx. transfer time from airport 20–30 minutes by road to Piazzale Roma plus short walk or water transfer; around 30–45 minutes by shared or private water taxi (times vary with route and tides).
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
There is no pool at Carlton On The Grand Canal – this is a classic Venetian townhouse rather than a resort hotel – but the Grand Canal quite literally flows past the front door.
Water is part of the experience: glide in by private water taxi, hop on a vaporetto from the nearby stop, or take a gondola ride from one of the local moorings. For summertime sun, the Lido’s sandy beaches are a scenic vaporetto ride away across the lagoon.
Spa, sports & wellness
This is a city hotel geared towards exploring Venice rather than on-site sports, but you’ll find all the essentials for a relaxed stay:
• 24-hour reception and elegant lobby areas
• Concierge service for restaurant reservations, tickets and gondola tours
• Currency exchange and luggage storage
• English-language newspapers available (local charge)
• Lift access to guest floors
• Certified Sustainable Hotel credentials, supporting eco-minded travel
While there’s no dedicated spa, staff can often recommend nearby wellness centres or arrange in-city experiences on request.
Activities
Carlton On The Grand Canal doesn’t run a packed animation schedule – Venice itself is the attraction. From this base you can easily:
• Take a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal and quieter side-canals
• Join a guided walking tour to uncover hidden campos, scuole and churches
• Visit must-sees like Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace
• Explore Murano, Burano and Torcello by boat from nearby piers
• Enjoy rooftop aperitivi and canal watching at Top Of The Carlton
Ask reception or concierge for help booking tours, skip-the-line tickets or lagoon excursions.
Guest services
• 24-hour reception
• Concierge service for excursions, table reservations and water taxi arrangements
• Luggage storage – ideal if you’re arriving early or departing late
• Currency exchange
• English-language newspapers (local charge)
• Wheelchair hire on request (subject to availability, local charge)
• Lift access to guest floors
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
Private water taxi transfers can usually be arranged to or from the hotel. During periods of low tide or where private mooring is unavailable, drop-off may be at a nearby public jetty with a short walk.
Food & drink
Food and drink are a highlight here, especially when paired with those Grand Canal views.
La Cupola Restaurant
The main à la carte restaurant serves a mix of international, Italian and regional Venetian dishes for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. Expect hearty pastas, fresh fish and seasonal specials in a classic dining room.
Top Of The Carlton Restaurant
Set on the rooftop terrace (usually open 15 May–15 September), this à la carte venue pairs creative Italian and international cuisine with sweeping canal and city views – ideal for a special-occasion dinner or sunset aperitivo.
Carlton Café
A relaxed coffee bar open roughly 10:00–00:00, perfect for espresso, light bites and people-watching just steps from the Grand Canal.
Top Of The Carlton Sky Lounge
Seasonal rooftop cocktail bar (generally 15 May–15 September, 19:00–00:00), mixing classic and signature drinks as the city lights come on. Beachwear is not permitted, and smart-casual dress is recommended.
Reservations may be required and menus, opening hours or supplements can vary by season and board basis; details are confirmed locally.
What All Inclusive typically includes.
Rooms
Classic Double or Twin Room Sleeps 2
Sleeps: 2
Traditional room with either one double or twin beds.
Key features include:
• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Hairdryer
• Minibar (local charge)
• Bathroom with bath or shower
• Air conditioning (seasonal, typically 01 Jun–30 Sep)
• Daily cleaning, linen and towel changes as standard
Double Room with Canal View Sleeps 2
Sleeps: 2
As Classic Doubles but with coveted views over the Grand Canal. A great choice if you want to wake up to vaporetti gliding past your window.
Classic Double Room for Sole Use Sleeps 1
Sleeps: 1
Perfect for solo travellers seeking a central base without sacrificing comfort, featuring the same amenities as Classic Doubles.
Superior Room / Superior Double Room Sleeps 2
Sleeps: 2
More spacious, with enhanced furnishings and a slightly upgraded feel. Some Superior categories are available for sole use, ideal for solo guests wanting extra space.
Economy Room Sleeps 2
Sleeps: 2
A value-focused option that’s typically smaller or with a more modest outlook, but with the same essential amenities and classic style.
Triple Room
Sleeps: up to 3
Ideal for friends or small families, with sleeping arrangements usually in a double/ twin plus extra bed configuration.
Classic Family Room Sleeps 2–4
Sleeps: 2–4
Suited to families wanting a central Venice stay, often with a combination of main bedding and additional beds or sofa beds.
Single and Superior Single Rooms Sleeps 1
Sleeps: 1
Compact rooms tailored to solo guests, with either standard or superior finishing.
Junior Suite Sleeps 2
Sleeps: 2
A more generous open-plan layout with seating area and refined décor for a boutique-suite feel.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary. Specific outlooks (such as canal view) should be selected at time of booking where offered.
More info
Venice is a largely traffic-free, walking city with bridges and cobbled streets – comfortable footwear is essential, and porterage may be limited, especially if you arrive by public water transport. Local currency is the Euro (€) and Italian is the main language, with English widely spoken in tourist areas.
Typical UK–Venice flight time is around 2 hours, and Venice operates a city tourist tax payable locally in cash or card, depending on municipal rules at the time of your stay.
Information is based on previous seasons and may change; some facilities and opening times are weather or occupancy dependent. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Italy advice.
Prices & book
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Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.