I’m back in Venice again and this time I’m staying at Hotel Violino D’Oro. I’m not bragging. I just find Venice is a place that draws you back, either by happenstance, luck, or the universe telling you there’s one more spot you just have to see.

They say luck, both good and bad, comes in threes and my luck is very, very good. Firstly, I am visiting in December (low season), secondly, managing to get a personal tour of St Marks and the Doge’s Palace and thirdly, best of all, staying in one of the best hotels in Venice.

So why is the Violino d’Oro one of the best hotels in Venice? Well, it’s because it embodies the essence of not only Italy but Venice itself. It’s one of those hotels that is truly special and a one of a kind. More like a home, but one of those homes you might only see in Vogue Magazine. But its true allure is its sense of place. Hotel Violino D’Oro isn’t just Italian, but Venetian, so it merges its pedigree of Italian styling with its Venetian heritage. Even the most experienced traveller can’t help but be impressed.

Hotel Violino D’Oro comprises only 32 rooms and defines the term boutique. Formerly a collection of hotels and residences, the Violino d’Oro was transformed by hotelier Sara Maestrelli into a liveable work of art. But don’t for a moment think this property is one of those look but don’t touch places that are impossible to relax in.

Far from it, as the moment you enter, dealing with the staff is like a warm hug for travellers. Or, since we’re in Italy, a kiss on each cheek. Even when you’re like me and arrive looking more damp than dapper due to rain and the rising waters of the aqua alta.

The staff didn’t miss a beat and greeted us by name, and in a ballet of efficiency, we had the details of our stay, keys and a complimentary welcome beverage in hand. Instead of being rushed up to our room, we were encouraged to relax, take our time in the lounge area, and enjoy our welcome drink.

It’s at this point that, as gondoliers passed by the windows and I took in the art and decor, I noticed the table of my dreams. Not an artwork as such, but artfully arranged bowls and jars of Italian sweets presented to in-house guests to help themselves to in the lounge. They were (almost) too pretty to eat! 

But the biggest surprise came after I enquired about the toilets. Like a magic act, a staff member walked me to a mirrored wall that, when pressed, released a door to very highly polished and ultra designer his and hers bathrooms. This was no ordinary hotel and my wife and I fell instantly in love with it.

Arriving at our Executive Supreme room was even better. We loved the décor, fitout, and artwork, and the bonus of a view into a neighbouring courtyard illuminated with Christmas decorations. The room was modest in size at 29 sqm, but big on comfort and ambience. It also featured a large King bed, a settee, a small writing table, coffee pod machine, and a complimentary minibar with soft drinks.

The accompanying marble bathroom had a walk-in shower and exquisite Italian toiletries that weren’t too floral and feminine which I particularly appreciated. The bottles and the toiletries inside them were designer as well.

When you’re looking at the room rates, I would highly recommend paying a little more for the bed and breakfast option as the morning selection of both a la carte and continental items is worth the spend. This breakfast option, I will warn you, should not be rushed as the ambience and breakfast options are well worth lingering over. It’s served in Il Piccolo Restaurant which is off the courtyard on the lower floor and only caters to 35 guests.

If you’re keen to part with (quite a few) more Euro, then dinner at Il Piccolo can become a date worth savouring, as the executive chef works his magic on both Venetian and Italian delicacies. Dinner was an expensive night out for us due to the poor Australian exchange rate, but it was worth every cent and we would do it again in a heartbeat.

Cocktail aficionados can indulge in a cocktail making class with award-winning mixologist Francesco Adranga, who will both delight and entertain you with some truly unique Venetian-inspired creations. This class at Il Piccolo Bar, adjacent to the exquisite lounge area, was a highlight of our stay in Venice. Each cocktail had a story behind it and helped us learn about Venetian culture, like why you should order Select instead of Aperol in Venice.

So how would I rate Hotel Violino d’Oro?  Five stars with added sparkles for its stunning decor, but also its staff who provide a flawless hospitality experience. I was hard pressed to think of a brickbat, aside from the fact it can take a few days to learn how to weave your way between the different buildings that make up the hotel without getting lost.

Then again, perhaps this is a positive as you’ll get to experience the hotel’s eclectic artwork collection that blends traditional and quirky modern works. It’s also the perfect excuse to stay a couple of nights at Hotel Violino D’Oro instead of just one to help you get your bearings and find your way around the hotel with ease.

Disclosure: The writers stayed as guests of Hotel Violino D’Oro. They paid for their dinner at Il Piccolo Restaurant and highly recommend dining here. Non-guests are also welcome if there is space but bookings are essential as the restaurant is very small.

Want to know more about visiting Italy? Read our tips for visiting Rome and discover great things to do in Rome including some of Rome’s hidden sights, or read detailed write-ups about where to find the best view of Rome, how to tour Rome on a Vespa or in a vintage Fiat 500, and what it’s like visiting the Sistine Chapel after hours and touring the Vatican. We’ve also done three Rome food tours: a Trastevere food tour, pasta making in Rome and a classic Rome food tour. In Venice, we’ve explored Venice’s food scene, toured St Mark’s and the Doge’s Palace, and stayed near St Marks Square at the gorgeous Hotel Violino D’Oro. Pitigliano and Sorano are two of our favourite towns in Tuscany and we also love spa-ing with the locals at Terme di Saturnia Resort or Fonteverde Tuscan Resort. We have also reviewed the Four Seasons Hotel Milan and know 10 of the best things to do in Assisi.