A luxurious, 72-room converted palazzo in the northern edge of Venice, Boscolo Venezia Autograph Collection is a quiet retreat from the chaotic heart of the city. The rare, private garden and spa with hot tub, sauna, and steam room are highlights. Rooms have classic decor and Venetian portraits, but upgrading to a Junior Suite gets guests more space and style -- these rooms have high ceilings and intricate crown molding. The hotel's location is far from Venice's main attractions, but it does offer free water taxi service to St. Mark's Square and Murano.

Locanda Orseolo is a 12-room guesthouse located in the heart of Venice, a short walk from Piazza San Marco. Traditional, elegant rooms have theatrical wall murals, glass chandeliers, and small flat-screen TVs. This restored Venetian home has charming, original elements such as exposed beam ceilings. A quality free breakfast is served in a room overlooking a small canal, but there is no elevator and canal-facing rooms can experience some early morning noise. Rates are among the most competitive in the area for what you get.

This luxurious 22-room boutique is housed in a centuries-old palace located along the Grand Canal, near the main train station in Venice. Decadent rooms have modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and comfortable beds, but the use of rich patterns in gold and blues, the classic artwork on the walls, and the Rococo-style furniture might be a bit too much to some. Rooms facing the canal have better views (though some have small windows), but those overlooking the lovely square are quieter. Though location is convenient for those arriving to Venice by train, the hotel is a 25-minute walk from Piazza San Marco, and it lacks a full restaurant.

The 42 luxurious rooms of Ca’Sagredo were designed in aristocratic Venetian style. This restored pink palazzo on the Grand Canal has maintained its original grandeur, including salons filled with frescoes and sweeping staircases. Huge rooms have plush furnishings and marble bathrooms; the terrace along the canal is a scenic place for a drink. This is one of the most decadent hotel experiences in Venice, and it's right on the Grand Canal, within walking distance of St. Mark's Square.

The Ruzzini Palace is an upscale, 28-room hotel housed in an imposing and richly historical palazzo set in the heart of Venice. Interiors have typically classical Venetian styling and -- while integration of contemporary elements doesn't work throughout -- rooms are generally excellently finished (especially those with original 17th-century oil paintings). Although amenities are few and Wi-Fi is not free of charge, there is a real focus on tourist services. Buffet breakfast is included in the rate, and there's a modern-looking bar where guests can sip Bellinis after a day of sightseeing. Rates can fluctuate wildly by time of year, so guests can grab an amazing deal in the low season (though high-season rates are typically exorbitant).

A 32-room boutique in a restored 17th century palazzo, Hotel Ai Reali is located in the heart of Venice halfway between the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. Rooms are big and elegant with gilded, carved headboards, original hardwood floors, and big marble bathrooms. An inviting restaurant and bar both have canal views; a top floor spa offers the rare features of a pool, whirlpool, and sauna. It's one of the best upscale picks in Venice.

The 41-room Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli is an upscale palace on the Grand Canal with a private jetty, opulent design, and rich history. The hotel features a vine-covered courtyard, a grandly decorated lounge, a luxurious meeting room, a modern bar, and an intimate breakfast room. Rooms offer luxe antique touches paired with modern flat-screen TVs, and some have balconies overlooking the Church of San Sate and the canal. The hotel’s prime location and sleek design surpass that of the competition, but guests often complain about the fee for Wi-Fi and, while rooms are spacious and modern, decor in them can feel basic.

A 24-room restored palazzo in the heart of Venice, Aqua Palace Hotel is conveniently located halfway between the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. Soft lighting, elegant chandeliers, and classic Venetian architecture give this boutique a peaceful, romantic atmosphere. Refined rooms have small flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and inviting, big bathrooms. This charming hotel overlooks a small canal.

The Cà Maria Adele is an upscale, 12-room boutique hotel set in the quiet and secluded art quarter in the south of Venice -- though with easy boat access to the rest of the island. Interiors throughout are beautifully and lavishly finished with dark wood, black pony skin sofas, flock wallpaper, and Murano chandeliers. The individually styled 'Concept' rooms are particularly stunning, and some have views of the canal. Free daily breakfast includes a glass of Prosecco, and guests can order evening drinks to enjoy anywhere in the hotel, including the Moroccan-style terrace. The intimate ambience of this tiny hotel might not appeal to all, especially those who have mobility issues, but for a peaceful romantic getaways, the typically steep rates could well be worth every penny.

A seven-room residence on the Grand Canal, Al Ponte Antico Hotel is an elegant restored palazzo with a lovely shaded terrace overlooking the Rialto Bridge. Located on a quiet street in the heart of Venice (and just an eight-minute walk to St. Mark's Square), this hotel has huge rooms with flat-screen TVs, gilded-edge headboards, and traditional decor (wallpaper, upholstery, and bedspreads are all patterned). Guests get plenty of personal attention at this intimate, family-managed property, and the free breakfast includes homemade pastries, crepes, eggs, fruit, and cold cuts.

The Palace Bonovecchiati offers an upscale, boutique hotel experience in the heart of Venice, with major tourist sights, restaurants, shops, and entertainment all within an easy stroll. The hotel has an on-site spa with large hot tub and sauna, which is unusual for Venice, as well as a bar and canal-front restaurant. The 70 sleek guest rooms are outfitted in clean-lined furnishings, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Modern art is on display throughout, and, while some of the decor borders on garish, it certainly offers an interesting juxtaposition to the trove of historic buildings in the vicinity. There's free Wi-Fi, but it can be unreliable. An average buffet breakfast is included in the rate.

The Ca' San Giorgio is one Venice's most romantic bed and breakfasts. The property has just eight rooms inside a renovated convent steps away from the Grand Canal. Beyond the fabulous location, guests love the private terraces that overlook the city's famed canals. However, cramped spaces -- especially in the bathrooms and some of the public areas -- have caused complaints. And for travelers who prefer a selection of on-site amenities, note that the Ca' San Giorgio doesn't offer much beyond the free breakfast.