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Use code italysegreta when booking for 20% off your stay now through August 27th, 2025

Hotel Flora is an old-school, family-run hotel that retains the charm of Venice from the past. It proves that a luxury stay doesn’t have to be expensive, and the hotel offers an experience that shows you Venice from an insider’s point of view.

Tucked a few steps from shops of the most famous designers, this boutique property is a hidden breath of fresh air. It’s the best place to experience an authentic taste of the Venetian lifestyle. Diana and Alessandro, nonni of the Romanelli family, together with their son Ruggero have owned and managed hotels in Venice since the 1960’s. Today, Gioele–Ruggero’s son–and his wife Heiby run the show as if it’s their own home, in the same way as their family has for decades: with passion and love. 

In a city filled with new, hip, highly ornate hotels, some of which have lost their true Venetian quirks, Hotel Flora remains true to its origins: classic, elegant, and central. As was typical when creating hotels in Venice, and continues today, Hotel Flora is a combination of Palazzi stitched together to create one structure. The hotel is not only fortunate for its location, but for a truly incomparable garden filled with quaint edera–a place to escape the crowds of the city or to enjoy a lovely, quintessential Italian breakfast–if you opt for the Venetian version, don’t be surprised when you are served a Prosecco, as the locals here are known to start early.

The hotel’s interior is adorned with wooden beds, antiques, and flowery wallpaper, dominated by a soothing color palette of burgundy, browns, greens, and creams. Each room has a different color tone, energy, and overall feel; it’s fun to switch up your stay every time–although we have a soft spot for Room 22. If you can choose, request a corner or garden room, to have that incomparable #italyfromawindow view of the private Palazzo Contarini garden. 

The family also owns and operates neighboring Casa Flora, a three-bedroom apartment offering a similar experience in the form of a private home. 

A few segreti (secrets) from the Romanelli family: 

Have dinner at al Covo, a traditional, family-run Venetian restaurant

Have a particular wine and a few cicchetti at Estro Wine Bar

Shop at Piedàterre for a pair of Friulane shoes

Take an Italian coffee or an aperitivo at Paolin’s and watch life go by in the lively, elegant Campo Santo Stefano

Catch a show at Teatro Della Fenice

Don’t miss a walk in the Royal Gardens of Venice, just behind the Marciana Library