How We Discovered San Clemente Palace Venice and Why We’d Stay Again
Just a quick note that this post is not sponsored by San Clemente Palace Venice. We found and booked the hotel while researching where to stay in Venice, and I loved the hotel and the entire experience so much that I really wanted to share it with you guys. I always love sharing my best travel finds, and this is truly one of those places you need to experience for yourself.
San Clemente Palace Venice ended up being one of the biggest highlights of our time in Venice. When Matt and I started planning our summer vacation, we knew we wanted to return to Venice and experience it with the girls.
The last time we spent several days in Venice was during our honeymoon, when we stayed for four or five nights and absolutely loved it. Over the years, we traveled back to Italy many times, mostly for my work, but we usually visited other cities and regions. Somehow, we never made it back to Venice.
This time, we wanted a completely different kind of stay. We still wanted to enjoy the beauty, energy, and excitement of Venice, but since we were traveling with the kids, we also wanted somewhere peaceful, relaxing, and special to come back to at the end of the day. That is exactly what we found at San Clemente Palace, a beautiful luxury resort located on its own private island in the Venetian lagoon.
How We Found San Clemente Palace Venice
We spent almost an entire weekend researching hotels and planning the different stops for our Italy trip. When it came to Venice, we decided to find the hotel first and then choose our dates based on its availability. Venice has so many beautiful luxury hotels, so narrowing it down was definitely not easy!
When Matt and I stayed in Venice during our honeymoon, we chose a beautiful hotel near San Marco, right in the middle of the busy tourist area. We loved being surrounded by the energy of the city, with restaurants, shops, and famous sights all within walking distance. At that time, it was exactly the kind of Venice experience we wanted.
For this trip, we wanted to stay close enough to San Marco to enjoy the city easily, but we also loved the idea of returning somewhere calm at the end of the day.
While searching online, we came across San Clemente Palace Venice through Condé Nast Traveler, which is one of my favorite places to read travel recommendations. We also found features about the hotel through Forbes Travel Guide and several other travel publications. At first, we could not believe the property was actually a hotel in Venice.
It did not look like a typical city hotel at all. The beautiful grounds, gardens, historic church, swimming pool, and lagoon views made it look more like a private luxury retreat or an Italian resort.
We went to the San Clemente Palace website, looked through its Instagram page, and read what felt like hundreds of reviews. The more we learned about it, the more interested we became. The hotel is located on its own private island in the Venetian lagoon, yet it is only about a 10-minute complimentary boat ride from San Marco.
The idea of spending the day exploring busy Venice and then taking a boat back to a quiet private island sounded almost too perfect.
We also considered several other incredible hotels, such as Hotel Cipriani, Aman Venice, The St. Regis Venice, The Gritti Palace, Hotel Danieli, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa and several others. However, we kept going back to San Clemente Palace Venice. We loved that it was located on its own private island, and we could not stop talking about the beautiful grounds, gardens, historic church, swimming pool and the entire island experience.
In the end, we chose San Clemente Palace because it offered something completely different from the other hotels we had considered. We could experience everything we loved about Venice while also enjoying the peaceful feeling of staying at a stunning island resort.
30 Things We Loved Learning About San Clemente Palace
1. It Is a Five-Star Luxury Resort Formerly Managed by Mandarin Oriental
San Clemente Palace Venice is an independent five-star luxury resort located on its own private island in the Venetian lagoon. In June 2025, Mandarin Oriental announced that it had taken over management of the hotel and planned to eventually reopen it as Mandarin Oriental, Venice.
However, the hotel now operates independently under its original San Clemente Palace Venice name. It has everything you would expect from a beautiful luxury resort, including spacious rooms and suites, several restaurants, a spa, an outdoor pool, gorgeous gardens, and incredible service.
2. It Is Located on Its Own Private Island
One of the coolest things about this hotel is that it sits on its own private island. The minute we arrived and started walking through the gardens toward the check-in area, I remember looking around and thinking it felt like we had arrived at some beautiful luxury spa. Everything was so calm and quiet, with a completely different atmosphere from central Venice. It immediately felt like we had arrived somewhere really special.
3. The Service Was Truly Incredible
The service was lovely! They took care of our suite several times throughout the day, not only in the morning, but sometimes again in the middle of the day and in the evening. They would bring extra water, drinks, wine, chocolates, fruit, and little treats to our room. Every time we returned, everything felt fresh, organized, and beautifully prepared. Everyone was so kind and helpful, and they truly made us feel taken care of from the moment we arrived.
4. Guests Arrive by a Beautiful Wooden Shuttle Boat
One of the most fun parts of the experience began the moment we left the Venice airport. We took a beautiful wooden boat across the lagoon, and our driver was moving pretty fast, so we got a few extra bumps along the way!
The girls loved it from the second we got on the water. It immediately made the arrival feel exciting and completely different from checking into a normal hotel.
5. The Boat Ride Is Part of the Experience
Obviously, Venice is all about boat rides, but the ride between San Clemente Palace and San Marco felt like an experience on its own. A few times, we had the boat almost completely to ourselves, and other times we shared it with other guests from the hotel.
The girls loved sitting with everyone and chatting about their stay, where they were going in San Marco, and which restaurants they wanted to try. It became this fun little 10-minute social experience before arriving in the city.
6. The Complimentary Boat Runs Every 30 Minutes
Before booking, this was one of the things in the back of my mind. I did not know whether going back and forth from a private island would feel inconvenient or like a big production.
It honestly could not have been easier. The complimentary wooden shuttle runs regularly throughout the day, and we simply needed to pay attention to the schedule, especially when leaving San Marco at night. Once we understood the timing, it was incredibly easy and convenient.
7. It Is Only About 10 Minutes From San Marco Square
The best part is that the boat ride is so short. In about 10 minutes, you go from this calm private island to the middle of San Marco and everything happening in Venice. We could enjoy drinks at the hotel, watch the sunset over the lagoon, take the boat into San Marco for dinner, and then return to the resort later that evening. It made everything feel very easy.
8. It Combines Privacy With Easy Access to Venice
Honestly, this was probably our favorite part of the entire experience. As soon as we stepped off the boat and walked into the resort, it felt like we were entering a giant luxury spa. Soft Italian music played throughout the gardens and patios, but everything still felt calm and peaceful. Guests would sit outside enjoying their drinks, looking over the lagoon and watching the sunset. We did that several evenings before taking the boat into San Marco for dinner.
9. The Grounds Are Filled With Gardens and Historic Courtyards
The grounds felt like they went on forever. There were gardens, courtyards, green lawns, and beautiful little seating areas everywhere we walked. Because the hotel has its own private island, it does not feel squeezed into a small piece of land like many city hotels. You can continue walking and exploring different parts of the property without ever feeling crowded.
10. The Rooms and Suites Are Unusually Spacious for Venice
European hotel rooms can be small, even when they are described as a “suite,” especially when you are traveling as a family of four. In some parts of Italy, including Portofino, we have had to book two rooms simply because we wanted enough space to feel comfortable. The rooms and suites at San Clemente Palace are very spacious. We stayed in one of their suites, and we had plenty of room for all four of us and all of our luggage without ever feeling crowded.
11. Many Rooms and Suites Have Beautiful Views
Depending on the room or suite you choose, you can have views of the gardens, historic courtyards, or the Venetian lagoon. Several of the suites and residences also have beautiful water views. The entire property feels open, calm, and surrounded by beauty. Waking up and looking outside never felt like we were staying in the middle of a crowded tourist city.
12. Murano Glass Details Are Used Throughout the Property
The beautiful Murano glass details were not limited to the bedrooms. We noticed gorgeous chandeliers and lighting in the entrance, hallways, rooms, suites, and throughout different parts of the hotel. Those details added such a beautiful Venetian touch without making the property feel too dark, heavy, or old-fashioned.
13. The Hotel Offers Large Private Residences
The hotel also offers several private residences, which would be incredible for a large family or a group of friends traveling together. We did not stay in one of the residences. We stayed in one of the hotel suites, which was already beautiful and spacious. However, the residences allow larger groups to stay together while still enjoying all the services and amenities of the hotel.
14. Some Residences Have Multiple Bedrooms
Some of the private accommodations have several bedrooms, which is pretty unusual and incredible for Venice. You could easily travel with extended family or a group of friends and still have plenty of private space. Because the hotel is spread across its own island, these accommodations feel more like large private homes within the resort than typical hotel rooms.
15. Some Accommodations Are Over 2,000 Square Feet
Some of the largest accommodations are close to 200 square meters, which is more than 2,000 square feet. That is an incredible amount of space for any hotel, especially one in Venice. They can include multiple bedrooms, several bathrooms, dressing rooms, kitchens, and large living areas. They almost feel like beautiful private homes located inside the hotel.
16. A Historic Herb Garden Supplies the Kitchen
One of the interesting little details about the island is its historic Mediterranean herb garden. The hotel’s chefs use freshly grown herbs in some of the food served at its restaurants. I love details like this because they make the food and the entire property feel more connected. You are not simply looking at beautiful gardens. Some of what grows there actually becomes part of the dining experience.
17. The Island’s History Goes Back Nearly 900 Years
One of the coolest things we learned while staying at the hotel was that the history of San Clemente Island goes all the way back to 1131. You can actually feel that history when you walk through the property. It is not a new resort that was simply designed to look historic. The island has been part of Venice’s story for almost 900 years.
18. A 12th-Century Church Still Stands on the Island
The beautiful historic church still stands right on the hotel grounds. We had seen it in photos before booking, but learning how old it was after we arrived made it so much more fascinating. It is incredible to think that you are walking past a church that has been standing on the island since the 12th century.
19. The Church Was Dedicated to Pope Clement I
While we were at the resort, we learned that the church and island were named after Pope Clement I, who is known as the patron saint of sailors. That history felt especially fitting because the entire property is surrounded by the Venetian lagoon, and everything about Venice is so closely connected to the water.
20. The Island Has Lived Through Many Different Eras
The island has had several completely different purposes throughout its long history. It has been connected to religious life, hospitality, and medical care before eventually becoming the luxury hotel it is today. Learning about all those different eras made the property so much more interesting. There is a much deeper story behind the beautiful rooms, gardens, and courtyards you see today.
21. The Heated Outdoor Pool Is Surrounded by the Lagoon and Gardens
The outdoor pool was absolutely beautiful and surrounded by so much open space. You could walk only a few steps away and see the lagoon all around you. There were shaded loungers, comfortable pool beds, and relaxing seating areas throughout the gardens. There were also hammocks where you could lie back and relax, especially later in the afternoon when everything became even quieter.
22. The Hotel Offers So Much for Families
There were bikes around the property that guests could simply pick up and ride around the resort. There was no complicated rental process. You could just get on one and go. The hotel also offers tennis, outdoor activities, a kids’ club and an open-air cinema. Honestly, there was so much to do that we could have enjoyed an entire day at the resort without going into San Marco. Of course, we were in Venice and wanted to explore, but the hotel itself made you want to stay and enjoy everything it offered.
23. There Are Tennis and Golf Practice Facilities
I definitely did not expect to find beautiful tennis courts and a golf practice area at a hotel in Venice. The tennis area was surrounded by greenery and felt private and peaceful. These are the kinds of amenities that make San Clemente Palace feel like a complete resort rather than simply a hotel where you sleep after sightseeing.
24. The Architecture Took Our Breath Away
The architecture, staircases, and hallways were honestly breathtaking. Every time we walked through the hotel, we noticed another beautiful detail. The grand staircase, high ceilings, historic hallways, and Venetian artwork made simply walking through the property feel like part of the experience. It truly felt like staying inside a palace.
25. Some Rooms Have Silk-Covered Walls
Some of the rooms and suites have silk wallcoverings, historic terrazzo floors, and beautiful traditional Venetian details. Those finishes made the rooms feel elegant and completely different from a typical modern hotel room. They still felt comfortable and welcoming, but they had so much character.
26. The Lagoon and Sunset Views Are Unreal
One of my favorite parts of our entire stay was being at the resort around sunset. The light would hit the lagoon, and everything looked absolutely unreal. There were evenings when I did not want to leave the hotel because the sunset was so beautiful. We would sit outside, enjoy a drink, and watch the sky over the water before taking the boat into San Marco for dinner.
27. There Are Several Dining Options on the Private Island
Even though you are staying on a private island, you do not have to take the boat into Venice every time you want something to eat. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, including fine dining, casual Italian food, breakfast, a sunset bar, and a pool bar. We especially loved having lunch at the pool bar while the girls were swimming. It made the afternoons so easy because we could enjoy lunch, drinks, and the pool without having to stop everything and leave the island.
28. Acquerello Was Such a Beautiful Dining Experience
Acquerello is the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, and we absolutely loved the food there. It was so nice to have a beautiful dinner experience without needing to leave the private island. One of our favorite ways to spend an evening was having drinks outside on the patio by the lagoon, watching the sunset and then enjoying a beautiful dinner. It felt special, but still relaxed enough that we could truly enjoy the evening.
29. Forbes Travel Guide Has Recommended the Hotel
San Clemente Palace has been featured and recommended by Forbes Travel Guide, which describes it as a peaceful and secluded escape in Venice. Forbes especially highlights the spacious rooms, beautiful Venetian details, lagoon views, and peaceful location away from the crowds. These were honestly some of the exact same things that made us fall in love with the hotel.
30. Condé Nast Traveler Has Recognized It as One of Venice’s Best Hotels
One of the first things that caught our attention during our research was seeing San Clemente Palace recognized in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. After experiencing the private island, incredible service, beautiful boat rides, spacious rooms, gardens, sunsets, and peaceful atmosphere ourselves, I truly understand why the hotel has received so much recognition. It is honestly one of a kind and gave us a completely different Venice experience from any stay we had before.
The Bottom Line
If you are planning a trip to Venice, I truly recommend putting San Clemente Palace Venice on your list. I’m so glad we found it while researching the most beautiful and unique hotels in Venice because it added such a different experience to our trip and became a big part of the memories we made there.
As much as we loved exploring San Marco, walking along the Grand Canal, shopping, eating, and enjoying the busy parts of Venice, we also loved coming back to the quiet of the resort. By the end of the day, even the girls would ask if we could go back to the hotel so they could swim, ride bikes around the island, and enjoy everything the property had to offer.
Out of the five days we spent in Venice, we ended up spending almost two full days simply relaxing at the resort. There was so much to enjoy that it would have felt like a shame not to slow down and experience the hotel itself.
San Clemente Palace Venice gave us the best of both worlds: the beauty and energy of Venice, along with the peaceful feeling of a private island retreat. It is one of those places that becomes part of the trip, not just somewhere you stay, and we would absolutely choose it again.
If you are planning a trip to Venice and looking for a unique place to stay, I hope this post was helpful and gave you a better idea of what our experience at San Clemente Palace Venice was really like. It was such a memorable part of our trip, and I’m so glad I could share it with you.
Love,
Sherry XOXO
