Hotel Bauer Palazzo stands as a historic icon in the heart of Venice, originally founded in 1880. Its main building, which overlooks the Grand Canal, was famously redesigned between 1900 and 1902 by architect Giovanni Sardi. The structure is a masterpiece of eclectic neo-Gothic style, incorporating rare architectural fragments from a 15th-century Arabo-Byzantine building that once occupied the site.
The property is currently undergoing a massive, multi-year transformation led by architect Alberto Torsello and BAR Studio. When it reopens as the Rosewood Hotel Bauer, it will marry its rich heritage with modern sustainability, aiming for high-level environmental certifications. A highlight of its design is the rooftop, which features a traditional Venetian altana—a wooden terrace—offering arguably the most spectacular panoramic views of the city skyline.
This hotel has always been a cultural landmark, famous for its seventh-floor terrace, the Settimo Cielo, which historically provided the highest breakfast spot in the city. Over the decades, it has been a favorite for socialites and travelers alike, blending old-world Venetian grandeur with a touch of mid-century modernist flair added during post-war expansions.
Its location is unbeatable for those exploring Venice’s treasures. Just steps away from the bustling Piazza San Marco and the historic Basilica, guests are also within an easy walk of the iconic Teatro La Fenice and the charming galleries of the San Marco district. Whether wandering the nearby canals or visiting the Doge’s Palace, the hotel serves as the ultimate gateway to the city’s timeless beauty.
Expert reviews
“The Bauer used to be two hotels, joined by a communal lobby: the 1940s brutalist Bauer L’Hotel, and the more classical 18th-century Il Palazzo, right on the Grand Canal. 2017 saw them come together to form a single property — and with 200 rooms at its disposal, it’s a winning combination.”
What guests liked
- Grand canal
- Breakfast buffet
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Sauna (additional charge)
- - Fitness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi (additional charge)
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Terrace
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Miscellaneous
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers

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