Renovated
2016
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
Monastic island retreat
Arrive by private wooden launch onto a tranquil lagoon sanctuary of fifteenth-century cloisters, ancient parkland, and serene waterfront lawns.
“The luxe rooms — bedecked with terrazzo floors, rich fabrics and drapes, and the ever-present Murano glass chandeliers — are all plush.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
A former twelfth-century monastery and pilgrim hospice preserving an original Romanesque church and historic cloisters.
Remarkable
Fifteen acres of private island parkland with a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, and pitch-and-putt golf.
Notable
Private wooden boat transfers from Piazza San Marco, personalized dock arrivals, and spacious high-ceilinged suites.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
No bridge or public ferry connects San Clemente to the city; every arrival comes by boat.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The hotel's private shuttle crosses the lagoon in ten minutes, dropping you beside Piazza San Marco and the shaded benches of Giardini Reali.
The rooms
High ceilings, Venetian terrazzo floors, and Murano glass chandeliers frame generous living spaces with light-flooded marble bathrooms and quiet lagoon views.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa, pool, and tennis
The Longevity Spa includes cryotherapy and saunas, and a heated outdoor pool sits alongside the garden tennis courts.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Breakfast is served beneath Murano glass chandeliers, and waterfront tables look across the lagoon toward the Venice skyline.
The grounds themselves make this place appealing. Venice is so beautiful but so so crowded, it's nice to start and end your day somewhere you can breathe.
How it began
First settled in 1131 as a pilgrim hospice and monastery, the private island preserves its original twelfth-century Romanesque church and peaceful cloistered courtyards.
“consider the glamorous Belmond Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca Island or San Clemente Palace Kempinski, which occupies its own private island.”
Good to know
Stay here
San Clemente Palace Venice
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Venice
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.