San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice
A luxurious 5-star resort on its own private island, offering a serene escape just minutes from Venice's bustling heart.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A luxurious 5-star resort on its own private island, offering a serene escape just minutes from Venice's bustling heart.
"The most magical hotel in Venice, offering a pink palace on its own private island."
🚢 Seamless Boat Transfers
Hotel boats to St. Mark's run frequently, making city access easy. They are rarely crowded, ensuring a smooth journey.
🌿 Explore the Gardens
The island's expansive gardens are perfect for peaceful walks, cycling, or simply relaxing with a book.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Private Island Serenity
The entire island
Escape the Venice crowds on this tranquil private island, offering lush gardens and peaceful courtyards.
Palatial Accommodations
Guest rooms and suites
Experience regal living in spacious rooms within a beautifully restored monastery, adorned with Murano chandeliers.
15th-Century Church
San Clemente Church
Explore a historic 15th-century church on the island, blending Renaissance art with contemporary installations.
Outdoor Pool Oasis
Pool area
Relax and unwind by the expansive outdoor pool, surrounded by ancient walls and serene lagoon views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Island Escape
Book in Advance for Peak Season
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚢 Seamless Boat Transfers
Hotel boats to St. Mark's run frequently, making city access easy. They are rarely crowded, ensuring a smooth journey. +1
🌿 Explore the Gardens
The island's expansive gardens are perfect for peaceful walks, cycling, or simply relaxing with a book. +1
🍽️ Plan Dining Ahead
While the on-site restaurant is excellent, bar service can be slow. Consider booking dinner reservations in advance.
✈️ Airport Transfer Tips
Getting from the airport involves a taxi or Alilaguna ferry followed by the hotel shuttle. Factor in travel time.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Seamless Boat Transfers
Hotel boats to St. Mark's run frequently, making city access easy. They are rarely crowded, ensuring a smooth journey. +1
🌿 Explore the Gardens
The island's expansive gardens are perfect for peaceful walks, cycling, or simply relaxing with a book. +1
🍽️ Plan Dining Ahead
While the on-site restaurant is excellent, bar service can be slow. Consider booking dinner reservations in advance.
✈️ Airport Transfer Tips
Getting from the airport involves a taxi or Alilaguna ferry followed by the hotel shuttle. Factor in travel time.
✨ Embrace the Luxury
This hotel offers a unique blend of luxury, privacy, and historical charm. Enjoy the serene escape. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests rave about the San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice for its stunning private island setting, offering a peaceful escape from Venice's crowds. The blend of historic architecture and modern luxury, coupled with exceptional service, creates a truly memorable experience. While dining at the bar can be slow, the overall ambiance and amenities make it a highly recommended destination.
"Great place to combine luxury, relax, Venice and utmost high hospitality standards. Gardens just by themselves provide a sense of wellbeing that can’t be found anywhere else in Venice.The lush, expansive gardens are simply unmatched, as are the activities on offer – from cycling around the island and reading while watching the sunset, to playing tennis or taking peaceful walks. It’s an experience that’s almost impossible to find anywhere else in Venice.
The rooms were spacious, and as the hotel has been recently refurbished, everything is in perfect condition. The main building feels like a palace, with its wide corridors and magnificent staircases adorned with Murano chandeliers, giving the impression of residing in a royal residence. The staff were genuinely warm and welcoming, and the breakfast was delicious – plentiful without being wasteful, striking exactly the right balance in every respect.
As the hotel is only a few years past its inauguration, it still feels as though certain aspects could be further refined. If you’re hungry and not especially patient, I would advise against dining at the bar. We tried on three occasions, and the shortest waiting time from order to service was forty-five minutes – once exceeding an hour – far too long for a simple club sandwich.
In addition, special requests don’t always seem to be properly noted. I asked for fresh milk to be kept in the minibar throughout my stay; it was only provided on the first day and again on the day I reminded them. On the remaining days, there was none. A minor detail, perhaps, but one that feels out of place in a hotel of such otherwise impeccable standards."
David Calvet
"An amazing stay. The entire staff was very intentional about making sure we had a great experience. Concierge was extremely knowledgeable (especially Marco), made great recommendations, and helped us out whenever they could. The daily breakfast is wonderful. The restaurant was good, if a bit overpriced for how good the food was. The shuttle can take you to San Marco or back every 40 minutes, so there are ample opportunities to get to Venice throughout the day (though it would be helpful to have a shuttle that ran earlier).
If you want to escape the crowds, the island itself is very nice and has a great space to walk. The church on the island is a neat piece of history that I wish were better-preserved. Right now it's essentially a modern-art exhibit, which feels a bit sacrilegious given the content of some of the art. But the rest of the island and its gardens are a great space to walk, rest, and relax.
It is difficult to get there from the airport. You can either pay 190+ Euro for a taxi from the airport (30 minutes) or take the 16 Euro ticket from the airport to San Marco on Alilaguna (1 hour ride) and then take the soonest San Clemente shuttle. Either way, it's a bit of a haul that you should prepare for ahead of time."
Mac Caldwell
"Dear San Clemente Palace Team,
thank you for the amazing time we had at your hotel. It was absolutely perfect. A stunning property, excellent quality and the most friendly team.
We enjoyed every second here and everyone contributed to make this vacation even more special. Starting from the planning of my engagement proposal, to the organisation of it or the arrangements of transfer and much more - everything was perfect. It will be a vacation which we will always remember and we will gladly come back to this outstanding hotel.
The breakfast was delicious and we liked the variety and especially the relaxed atmosphere with classical music. Just one thing, I would have preferred: a proper Italian espresso from a portafilter machine instead of an automatic machine. The whole hotel displays a vibe of traditional elegance (smell, music, art and decoration) and we loved everything about it. A heartfelt thank you to all team members for being exceptionally friendly.
Special thanks and compliments to Lisa from Guest Relations, Marika from Reception, Michael as Head Concierge and Roberto from Greeting Team all of you you made our stay one of the best we had so far!
Best regards and see you soon
Maximilian & Olga"
Maximilian Wagner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reaching San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice from the airport requires a bit of planning. You can opt for a private taxi, which is the most direct but expensive option (around 190+ Euro for a 30-minute ride). Alternatively, take the Alilaguna water bus from the airport to San Marco (about 1 hour, 16 Euro) and then catch the hotel's shuttle boat.
The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle boat service that connects San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice to St. Mark's Square. This service runs frequently, typically every 40 minutes, offering convenient access to the heart of Venice. +1
Yes, the hotel's shuttle service makes it very easy to access Venice's main attractions. Once you're in St. Mark's Square, you can easily explore the city on foot or by Vaporetto (water bus).
While the hotel is on a private island, you can reach it via public transport by taking the Alilaguna water bus to San Marco and then boarding the hotel's shuttle. Direct public transport to the island itself is not available.
The hotel is generally accessible, but due to its historic nature and island location, some areas might present challenges. It's advisable to contact the hotel directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice is a hotel, so you do not need tickets to enter if you are a guest. Day passes or access for non-guests are not typically offered, as it is a private resort.
Standard check-in time is usually from 3:00 PM, and check-out is by 12:00 PM. It's always best to confirm these times directly with the hotel when booking.
There are no entrance fees for the island of San Clemente if you are a guest of the hotel. The island is exclusively accessible to hotel patrons and their guests. +1
The San Clemente Church is part of the hotel complex and primarily accessible to guests. While it's a historic site, access for non-guests may be limited or require special arrangements.
You can book your stay directly through the official Kempinski website, or through reputable online travel agencies. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hotel offers a wide range of activities, including cycling around the island, playing tennis, enjoying the outdoor pool, and relaxing at the spa. The expansive gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls. +1
Yes, San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice features a beautiful large outdoor swimming pool, offering a refreshing escape amidst the island's serene environment. +1
The hotel offers a peaceful and luxurious atmosphere, providing a serene escape from the bustling city. It's known for its privacy, spaciousness, and traditional elegance. +1
The island is home to a 15th-century church, San Clemente Church, which features a blend of Renaissance art and contemporary installations. The hotel itself is housed in beautifully restored monastery buildings. +1
Yes, the hotel has a Kid's Club and offers plenty of space for children to explore, making it a good option for families seeking a luxurious and engaging stay.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hotel boasts three chic restaurants, offering a variety of culinary experiences. Guests can enjoy award-winning dining, with options ranging from fine dining to more casual bar service.
Breakfast is typically included for guests and is described as delicious and plentiful, with a relaxed atmosphere.
While specific menus aren't detailed, luxury hotels like this usually cater to various dietary needs. It's recommended to inform the hotel of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Some reviews suggest that while the food is good, the on-site restaurant can be a bit overpriced. However, the quality and ambiance are generally well-regarded.
Some guests have noted that bar service can be slow, with waiting times for simple orders sometimes exceeding an hour. It might be advisable to book dinner reservations in advance.
📸 📸 Photography
The hotel's pink facade, the sprawling gardens, the palatial interiors with Murano chandeliers, and the views over the lagoon are all incredibly photogenic. The historic church also offers unique photographic opportunities. +2
Yes, from the hotel's island location, you can capture beautiful shots of the Venetian lagoon, especially during sunrise and sunset, offering a different perspective than from within the city.
Generally, personal photography for memories is allowed. However, professional photoshoots or commercial use might require prior permission from the hotel management.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most magical light for photography, enhancing the hotel's colors and the surrounding lagoon.
The hotel features a blend of Renaissance artworks and contemporary installations. Photography of these pieces is generally permitted for personal use, but always be mindful of any specific signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The hotel features a dedicated Kid's Club, ensuring younger guests are entertained. The large outdoor pool is also a major hit with families. The complimentary boat service to St. Mark's Square makes it easy to access the main attractions of Venice for day trips, while the island provides a peaceful haven to return to.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
The hotel's blend of historic grandeur and modern luxury creates a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere. The spacious rooms, beautiful grounds, and attentive service all contribute to a memorable romantic experience. It's the perfect place to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy quality time together in a breathtaking setting.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Venice
However, it's important to note that the hotel's primary purpose is accommodation. Access for non-guests for casual visits might be limited. If you're keen on experiencing the island's ambiance without staying overnight, inquire directly with the hotel about potential day packages or dining reservations that include boat transfers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Private Island Advantage
This unique setting means that while you are just minutes away from St. Mark's Square via the hotel's complimentary boat service, you can retreat to an oasis of calm at the end of the day. This balance between accessibility and serenity is a major draw for those seeking a more relaxed Venetian experience. The island itself is a destination, offering opportunities for leisurely walks, cycling, and enjoying the lagoon views without the constant throng of tourists.
Travelers often highlight this aspect as a key reason for choosing San Clemente. It provides a luxurious escape where the sounds of nature and the gentle lapping of water replace the usual city noise. The privacy afforded by the island setting enhances the overall feeling of exclusivity and relaxation, making it a perfect choice for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat.
A Blend of History and Modern Luxury
This historical charm is seamlessly integrated with modern luxury. The hotel boasts contemporary art installations that complement the Renaissance artworks, creating a unique aesthetic. Rooms are spacious and recently refurbished, ensuring all modern comforts are met. The blend of old-world grandeur and contemporary elegance creates an atmosphere that feels both timeless and sophisticated.
Guests often praise the hotel's tasteful design and the care taken in its renovation. The landscaping, lighting, and intricate design details all contribute to an elegant and inviting ambiance. This thoughtful approach ensures that while guests are experiencing a piece of Venetian history, they are also enjoying the highest standards of comfort and luxury.
Service and Guest Experience
Standout mentions often go to specific staff members who contribute to making guests feel welcomed and valued. The concierge team, in particular, is praised for their expertise in making recommendations and effortlessly arranging outings and reservations. This personalized attention to detail significantly enhances the guest experience.
While the overall service is highly rated, a few guests have noted minor areas for improvement, such as occasional delays in bar service or inconsistencies with special requests like minibar stocking. However, these are generally seen as minor points in an otherwise impeccable service record, with the majority of reviews highlighting the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction.
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