Venice's 13 Most Affordable Stays For A Dreamy Italian Getaway That Won't Break The Bank

Picture Venice, and you might conjure images of grand palazzos, gondolas gliding beneath arched bridges, and luxurious suites with marble bathrooms. Now, what if you could capture that dreamy Venetian spirit without emptying your bank account? It can be done. There are definitely stays that feel authentic and comfortable while keeping their Italian charm (and your budget) fully intact.

From chic hostels in restored convents to boutique hotels hidden in quiet corners of the city, Venice has something for every sort of traveler. Each one is also utterly unique, including the neighborhood they're in, the décor, and just the vibes they exude. To have a benchmark for your own stay, each of our recommendations details why past guests like each spot and an approximate average nightly rate for two adults (or for a private room).

We have compiled some beautiful places in quieter "sestieri" (the Italian word for neighborhoods or boroughs), some near major sights, and others that are practically everywhere in between — all selected because they strike a smart balance between creature comforts and astounding value. Grab your travel journal and maybe an Aperol spritz. Luxurious mornings by a Venetian canal await you.

Combo Venezia is nestled in the lively Cannaregio district. Housed in a beautifully restored convent, the Ex Convento dei Crociferi, this stay's atmosphere is full of energy and real historical intrigue. With a leafy courtyard and a terrace overlooking a quiet canal, it strikes that rare balance of design and location. Walking in, the combination of old stone arches with contemporary furnishings is the ideal setting if you like style without too many frills. There are shared dorms, private rooms, and apartments, so whether you're flying solo, with friends, or as a pair, there are options for everyone.

Rooms start at around $115 per night (depending on season and availability) and include modern amenities like en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. The restaurant inside is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and the neighborhood of Cannaregio gives you an authentic taste of local Venetian life. Think cafés, artisan shops, and way fewer crowds of tourists. For a place that's walking distance from the Rialto Bridge and the Mercato del Pesce, Combo Venezia is a smart deal.

One important note: If you're looking for total silence at night, you might want to ask for a quieter room or one a little further from the common areas because this place is a very social stay.

If your dream of Venice includes brocade curtains, Murano glass chandeliers, and maybe a touch of aristocratic flair — but you'd rather not pay aristocratic rates — Hotel Antico Doge is a must. Located near the Rialto Bridge in the Cannaregio sestiere (an underrated part of Venice that even Rick Steves recommends), this former noble residence exudes historic charm. This is your spot if you want to feel like you're staying in a real Venetian palace. The guest rooms retain period details, such as gilded headboards and ornate mirrors, while still offering modern comforts like air conditioning and Wi-Fi. One of the big perks is that you're right in the heart of town. From here, you can stroll to the Rialto market in the morning, wander the Grand Canal at sunset, and still fall into bed without a long commute to and from the sights.

In terms of cost, you're looking at around $140 per night for a double room. It's an excellent choice if you want something elevated but still within reach, great for couples on a romantic getaway, or travelers who simply love older architecture and elegance without paying five-star prices. Rooms may not be huge (which is typical for historic buildings), and if you want a canal view, you'll want to check carefully. But if you value ambiance over size, this place ticks all the boxes.

Generator Venice on Giudecca Island is a somewhat more playful option. While it's technically across the water from the main island, that's part of the adventure. A short vaporetto ride across the Giudecca Canal will land you in the heart of Venice. The building itself is a converted 19th-century warehouse (formerly for storing grain) with high ceilings, exposed brick, and industrial-chic touches. 

Options range from dorms for backpackers or groups to private rooms with en suite bathrooms. The vibe is very social with common spaces, a bar, and lounge areas, including a terrace with a canal view where travelers can linger and relax. Rates start around $70 per night for private rooms (dorms are much cheaper at $6 to $15 per bed), depending on the season. If you don't mind being a removed from the most tourist-packed streets and you're comfortable with regularly taking the water bus as part of your Venice experience, you couldn't pick a better spot. Bonus points if you're traveling with friends or prefer a more dynamic hotel-hostel hybrid.

Ca' San Polo is a charming, centrally-located hotel tucked in the San Polo sestiere, one of Venice's oldest and most lively neighborhoods. A short stroll from the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, the feel of this place is warm and personal. It feels a lot more like staying in a real Venetian home rather than a hotel. Guests wake up to breakfast served at a leisurely pace, stay in comfortable, well-appointed rooms, and walk the winding alleys of Venice with locals. For many travelers, that's the sweet spot. A great location with a friendly feel and excellent value, with rooms falling in the $90 to $100 per night range.

If you want to be in the heart of Venice but don't want to be in the loudest, flashiest area, Ca' San Polo is especially good for couples or small families who appreciate warmth and who are okay with something more comfortable rather than extravagant. This place is also ideal if you want your mornings to start simply. You can easily find an espresso and fresh pastries from a nearby bakery, or wander into a quieter campo before the worst Venice crowds build around mid-day. 

A small inn tucked just off Campo Santo Stefano with flower-lined balconies and canal-adjacent rooms, Locanda Fiorita is not flashy, but it has plenty of character to make up for any lack of luxury. The rooms are modern but cozy, and the location is as picturesque as it gets. Prices start around $60 per night for a single room with a shared bathroom and $80 to $100 for a double room with a private bathroom. For that price, the stay is distinctly Venetian. 

The décor is traditional and elegant, with cool tones in the rooms and warmer red stone and wrought iron throughout the common areas. This is a spot where thoughtful touches are clear throughout your stay. The surrounding neighborhood of San Marco is full of places to shop and eat, and travelers can easily wander to the nearby Campo Santo Stefano or Doge's Palace in the Piazza San Marco. It's less about clubs or big amenities, more about authenticity and vibes. If your priority is feeling like you're "living" Venice for a few nights rather than "just visiting," Locanda Fiorita is a winner.

For travelers who are keen to invest more in out-and-about experiences than staying in plush rooms, Ostello S. Fosca (aka Ostella Santa Fosca) is one of those gems. Housed in a former convent, it offers shared dorms and some private rooms in the heart of Cannaregio. The ambiance is more about comfort and location. Beds in shared rooms can drop into the $35 per night range. For a private room, the nightly cost is a little more (usually around $80 to $90). For a hotspot like Venice, that's incredibly budget-friendly considering you'll also have central access to canals, squares, and vaporetto stops — all within walking distance of major sights. To keep costs on the lower side, budget travelers can avoid pricey gondolas and get around via a Venetian traghetto instead.

Communal lounges and gardens make this an ideal retreat for backpackers, solo travelers, or anyone who cares about seeing more of the city than the hotel. As long as you're in Venice and you're spending more on exploring cafés, vaporetto rides, hidden alleys, and local eats. It's the kind of base where you sleep well, hang out in common areas, and then head out and explore. If you're fine with keeping your accommodation modest so you can do more of the city, Ostello S. Fosca will likely hit the mark.

Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo sits in a restored, 18th-century Venetian palazzo near the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. This is where guests can experience elegance without the extreme price tag. You'll find refined décor, vintage touches, a peaceful inner courtyard breakfast set-up, and service that feels personal and attentive. Average nightly rates hover around $150 per night for a double room. For that, guests can expect boutique-level comfort, including a location that places you near major canals and sights without being in the busiest tourist belt.

This stay is excellent if you want to give yourself something a little special on your Venice trip but don't want to blow your whole budget. Couples looking to upgrade from hostel vibes or solo travelers who want privacy and comfort can appreciate the restored palazzo setting and the boutique service. You won't get massive resort-level amenities like a spa, but you're trading quantity for character. If you value atmosphere and being tucked into Venice rather than staying in a chain hotel in a tourist corridor, this little gem is well worth considering.

Step into Dorsoduro, a neighborhood with a bit more calm and culture than many others, one that has immediate canal access and plenty to walk around and explore. Here resides Palazzo Guardi, a hotel named after the Venetian painter Francesco Guardi, and it reflects that artistic legacy in its atmosphere. Dorsoduro has far more galleries, canals, artisan shops, and quiet squares than bustling tourist spots.

The rooms are tastefully cozy but make up for their smaller size with an abundance of character. Some offer canal views, others overlook charming alleys. The average nightly rate sits at around $105 per night for a double. It's perfect for couples or solo travelers who prioritize location and Venice's blossoming art scene. Palazzo Guardi is within walking distance of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which is an absolute must for art lovers of every level. 

This one's a smart mix of comfort and practicality. Hotel Ca' d'Oro is tucked into the Cannaregio district near the Rialto Bridge, yet on a quieter alley where you're less likely to hear tourists until you choose to step into a crowd. Inside, you'll find classic hotel furnishings like marble floors, comfortable beds, and friendly staff — but the rooftop terrace is the major standout. There, guests can eat breakfast and take in the city views before they start their day exploring Venice. Keep in mind that you won't have the spa, the ultra-luxe finishes, or even the ultra-spacious rooms of top-tier hotels, but you'll be comfortable, well placed, and won't pay premium rates.

Rates generally start at around $110 per night for a double room, depending on the season and the view from your room. This stay is ideal for travelers who want hotel-style comfort, like a daily breakfast buffet and a concierge ready to direct you to popular spots in Venice, but at a better rate than luxury alternatives. Here, you get something that feels polished without adding too much to your budget. This is an especially good stay for couples, small families, or solo travelers who want a convenient location and comfort.

Now, if you're leaning more into romance and ambience than wide-eyed adventure, Ai Due Fanali might just be your best option for a Venice hideaway. Located beside a quiet canal near Santa Lucia Station, it offers the convenience of access without the noise of a major tourist drag. The location is a bonus if you're arriving in the city by train or planning to take day trips around Veneto (the region where Venice is located), and the canal-side quiet means you're more likely to sleep well since you're tucked away from the foot traffic of the street. 

Inside, you'll find exposed beams, soft lighting, intimate décor, and a breakfast terrace overlooking rooftops. Rooms start at around $120 per night for two, which puts it firmly in the affordable boutique category of stays in Venice. But what makes it stand out is the atmosphere. It's not super flashy, but it has personality. It has a great location for tourists, but you'll wake up feeling like a local. Think elevated comfort with intimacy and charm without heavy costs.

Hotel Tiziano is nestled in a 15th-century building in Dorsoduro. This is the kind of place that makes you pause and realize just how ancient this city is. The neighborhood is quieter than the main tourist zones, which means evenings are calm, the morning wake-up is gentle, and you can still walk to major sights without being directly in the chaos.

Rates often sit around $120 to $160 per night for a double room, but can drop as low as $80, depending on the season and the day. For that, you're getting something that feels local, historic, and comfortable. The rooms are modestly stylish, and guests are within walking distance to notable museums and galleries, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Gallerie dell'Accademia, as well as canal-side cafés. Solo travelers or couples who want to actually feel like they're a part of Venice will appreciate the vibe.

Because it's in an older building, some rooms or facilities might be more Old World charm than uniform luxury, but that's also what gives Hotel Tiziano character. If you're not seeking five-star glitz and you prefer something that feels lived-in and local, this is your stay.

Right in the heart of Venice, near St. Mark's Square, you'll find Ca' del Nobile, a boutique stay that gives you elegance without extravagance. Think exposed beams, warm furnishings, and cream-colored walls — all at a more manageable price than the nearby luxury stays. All of this is just a short walk away from such sights as St. Mark's Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco), the tallest structure in Venice that offers stunning views of the city, and Caffé Florian, the oldest cafe in Italy. 

Nightly rates can go as low as $100 per night when you book early or during the off-season from October to January. It's a great option for travelers who want to splurge a little to be near St. Mark's, but still want to do it on a budget. Being part of the action but returning to a calm, elegant base is the real draw of Ca' del Nobile. It's a great pick for celebrating special occasions or simply if you decide to treat yourself. The boutique size means service is personable and the atmosphere is intimate. Rooms may be smaller than large resort hotels, but for the price and the location, you're still getting excellent value.

Here's one hotel where the name might make a traveler brace for a high cost, but it often surprises guests with its accessible rates. As one might assume, Hotel Canal Grande sits right on the Grand Canal with rooms that feel luxurious (think balconies, damask wallpaper, stunning views), but wisely-timed bookings mean you don't have to pay luxury rates. In the right season, a savvy traveler can snag a room for as low as $160 per night for two. Considering the hotel's location on the busiest canal in Venice, this is quite the win. A strong sense of style, breakfast with a view, and maybe a balcony drink watching gondolas pass below are all within reach. If you want to splurge a bit while still controlling your spending, this is the kind of hotel you might pick.

Hotel Canal Grande is great for travelers who have a little budget flexibility, want a few luxury touches, but are still looking for value. Couples on a romantic trip to Venice or those who want a beautiful base for part of their Italian adventure will be especially happy here. Be sure to book early, check for a view or a non-view room (which can make a big difference in price), and recognize that this is a higher tier of budget-smart options in the city. Since the room rate will vary by the season, your timing matters here. If you hit it right, you'll enjoy something very memorable without paying five-star prices.

We selected these thirteen stays in Venice with one guiding principle: value with character. First, we insisted that each property be situated within or very close to the historic island core of Venice so that travelers are truly immersed in the city instead of commuting from afar. Second, we aimed for nightly rates that are significantly below the luxury tier of $300 per night. Third, we looked for guest review evidence of quality that makes particular note of service, cleanliness, location, and ambience. Fourth, we made sure there was diversity in terms of what kind of stay was available. Hostels with designer touches, family-run hotels, boutique palazzos, traditional hotels, and bed and breakfast apartment rentals were all included so that different travel styles and budgets were covered.

All of the above are places where guests can stay, relax, explore, and enjoy the essence of Venice. Walking through winding alleys, sipping spritzes by the water, hearing church bells at dawn, all without any buyer's remorse. Use this list to pick a stay that fits your travel style and your budget. Then, go explore the canals, get beautifully lost, and enjoy Venice on your terms.