Hotel Flora
Tucked away on the elegant Calle Larga XXII Marzo, just minutes from St. Mark's Square, is Hotel Flora — a 17th-century gem that captures the peaceful spirit of Venice. Renowned for its subtle luxury, family-run warmth, and lush garden courtyard, this boutique hotel offers an intimate, tradition-rich experience brimming with charm.
For over half a century, Hotel Flora has been a haven for guests who seek authenticity, comfort, and closeness to the city's abundant past. Blending the warmth of a Venetian home with the refinement of a luxury residence, it is a rare balance between past and present.
Location and Surroundings
Hotel Flora is set in a privileged location in the San Marco district, placing guests in the heart of Venice's most prestigious area. It is perfectly positioned for exploring the city's historic and cultural attractions without being distant from the activity, yet having the advantage of a degree of tranquillity away from the crowds.
Local attractions:
Piazza San Marco – less than 5 minutes' walk.
Teatro La Fenice – within a short walking distance.
Rialto Bridge – approximately 10 minutes by foot.
Grand Canal – within a short walking distance from the hotel.
The vaporetto (water bus) stop of Santa Maria del Giglio offers easy access to the rest of Venice and the lagoon islands. Guests arriving by private water taxi can disembark close to the hotel, in comfort and convenience.
A Glimpse into History and Architecture
Built in the 1600s, Hotel Flora is situated in a structure that was originally owned by Venetian nobility. The hotel maintains its original architecture while adding subtle modern conveniences. Its façade blends unobtrusively with the surrounding palazzi, but within its modest entrance lies an oasis of calm and understated luxury.
Within, the decor is a mix of Venetian tradition and restrained luxury. Terracotta floors, wooden antique furnishings, and muted golden lighting summon an ambiance of classic elegance. The pièce de résistance, however, is the hotel's private garden courtyard — a true haven in the heart of Venice where guests can take breakfast beneath flowering trellises or relax with a glass of wine following a day of sightseeing.
Rooms and Accommodation
Hotel Flora boasts 40 beautifully decorated rooms, each individually designed to evoke the spirit and charm of Venice's glorious past.
The rooms are as follows:
Classic Rooms: Cozy rooms with antique furniture and soft fabrics, ideal for shorter stays.
Superior Rooms: Spacious and elegant, combining traditional décor with modern amenities.
Junior Suites: Chic rooms with separate sitting areas, ideal for longer stays or honeymoons.
Family Suites: Large and cozy, with multiple beds and facing the inner courtyard.
Each room is equipped with:
Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
Flat-screen TV and minibar
Private bathroom with quality toiletries
Writing desk and wardrobe
Room service and housekeeping daily
Every room is warmly personal, with antique furnishings, damask on the walls, and handmade details that create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Most look out onto the courtyard garden, a peaceful antidote to the bustle of nearby St. Mark's Square.
Breakfast and the Garden Experience
One of the signature touches of Hotel Flora is its verdant courtyard garden, a delightful retreat that transports guests to another world. Enclosed by ivy-clad walls and flowering plants, this hidden paradise is where guests gather every morning for breakfast — a ritual that speaks volumes about the hotel's commitment to quality and simplicity.
Breakfast is a buffet or à la carte spread of fresh pastry, seasonal fruit, artisan cheeses, and traditional Italian coffee. The tolling of church bells and the scent of blossoms combine to create an ambience that is quintessentially Venetian.
By day, the garden is also a lounge where guests can enjoy Prosecco, light snacks, or quiet reading under the shade of lemon trees. This little secret place has been a popular choice among artists, writers, and guests seeking inspiration in Venice's quiet moments.
Services and Amenities
Hotel Flora's strong point is its dedication to personalized service, the hallmark of its decades-long Romanelli family ownership. The staff members are known for being friendly, professional, and genuinely concerned about guests' welfare.
Hotel amenities:
24-hour reception and concierge services
Room service and daily housekeeping
Laundry and ironing services
Luggage storage
Free Wi-Fi access throughout the establishment
Lounge and bar area for light refreshments
The concierge is also pleased to assist with restaurant reservations, private gondola tours, and tickets to special events to enable guests to experience Venice in authenticity and comfort.
Ambiance and Guest Experience
Hotel Flora is one of Venice's most beloved boutique hotels, not because of luxury, but because of its authentic Venetian soul. Guests describe it as romantic, peaceful, and deeply personal, with many visiting every year.
Whether on business or holiday, guests appreciate the sense of tranquility that permeates the property. Evenings in the courtyard, softly lit with a glass of fine Italian wine, are what make Venice so enchanting.
The hotel's philosophy — "hospitality as an art form" — makes each guest a part of its living history.
Conclusion
Hotel Flora is more than a place to stay but an experience of Venetian living itself. With its rich history, green garden, and thoughtful service, it is a timeless retreat in the middle of Venice's splendor.
For travelers who want sophistication without pretension, closeness to St. Mark's Square, and an atmosphere of romance, Hotel Flora remains an ageless emblem of Venetian hospitality — one that still flowers beautifu
