Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Welcome to the Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor travel blog, featuring expert travel tips, destination guides, cruise advice, airfare strategies, packing suggestions, and first-hand insights from more than 17 years of planning small group tours.

Since 2009, we have helped solo travelers, couples, and friends enjoy adults-only small group tours and luxury river cruises with quality hotels, expert local guides, thoughtful pacing, and personal service.

Explore articles on Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Peru, Newfoundland, Paris, Normandy, Santa Fe, Canada, Italy, and AmaWaterways river cruises — then view our current Small Group Tours and River Cruises.

15Sep

3 Family Owned Hotels in Venice

The Traveling Professor’s Top 3 Venice Hotels for Small Group Tours

When visiting Venice, finding the perfect hotel can make all the difference in your Italian experience. On The Traveling Professor’s small group tours to Italy, we’ve stayed in several exceptional hotels, each offering a unique blend of Venetian charm, comfort, and convenience. Here are three of our top Venice hotel picks, trusted by travelers seeking both elegance and authenticity.

1. Hotel al Piave: Classic Venetian Elegance Near St. Mark’s Square

Hotel al Piave is a family-run gem located just a short stroll from the bustling heart of Venice—St. Mark’s Square. This peaceful retreat offers guests a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. With fewer than 30 rooms, it maintains an intimate, elegant vibe featuring classic marble floors, winding staircases, heavy drapery, and full-sized bathrooms.

The gracious hospitality of Ilaria and her family ensures every guest feels right at home. Larger-than-average rooms and proximity to excellent local restaurants make Hotel al Piave a favorite choice for small group tours seeking an authentic Venetian experience.

2. Hotel Flora: Venetian Charm with a Historic Courtyard

Situated on the opposite side of St. Mark’s Square, Hotel Flora is another beloved family-owned hotel. This classic Venetian property is known for its cozy atmosphere and beautiful courtyard with a soothing fountain. While the courtyard offers a charming spot to relax, rooms adjacent to it can be lively with the chatter of fellow travelers, so select your room accordingly.

Inside, the breakfast room transports guests back to old Venice, adorned with low ceilings, classic paintings, and heavy drapery. Hotel Flora has been a preferred stay for The Traveling Professor’s groups, combining historic ambiance with modern comfort.

3. Hotel American Dinesen: Canal-Side Convenience in Dorsoduro

For travelers who prefer a quieter location with easy access to Venice’s waterways, Hotel American Dinesen is the top pick. Located in the vibrant Dorsoduro district, this hotel offers canal-side accommodations with easy water taxi access, allowing seamless transportation to major attractions without the crowds of St. Mark’s Square.  This is the hotel we stay at most frequently on our small group tours to Italy

While the rooms tend to be on the smaller side, their tasteful décor and prime location make up for it. This hotel provides the perfect balance of tranquility and proximity to Venice’s iconic sites, making it ideal for small group tours.

Why Choose These Hotels on Your Venice Trip?

Each of these family-run hotels offers a unique experience that combines classic Venetian style with personalized service. Whether you want to be steps away from St. Mark’s Square or prefer a quieter canal-side retreat, these hotels provide the comfort and convenience that The Traveling Professor’s guests appreciate.

Next time you consider a trip to Italy, why not travel with The Traveling Professor?  We travel in small groups, use top hotels, and have smartly planned itineraries. 

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Who Writes the Small Group Tour Blog?

Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.

Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.

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