BAUER PALLADIO HOTEL & SPA, Venice

Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa - A 16th-century convent transformed into a lagoon-view retreat with spa and gardens on Giudecca Island

Set in a 16th-century convent designed by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, this 5-star Venice hotel occupies a privileged position on Giudecca Island. The Bauer Palladio features 50 rooms and suites in the main building, decorated with Rubelli fabrics and mahogany furniture, plus 29 Oriental-style accommodations in the Conventino annexe. The property houses a 4844 ft² spa with eight treatment rooms, a fitness center, and a relaxation area overlooking St. Mark's Square. L'Ulivo Restaurant serves daily buffet breakfast with garden views, while the Palladio Garden Bar and Restaurant offers outdoor dining and barbecue under the stars. The hotel maintains mature gardens with sun loungers, exposed brick walls, and vaulted ceilings. A complimentary shuttle boat service operates from 10:00 to 24:00 daily to sister property Bauer Il Palazzo in central Venice. The Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa sits 40 minutes from Marco Polo airport, 15 minutes from Santa Lucia train station, and 15 minutes from Piazzale Roma car terminal.

Pros

Historic architectural details preserved from the original 16th-century convent

Water-level windows in the spa's relaxation room provide unique lagoon views

Multiple outdoor spaces including gardens and sunny terraces for dining and relaxation

Located on the quiet Giudecca Island, away from tourist crowds

Cons

Distance from central Venice requires regular boat transfers

Limited restaurant options in the immediate Giudecca area