Hotel Metropole stands on the Riva degli Schiavoni in Castello, the lagoon-front promenade east of the Doge's Palace, and places it a five to ten minute walk from St Mark's Square. The property describes 67 individually furnished rooms, with sixteen room types ranging from classic rooms and deluxe doubles to junior suites, lagoon-view terrace suites and exclusive suites on a side canal. Dining is a strength: Met Restaurant is described by the hotel as Michelin-starred, serving Venetian specialities with a creative touch from its chef, and the Oriental Bar and Bistrot offers a relaxed retro setting for lunch and dinner. The Citrus Garden courtyard has outdoor dining in season, a rarity in the historic centre. The Metropole Spa offers facials, aromatherapy and body treatments, and a heated pool and hammam for exclusive two-person sessions. A private water taxi landing at the property makes arrivals easy, and the hotel lists a round-trip airport shuttle for a surcharge, as well as free WiFi, air conditioning, bathrobes, in-room dining, a bar and a twenty-four-hour front desk.
Location
The Riva is busy in the middle of the day with walkers heading to and from St Mark's, and quiet in the early morning and late evening, when the lagoon light is at its best. The San Zaccaria waterbus stop is close by, which opens up San Giorgio Maggiore, the Lido and the airport boats. Staying here puts you east of the crowds in Castello, with the quieter streets of the Arsenale and Sant'Elena within walking distance.
Rooms and spa
Choose a room according to your priorities. Lagoon-view terrace suites give the best outlook; side-canal suites are quieter. The spa's private two-person sessions of pool and hammam are an unusual feature in Venice, where space is limited, and are a good reason to choose the hotel for a celebration. Check availability and rules for spa sessions when you book. The restaurant is the other highlight, so reserve ahead for dinner.
Who it suits
Couples, food lovers and travellers who like a waterfront address without the largest crowds. The hotel is smaller than the big chain properties, so service is personal, but it also means rooms sell out in peak seasons. Compare rates with the Danieli and the Londra Palace, which are neighbours on the same promenade.
For a quieter, less central stay, look at Dorsoduro or the Giudecca. Venice has charged a day-visitor access fee on selected dates; rules and dates change, so check the current position before you travel. The booking page for the hotel mentions that overnight guests can ask about an exemption, so confirm the process with the hotel.
Why stay here
- ✓Riva degli Schiavoni location
- ✓Met Restaurant
- ✓Citrus Garden courtyard
- ✓Metropole Spa
- ✓Heated pool and hammam
- ✓Private water taxi landing
- ✓Oriental Bar and Bistrot
- ✓Airport shuttle available
Good questions
How far is it from St Mark's Square?+
The booking page places the hotel a five to ten minute walk from St Mark's Square, on the Riva degli Schiavoni.
Does the hotel have a spa?+
Yes. The Metropole Spa offers facials, aromatherapy and body treatments, plus a heated pool and hammam for exclusive two-person sessions.
Can I arrive by water taxi?+
Yes. The hotel lists a private water taxi landing at the property.
