San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice

San Clemente Palace Kempinski is the most distinctive of Venice's 5-star hotels for one reason: it isn't in Venice at all. It sits on the private island of San Clemente in the lagoon, just 10 minutes by boat from San Marco. Travelers describe it as an oasis of calm when Venice gets chaotic. The main building was a 12th-century convent before it became a Kempinski in 2003, and it scores 9.1/10 from real guests.

Rooms and decor

The 190 rooms are noticeably bigger than most Venice hotels, because a private island doesn't force them to cram. Several suites have a large glass wall facing the lagoon, so you catch the gold of the Venice skyline at sunset. The sitting areas are roomy enough to work and relax in, decorated in a warm Italian neoclassical style. Gardens wrap the island, and you can walk the whole loop in 15–20 minutes. As one guest put it, it's like staying in a private mansion where you don't meet a single tourist.

Food and amenities

There are 3 restaurants covering most occasions: L'Acquerello for gourmet Italian fine dining, La Dolce for relaxed Mediterranean, and Insieme for breakfast and casual family meals. The large outdoor pool opens seasonally and is the main reason many families pick this place — it's a rare thing to find in Venice. The Kempinski spa has treatment rooms, and the tennis court lends equipment for free. The resort feel here is something no hotel in the city centre can match.

Location and getting there

The free Kempinski boat runs between the island and San Marco every 30–40 minutes and takes about 10 minutes — fine if you're planning to sightsee by day. But if you want real flexibility, like coming back late after the opera or a dinner in town, bring a budget for a water taxi too. Some guests suggest taking a private water taxi on busy city days and keeping the free boat for the days you stay on the island.

Things to know before booking

The free boat only runs every 30–40 minutes, so frequent trips into the city can feel limiting. There's no footpath off the island — everything depends on the boat, which rules it out if you like wandering Venice late at night. And the outdoor pool is seasonal, open roughly May–October only, so check the dates if the pool is a priority.

Our take

San Clemente Palace is best for couples and families who want resort-style quiet, a pool, and a break from walking through tourist crowds every day. If you can accept depending on the boat, this is a level of value no other hotel in Venice delivers.