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1. Paris
2. London
3. Rome
4. Venice
5. Dublin
OK, you can’t reserve the above Venice hotel with traditional hotel points. However, you can use your bonus from Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard or Capital One Venture Rewards card to offset the cost since it should be coded as a travel purchase. You can read more on them in my page “Best credit card deals for family.”
This is a place we stayed at 10 years ago before we had kids. And this is probably where we will end up staying if we ever go back to Venice. As you can see, you can arrive by gondola if you choose to do so. We absolutely loved this hotel, so I just had to mention it.
I even remember the name of the place: Antico Fiore, and they do have family rooms that fit 4 in case you want to check it out. Breakfast is included. No, it isn’t cheap, since the rate is 214 euros per night in the summer. But I don’t care, this is where we will take our kids. Plus, we made a promise to the owner that we will come back as a family one day.
Sorry for this trip down the memory lane. So, are there any good options on points? Unfortunately, no. Not if you want to stay on one of the islands in the lagoon. And you must stay in Venice proper.
Please, don’t be lured by the cheaper prices of Venice Mestre on the mainland. It’s an industrial town that lacks character. Most of the magic of Venice is experienced in the early morning or late in the evening when the hordes of tourists are gone.
You can search AirBnB and VRBO for rentals and check out sites like Rick Steves Europe for hotel recommendations. There are definitely some budget options, but as with most things, you usually get what you pay for.
There are a few possible points options for you to consider. None will fit 4 in one room, but could still be a good deal.
Hilton HHonors
It’s located on the island of Giudecca, and hotel offers free shuttle to St. Mark’s square. The property looks incredible and the rate is 415 euros per night in the summer months. But here is the catch: It’s very expensive on points, and award rate can be as high as 105,000 points. So why mention it?
Well, you can get 2 free nights via sign-up bonus from Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve card. You have to spend $2,500 in 4 months in oder to get the bonus. The annual fee is $95, not waived. It does pay me commission.
There was a non-affiliate offer that came with $100 credit, but the link was dead the last time I checked it. The card comes with automatic Gold status which should give you free breakfast. You can see this offer and other hotel points cards in this post.
If both spouses apply for it, you will get 2 nights for your family of 4, since standard rooms have a double occupancy. This is actually a good place to use the certs, and two nights should be enough to experience Venice. Be aware: The certificates are only valid on weekends, so I would wait till your airfare is set before applying for this card.
As you can see, there are a lot of downsides and variables, but I thought I should still mention this option. Personally, this seems like too much effort for 2 hotel nights, but could be worth it for some.
Choice
Once again, this place doesn’t fit 4, but some rooms will accommodate 3 guests. This is an incredible bargain, since award rate is only 10,000 points per night. Even if you purchase them at a full rate of 1.1 cents, it will make the room cost $110 per night, a good deal in Venice.
Two rooms will run you $220, and remember, you can fit 3 in some. So, this is a good option for a family of 5 or 6. The rate includes full breakfast. This hotel is located only short walk away from St. Mark’s square.
Keep an eye on DailyGetaways promo that is set to return in March. If you get a chance to purchase Choice points for 0.37 cents, you could potentially get a room in this hotel for only $37. I say “potentially” because you can only book 60 days ahead without status (75 days with status which you can match to from other programs like IHG). Your hotel may not be available for the dates you need.
Also, Choice is notorious for raising award rates without notice. Always, always have a Plan B for your miles and points. I can’t stress this enough to families who have little flexibility when it comes to vacation times.
Bottom line
As you can see, there isn’t a whole lot in Venice for miles and points hobbyists. However, don’t let that stop you. Venice is worth the visit even if you have to pay out-of-pocket, so, please include it on your Europe itinerary. Yes, it’s touristy and expensive, but staying in or near historic center, you can capture some of the magic that escapes most visitors. You have to see it at least once!
Readers, have you been to Venice? Did you enjoy it as much as I did?
P.S. According to several blogs, the increased bonus on all three Chase Southwest cards will officially end today. More than likely, there will be a zombie link still working tomorrow. This deal comes and goes throughout the year. You can read more on this offer in my page “Best credit card deals for family.”
Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
You can also use Thank You points, Chase rewards or Amex points to stay in Venice hotels.
We stayed at the Hotel Palazzo Stern directly on the Grand Canal just a short walk from St. Marks square and in an authentic Venetian neighborhood rather than in the touristy areas using rewards points.
@Stephen Thanks for your comment! You are absolutely correct that you can use those type of points as well. All those programs transfer to miles (with premium cards), so I encourage readers to try to save those points for airline tickets if possible. Many times you can get close to 2 CPM, compared to 1 cent (or 1.25 cents through Ultimate Rewards program) when you redeem for hotels. However, you are right, it’s an option. There is no wrong way to burn your points.
We are going to Venice in October. I don’t like my point options- we’re only staying there one night so I just plan to pay for our hotel. I haven’t had a lot of time to research yet!
Holly, I’m envious of you! I want to go back to Venice so bad, but it just didn’t work out with our hectic itinerary this year. I keep thinking maybe next time, but then I want to visit another location and Venice gets left out.
I definitely recommend you stay near St. Marks square, especially if only being in
Venice one night. That way, you’ll get to maximize your time. You may want to look into that Diana hotel I’ve mentioned and consider purchasing Choice points through Daily Getaways if that option is offered. I would have another hotel in mind, though. I don’t trust Choice, but 0.37 cents per point is hard to beat.