The first time I went to Venice was not at all a romantic trip but a long weekend break with my brother!  We were both singles at the time and a friend of mine was kindly lending me her flat there.  We took the night train from Paris and had a brilliant time!

We are going back with Mr Big and Mademoiselle in February. I uncovered a few family-friendly hotels or flats to rent that I wanted to share with you.

The Gritti Palace

• 59 rooms
• From 360 Euros
• http://www.thegrittipalace.com/

When going to Venice, you might as well go for the traditional look with your hotel.  Difficult to find design minimalism in hotels there, unless you have enough money to afford the Aman. You could also try Palazza G but it’s a bit too cold for my taste.  So we opted for the Gritti Palace, a very historical building which has been restored about 18 months ago.  I signed up to the Starwood hotel loyalty scheme and as a result could bag a special offer of 4 nights for the price of three.

We loved our stay there and you can read about it all in the full review.

Otre Il Giardino

• 6 rooms, many of them can accommodate one or two children in the room
• From 180 Euros
• http://www.oltreilgiardino-venezia.com/

A rarity in Venice: a lovely guest house with a garden where they serve breakfast in the summer. It used to be the house of Mahler’s widow and now has 6 rooms and a welcoming lounge.  No restaurant but there are so many nice trattorias around!

Cima Rosa Venezia

• 6 rooms
• From 180 Euros
• http://www.cimarosavenezia.com/

This B&B with 24 h service has managed to create simple and relaxing modern rooms in a 15 Century Palazzo on the Grand Canal.  You can take a vaporetto nearby to quickly go to the main touristy areas.  They can add a bed for your child in some rooms.

A minimalist flat

• 2 bedrooms
• from £313
• https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/372379

Renting could be a good value option for your family.  When we were in my friend’s flat with my brother, we loved buying fresh produce, ham, cheese, etc.. from the shops (and mini markets on the side of the canals) and cook our own meals.  This flat was designed by two architects who went for a minimal look and muted colors.  It is central, between Santa Croce and San Polo and with its 120 square meters offer a lot of space as well as two balconies overlooking a canal.

JW Marriott Hotel

• 250 rooms
• From 360 Euros
• https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vcejw-jw-marriott-venice-resort-and-spa/

If you absolutely want a pool and more space, you might be interested in going to the JW Marriott which is on another island about 20 minutes by boat. We discounted it because a)it’s a bit far and b) there are a lot of rooms but I know that it might work for some of you.

There is so much to discover in Venice behind the tourist heavy areas and it’s definitely a place that you can go to with friends, family, children. Don’t wait for the perfect romantic occasion.