The annual Venice Carnival attracts thousands of people to its masquerade-themed parties, elegant galas, and gourmet dinners every year. From February 22-March 4, 2014, the vibrant festival will once again be a sought-after experience for locals and tourists, alike. Visit Carnevale.Venezia.it to see a complete list of events, find a hotel and see pictures of all the fun from previous years. And with the holidays coming up, this might be a great gift idea too!
Photo Courtesy of Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli
Stay for €280 (USD $385) per night at Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli from February 21-March 4 with additional “benefits” to be announced as Carnival nears closer. If you forget to pack an appropriate ensemble, the hotel will work with local businesses to arrange costume rentals so you can celebrate in style.
Photo Courtesy of Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal
Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal is throwing a Masquerade Ball of their own inside their Party Hall featuring a spread of Carnival specialties, drinks, live music and an entertaining burlesque show. Perhaps to lure guests in, they’re also offering a package including your choice of room type, breakfast each morning, and entrance (on one night) into the Grand Carnival Party at the hotel’s Restaurant La Cupola with food and dancing. Pricing will depend on the room class selected.
Photo Courtesy of Hotel Campiello
The simplistically chic Hotel Campiello located right in the middle of the city is offering 8% discount when you book a three-night minimum stay arriving February 23, 24 or 25. Just make sure your plans are cemented because you will need to prepay to receive the promotion and it is not refundable.
Photo Courtesy of Palazzo Sant’Angelo
Two of Sina Fine Italian Hotels Venice properties—Centurion Palace and Palazzo Sant’Angelo—are throwing in some extras when guests book at least two nights. While daily breakfast, hats and masks to wear to the festival, and traditional Carnival cookies are a part of both hotel packages, free Wi-Fi and hot chocolate will be available at Centurion Palace and a chilled bottle of Prosecco waiting in your room upon arrival at Palazzo Sant’Angelo. The choice is yours.
Photo Courtesy of The Splendid Venice
Nestled between the St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, The Splendid Venice puts visitors close to all the action of Carnival—whether they come for the start of the festival or toward the end. The Splendor of Venice package runs from February 21-24, including a stay in one of the deluxe rooms with a canal view, American breakfast each morning, admission to the hotel’s costume ball and dinner at Le Maschere Restaurant, a welcome gift, and late check-out. Rates start at €613 (USD $843) per night based on double occupancy for a minimum of three nights. The Carnival Romantic Venice package has all of the same offerings but is valid from March 1-4, 2014 and starts at €770 (USD $1,060) for the same three-night minimum stay.
Photo Courtesy of Luna Hotel Baglioni
Said to be the oldest hotel in Venice, Luna Hotel Baglioni has a lot of experience showing visitors a good time, Carnivale or not. But especially for the occasion, they also have two packages to entice guests. The Gran Carnivale Ball Package is available for a minimum 3-night stay from February 26-March 3 and includes such perks as entrance for two into your choice of parties—the Great Baglioni Party on February 28 or the Gran Carnivale Party on March 1—and 10 percent off your costume purchase or rental at Atelier Flavia. Room rates range from €790-1680 (USD $1,088-$2,313) based on room type selected. The Moon Masquerade Package is good for a two-night stay from February 21-23 with room rates €670-1190 (USD $922-$1,638) and all the previous extras included.
