How to Stay in Venice Hotels on Points

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: Venice is an island city with tiny hotel supply and very high cash rates, and almost no chain hotels sit in the historic core. Marriott and Hilton hold the few that do, reached with Amex, Chase, or Bilt, so flexible points booked early are essential.

The scarcest market of all

Venice is harder for points than almost anywhere, because the historic island has strict limits and few chain hotels, while cash rates run sky-high for the location. The handful of chain properties that exist book out far ahead, so the only reliable approach is to hold flexible points and pounce the moment an award night appears.

The cards and transfer partners to use

Marriott holds the marquee Venice chain properties, including the Gritti Palace, the St Regis, and the JW Marriott on its own island, and Hilton has the Molino Stucky on Giudecca. Marriott is reached through Amex, Chase, and Bilt and Hilton through Amex or Bilt, so an Amex covers both, with a Chase or Bilt card adding flexibility. See which cards transfer to hotels.

Premium co-brand nights, booked early

Given how costly Venice chain hotels are, a premium co-brand free night is especially valuable. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Hilton Honors Aspire certificates can each cover a steep Venice night, but you must book far ahead. Watch for openings on rooms.aero. See best cities for hotel points.

Frequently asked questions

Is it hard to book Venice hotels with points?
Yes, it is one of the toughest markets. The historic island has very few chain hotels and they book out far ahead, so hold flexible points and grab an award night as soon as one appears. Marriott and Hilton hold the main options.
Which points are best for Venice hotels?
Marriott holds the marquee Venice chain hotels, including the Gritti Palace and the JW Marriott, with Hilton at the Molino Stucky. Reach Marriott with Amex, Chase, or Bilt and Hilton with Amex or Bilt.

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Bryce Casson

Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.