Staying at the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice: A Perfect Venetian Escape

During our European summer adventure, we made a memorable stop at the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice, a beautiful hotel located on the quiet island of Murano, just a short boat ride away from the hustle and bustle of Venice. Our three-night stay there was the perfect way to wind down after several weeks of exploring, and I’m excited to share the details of our experience, as well as insights into Murano itself.

Discovering Murano: A Hidden Gem of Venice

Murano, located a mile north of Venice, is a tranquil island renowned for its centuries-old tradition of glassmaking. This small island, accessible only by water taxi or private boat, offers a peaceful retreat from the crowded streets of Venice. Murano’s charming streets, lined with local shops, cafes, and boutiques, give off a nostalgic charm that feels far removed from the busy tourist spots.

The island’s glassmaking history is fascinating, with artisans crafting some of the world’s finest glass products. Visitors flock to Murano to admire glass-blowing demonstrations and purchase exquisite hand-made glassware. Beyond glass, the island is also close to other Venetian destinations like Burano and Lido, which are just a short water taxi ride away.

Why Choose Murano Over Venice?

While Venice is an incredible city to visit, Murano offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for travelers who want to experience the essence of Venetian life without the overwhelming crowds. Strolling through Murano’s cobbled streets, we felt as though we had stepped back in time. Life moves slower here, and even in June, we found the evenings particularly peaceful.

However, if you’re seeking vibrant nightlife, Murano might not be for you. Most restaurants close by early evening, so for a more active night scene, Venice is a better option. That said, the laid-back vibe was exactly what we needed, especially traveling with teenagers who also enjoyed the quieter pace.

Exploring Murano’s Glassmaking Legacy

Murano is, of course, world-famous for its glassmaking. We had the chance to visit a few glass shops and even participated in a glass-blowing workshop at the Gino Mazzuccato Glass Factory. If you’re a fan of artisan craftsmanship, you’ll find an array of glass figurines, vases, jewelry, and other treasures throughout the island. We also visited the Murano Glass Museum, which was an informative experience about the island’s rich history in the craft.

While you can easily visit Murano from Venice, staying on the island gives you a more immersive experience in this unique part of the Venetian Lagoon. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to explore nearby Burano, known for its vibrant houses and lace-making tradition, which is just a short boat ride away.

The Hyatt Centric Murano Venice: A Comfortable Base

Now, let’s talk about our stay at the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice. Located near the island’s primary water taxi stop, the hotel was the ideal base for our explorations. The Hyatt Centric combines modern amenities with local charm and offers easy access to the island’s top attractions, including the Murano Glass Museum and numerous glass shops.

The location was perfect for us. It’s not only close to the water taxi stop but also surrounded by plenty of dining and shopping options, making it a convenient place to stay. Plus, we loved the fact that it was just a short boat ride to Venice’s famous landmarks.

Our Room: Spacious and Comfortable

The Hyatt Centric offers a range of room options, including duplex suites, perfect for families. During our stay, we booked a duplex room, which had ample space for our family of four. The two-story design was ideal, with a king bed in the loft area and a sofa bed on the ground level. Our teenagers enjoyed the privacy the layout provided, and the large windows and skylight added to the airy, open feel of the room.

The room was well-equipped with modern amenities, including a minibar, safe, and a TV. The decor featured earthy tones, with Murano glass artwork adding a local touch to the space. The bathroom was spacious by European standards, with a walk-in shower, bidet, and high-quality toiletries.

Dining at the Hyatt Centric

The hotel offers three excellent dining options, which came in handy since many of Murano’s local eateries closed early in the evening. We enjoyed the casual atmosphere at the Rivalonga Bar, which overlooks the Murano Grand Canal. It was the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of exploring. For a more formal dining experience, we visited Osteriva, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, where we had one of the best meals of our entire trip. Finally, Spritz & Fizz, the hotel’s cocktail bar, was a fun spot to try the famous Venetian spritz and enjoy a light snack.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

The Hyatt Centric is perfectly positioned to explore Murano’s charming canals, glass shops, and cafes. A short walk from the hotel takes you to the Murano Glass Museum, a must-visit for anyone interested in the island’s glassmaking history. We also found a local grocery store, Supermercato Coop, nearby, where we stocked up on snacks and essentials for our stay.

If you’re craving authentic Italian coffee or a refreshing gelato, you’ll find cozy spots nearby to enjoy a relaxing break while soaking in the local atmosphere.

Getting Around: Water Taxis and More

The convenience of the water taxi system in Venice and Murano cannot be overstated. The Vaporetto water taxis run regularly, connecting Murano to Venice and other nearby islands. We purchased multi-day passes to save on transportation costs, as we used the service frequently throughout our stay.

The Murano Museo water taxi stop is located right outside the hotel, making it incredibly easy to hop on a boat and head to Venice for a day of sightseeing. It only takes about 20 minutes to reach the heart of Venice, so staying in Murano provides a perfect balance between relaxation and easy access to Venice’s attractions.

Final Thoughts: Highly Recommended

Staying at the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice was a fantastic choice for our family. It offered a peaceful retreat from the busy streets of Venice, with all the charm and beauty of the Venetian Lagoon at our doorstep. The spacious duplex rooms, outstanding dining options, and proximity to local attractions made it a memorable stay. If you’re looking for a more relaxed, authentic Venetian experience, I highly recommend the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice. It’s the perfect spot for families or anyone seeking a quieter, more intimate base while exploring the Venetian Islands.