Carnival of Venice began small, as a series of celebrations in San Marco Square for a victory against Ulrico, the Patriarch of Aquileia, in 1162. Though the tradition died down a bit during the 18th century, it came back in a big way in 1979 when the Italian government decided to once again showcase the country's historical efforts and rich culture. This year, it starts on January 26 and ends on Mardi Gras, February 12, welcoming over three million tourists and locals to parade around in elaborate, themed costumes into all hours of the night. Tickets to the masquerade balls and hotel rooms tend to sell out during this magical time, so we offered up our picks for the best luxury hotels in Venice to stay at during Carnival's 18 theatrical days.

Bauer Il Palazzo

Proprietress Francesca Bortolotto Possati saw to it that the lavish and glamorous details of this family heirloom were maintained, despite a number of renovations over the years. The Bauer Il Palazzo's 38 guestrooms and 34 suites combine contemporary and antique, locally crafted flourishes, keeping the past and present spirit of Venice alive. Enjoy stunning views of the Grand Canal from high ceilinged suites, appointed with period furnishings and glass chandeliers. After a long night of whimsical celebrations, returning to one of the hotels many opulent suites is sure to keep you dreaming of Carnival well after the festivities die down. The hotel’s dining options include the gourmet restaurant De Pisis, which will host Bauerlesque, a Carnival ball and meal.

Bauer Il Palazzo
San Marco 1413 D
30124 Venice, Italy
Rooms start around $349

(Photo courtesy of Bauer Il Palazzo)

Hotel Cipriani

Hotel Cipriani offers gorgeous views of Doge’s palace and the lagoon from a building decked out in local artifacts. Each of the 79 rooms have either a view of the hotel gardens or the lagoon and unique appointments, like an original 18th century Coromandel screen, which decorates the Dogaressa Suite Palazzo Vendramin. Cipriani’s four restaurants and bars offer Italian, as well as regional cuisine, including unique dishes like fried scampi and squid, or Venetian classics like Veal Piccata sautéed with baby artichokes. The hotel also boasts the only heated Olympic-size swimming pool in central Venice, for a little early morning swim to invigorate you before a long day of fitting into costumes and learning to dance like a 17th century aristocrat.

Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin
Giudecca 10
30133 Venice, Italy
Rooms start at $833

Photo Courtesy of Hotel Cipriani

Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal

One of the most popular four-star hotels in Venice, the Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal is a restoration of old world history, mixed with modern lines and innovate design. The 100 rooms are soberly, yet sumptuously decorated in Venetian style, with mosaics, white marble, and chandeliers, offset by a Baroque minimalism. The restaurant Grand Canal also features a fusion of old and new. The chef incorporates traditional recipes with creative culinary secrets to build a menu that even locals enjoy. The hotel will host “Festival in Mask” costume party in the Ridotto Hall of Palazzo Dandolo February 2 and 9 with dinner, cocktails and plenty of dancing.

Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal
San Marco, 1332
30124 Venice, Italy
Rooms start at $192

Photo Courtesy of Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal

Luna Hotel Baglioni

Set in the heart of Venice, close to Piazza San Marco, The Luna Hotel Baglioni serves as a five-star homebase for many travelers' Carnival shenanigans. The most exclusive suites in the hotel are outfitted with marble terraces overlooking St. Mark’s Basin and include a garment pressing service. Dining at the Luna is mostly provided by the Canova Restaurant, where the chef offers the best in Venetian culinary tradition, and the wine cellar provides both national and international labels. The hotel will host three Carnival events: The Moon Masquerade on February 2; The Great Baglioni Party on February 8; and The Gran Carnival Gala at the Luna Hotel Baglioni on February 9.

Luna Hotel Baglioni
San Marco, 1243
30124 Venice, Italy
Rooms start at $341

Photo Courtesy of Luna Hotel Baglioni

Hotel Danieli

Located only a short stroll from Piazza San Marco, Hotel Danieli offers luxury suites with charming vistas of Doge’s Palace, or the lagoon and Grand Canal. The Doge Dandolo Royal Suite, which features private balconies, antique carpets, Baroque armchairs gilded in gold damask, and a ceiling outfitted in an original 18th century fresco, would no doubt be a tolerable place to lay your head at night. The hotel’s restaurant, Terrazza Danieli, features Mediterranean style dishes with oriental twists, like chicken consommé with tofu and Canederli dumplings. Carnival events at the Hotel Danieli begin on February 1 with Cotillion, an event full of hot cocoa, Venetian pastries, and traditional period dances.

Hotel Danieli
Riva degli Schiavoni 4196
30122 Venice, Italy
Rooms start at $332

Photo Courtesy of Hotel Danieli and Lindarico Italy