Venice - But Make It Murano
Here’s the thing: Venice is stunning, but it’s also crowded. And you should absolutely still go.
Instead of wading through the tourist swarms 24/7, we made the Bargain Bougie move - staying just a few minutes away on the peaceful island of Murano, at the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice.
Venice isn’t just one island; it’s a collection of 118 small islands connected by bridges. Beyond the famous main area, the Venetian Lagoon hides treasures like:
Murano - the artist’s haven famous for glass-blowing
Burano - a pastel-painted fishing village straight out of a fairy tale
Torcello - ancient, quiet, and hauntingly beautiful
Plus the Lido, San Michele, and a few hidden gems most travelers miss.
Arrival: By Boat, Of Course
When we arrived in Venice, we skipped the chaos and splurged on the Hyatt Centric’s private airport boat transfer.
Picture this: You walk straight out of the airport… onto a dock filled with sleek wooden boats waiting for hotel guests. We climbed aboard with one other family, gliding through the canals like movie stars.
Everywhere you look, it’s pure magic - colorful houses, church towers, little bridges, and locals waving from passing boats. Venice without cars feels surreal.
That arrival moment - seeing Venice from the water for the first time - was unforgettable.
Our boat pulled right up to the hotel dock. Check-in took minutes, and within seconds, I had an Aperol Spritz in hand on the patio, waiting for the next boat into Venice. No lines, no stress - just pure bougie bliss.
The Stay: Hyatt Centric Murano Venice
Located directly on a water taxi stop, Hyatt Centric Murano delivers one of the most convenient and calm stays in Venice. You’re close enough to explore but far enough to actually sleep in peace.
The Bargain:
15,000 Hyatt points per night for a Duplex Suite (yes - a two-story loft!) with a Suite Upgrade Award.
The Bougie:
Free-flow mimosas at breakfast, sleek modern rooms, and the bragging rights of saying, “Oh, my hotel? It has its own dock.”
Don’t miss the experience of dining by the canal, glass-factory views, and tasting local wine or prosecco at sunset.
The Food & Bar Crawl
Once we dropped our bags, we met two friends who joined this part of the trip and headed into Venice for a food and bar crawl - and it was perfection.
We booked this one: Venice Food Tour: Cicchetti & Wine
(Yes, that’s my affiliate link - I get a commission if you book!)
We learned about local cicchetti (Venetian tapas), tasted hidden gems, and figured out how to navigate the gondola crossings like locals. The drinks were fantastic - but the company was even better.
We ended up befriending two Australians and loved them so much we invited them on our next day’s island adventure.
Day Trip: Burano & Torcello
The next morning, our little travel crew (a.k.a. our “Australian brothers”) hopped on a boat to Burano - the rainbow-colored fishing island of dreams.
Burano: A Living Watercolor
There are few places as magical as Burano. Think cobblestone alleys, bright houses in pink, blue, yellow, green - each one more cheerful than the last.
We wandered, drank, laughed, and ate gelato. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and feel joy.
If you’ve been to Ostuni, Italy - that same “fairy tale come to life” vibe applies here.
Torcello: The Forgotten Venice
Next up: Torcello.
This tiny island is often empty - we saw maybe 20 people total - and for a moment, I thought we’d missed the last boat and would have to join the 14 residents who actually live there.
But it’s beautiful. Ancient churches, quiet canals, and the 7th-century Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. This is where Venice was born - quiet, timeless, and completely unlike the main island.
Dinner & Drinks Back in Murano
After escaping the crowds, we headed back to Murano for dinner and drinks - lots of them. Laughter carried late into the night, and we realized this is what travel is really about: connection, spontaneity, and stories you’ll tell forever.
The following day, we braved Venice proper - the crowds, the bridges, the chaos - and loved every second.
We followed our golden rule: Follow the locals.
We found a no-frills trattoria tucked down a side street, packed with Venetians. The food was simple, cheap, and so good - hands-down our best meal of the trip.
The Bargain
15,000 Hyatt points per night for a Duplex Suite with a Suite Upgrade Award.
The Bougie
Free mimosas at breakfast
Incredible proximity to Murano’s glass studios and Venice’s heart
The private boat transfer straight from the airport - worth every penny
Easy day trips to Burano (for color and cocktails) and Torcello (for history and solitude
Why You Need to Go
Venice can feel overwhelming - but staying in Murano gives you the best of both worlds.
The beauty of Venice, minus the chaos.
A private hotel dock (because lines are not bougie).
Easy access to Burano, Torcello, and the local side of the lagoon most tourists never see.
You still get your gondolas, your spritzes, your pasta - but you also get peace, space, and a more authentic version of Venice.
TL;DR: The Bargain Bougie Breakdown
Our Must-Stay: Hyatt Centric Murano Venice
The Bargain: 15K points + Suite Upgrade Award
The Bougie: Private airport boat, mimosas, and island-hopping adventures
Why Go: Beauty, serenity, and bragging rights - without breaking the bank
Plan Your Own Bargain Bougie Getaway
Ready to experience Venice the smart way?
Book your free “How to Book Your Bargain Bougie Vacation” session. I’ll help you plan the luxe-for-less trip of your dreams.
