Hotel Snapshot
We travel to Venice to marvel at its close relationship with art, architecture and history. While most of the city's hotels allow us to immerse ourselves in this cultural richness, there are times when we long for a refuge that contrasts and, at the same time, harmonizes with the essence of the city: one that has a strong identity and epitomises its artistic composition. Il Palazzo Experimental Venice is a magnificent example of how a hotel can draw inspiration from its past while looking toward the future of design, offering the elegant tranquility of a surprisingly intimate urban accommodation in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, and one that effortlessly reinterprets local heritage through modern design.
Design & Character
This restored Renaissance 17th-century Venetian palace once belonged to the Stucky family, and was the former headquarters of the Adriatic Naval Company. Now a masterpiece of both experimentation and postmodern design, the interiors showcase a bold fusion of the building's historic Gothic architecture with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Key design elements include a vibrant color palette—terracottas, pale yellows, sky blues and rich dark tones— as well as Art Deco touches like vibrant stripes, and custom-made furniture, from elaborate headboards to Palladian-style mirrors and lamps crafted by renowned Venetian glass artists such as Luciano Vistosi.
The Rooms
With just 32 elegantly designed rooms and suites, Il Palazzo Experimental showcases the best views of the Giudecca Canal. Mine, the Junior Zattere Suite was as cozy as it was lively. Throughout, it embraces boldness and mimics the shape of window frames on traditional Venetian buildings through every piece of furniture: the wooden headboard made from local timber and the bathroom mirrors made from Breccia Capraia Verde marble offset to the lagoon green of the walls, for example. It is the perfect place to feel and breathe inspiration, to work, write, and conceive new ideas. Other standouts include the Deluxe Room with canal views and the Executive Giudecca Rooms with balconies.
Food & Drink
Ristorante Adriatica, the hotel's canal side restaurant, is the heart of the property. The menu is a nod to the Adriatic region, using top-quality seasonal produce from the coastal areas of Friuli, Emilia Romagna, Marche, Abruzzo, Molise, Apulia, and Veneto. You might try the cicchetti mix, a small selection of traditional Venetian cicchetti with Italian white wine Borgo Paglianetto. Or the citrus-marinated ombrina with herbs, grapefruit, chicory, and tarragon yogurt, a modern and contemporary interpretation that combines the flavors of the Veneto interior with the salinity of raw seafood and the fresh notes of grapefruit. Breakfast is à la carte, and the pancakes and fresh;y ground coffee are musts.
Location & Neighbourhood Recs
The neighborhood is home to cultural treasures like The Gallerie dell'Accademia, The Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Ca' Rezzonico. Other musts include a visit to Palazzo Grassi as well as to the boutiques selling Venetian carnival masks - Cà Macana is a particularly good standout. In Marina e Susanna Sent, you can find fine glass jewelry and objects, too.
Fast Facts
Location: Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 1411, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Starting Rate: From about 260 USD per night.
The vibe: An inspiring retreat immersed in the stunning design of a gorgeous palazzo, staying true to Dorothée Meilichzon’s signature style.
Room Count: 32
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: undoubtedly, the serene back garden. Every bite and sip enjoyed there felt even more special, thanks to the uninterrupted view of the charming narrow canal and the peaceful pontoon right behind the property.
Dining: The Adriatica restaurant serves locally sourced Venetian food with a twist
Amenities: Bar, restaurant, concierge team to curate local experiences
Closest Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport is 15 to 20 minutes away.
