Hardly any other city is as full of charm and history as Venice. And hardly any other hotel carries as much of this history with it as the absolutely iconic The Gritti Palace, which was built in the 15th century for Doge Andrea Gritti and served as a home for numerous noble families before being converted into a luxury hotel in 1895. Pretty much every celebrity who has ever visited Venice has stayed under its roof. In addition to Ernest Hemingway (after whom a suite is named), the Gritti not only counts politicians such as Winston Churchill and Hollywood legends such as Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly among its most prominent guests, but even today world stars such as Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie regularly stay here. The day before my arrival, reality TV star and beauty mogul Kylie Jenner came by with her children to enjoy the incomparable atmosphere in the middle of the Grand Canal – and the absolute discretion of the team – over lunch.
The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio, 2467, 30124 Venice VE, Italy
+39 041 794611 • marriott.com
Double room from € 910,– per night
Highlight of the house: The terrace on the Grand Canal, including the Riva Lounge © Marriott
Why book?
Venice certainly has no shortage of outstanding hotels, but the Gritti is the grande dame of traditional luxury and has been at the top for over 100 years. From the moment you enter the hotel, you will be amazed, as every inch is decorated with lavish elements and historical art. Fine fabrics, heavy marble and wood paneling on the walls… it doesn’t get much more classic than that. And yet you are welcomed so warmly and down-to-earth that you feel like you are at home with friends. The location is also unbeatable and the rooms are as elegant and comfortable as you would expect from a hotel of this class.
The magnificent interior of the hotel © Marriott
Lage
In the middle of the Grand Canal, the location couldn’t be more picture-perfect. From the pier, you can see the Peggy Guggenheim Collection opposite to your right and the dome of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute to your left. The heavy foot traffic outside the door is completely unnoticeable inside; you can reach the city’s most important sights on foot in just a few minutes.
Zimmer
Among the 61 cozy guest rooms and 21 spectacular suites, no two are alike. The rare antique furniture, high-quality fabrics, Murano glass lights and ornate walls tell the story of the 500-year-old history of the house. As a welcome, I found a bowl of the most delicious apricots I have ever eaten in my room, which was decorated entirely in soft green tones.
The hotel exudes classic elegance. © Marriott
While all accommodations have been extensively updated, the changes are not overtly conspicuous or detract from the old-world elegance of the property. Many of the rooms have direct views of the Grand Canal. The suites are all inspired by famous figures such as Ernest Hemingway and Somerset Maugham, who left their indelible mark on the hotel and the city, or named after the city’s emblematic institutions such as La Fenice and Punta della Dogana, which symbolize Venice’s artistic and cultural roots, and Palazzo Gritti. The unique two-story Redentore Terrazza Suite features a spectacular 250 square meter rooftop terrace that offers a spa pool, relaxing entertainment spaces and exceptional panoramic views of the lagoon and city.
The terrace of the Redentore Terrazza Suite © Marriott
Food & Drink
In the Club del Doge restaurant, Executive Chef Alberto Fol is allowed to fully express himself and presents a menu that artfully showcases Venetian classics with a sense of regionality and sustainability. Not to be missed are the typical castraure (traditional Venetian artichoke sprouts that are grown especially for the hotel in a private vegetable garden on the island of Mazzorbetto), Hemingway’s favorite risotto with scampi and Fol’s version of the classic dessert tiramisu, which is more similar to high-end French patisserie. The Longhi bar and the Riva Lounge (in collaboration with the luxury yacht manufacturer) serve excellent drinks – including the best Bellini I have had the pleasure of trying so far, which is only served during peach season.
The Interior of the Club del Doge Restaurants © Marriott
A special highlight for foodies is the in-house cooking school The Gritti Epicurean Schoolwhere you can learn the art of Italian cuisine from professional chefs and take a touch of Venice home with you.
Cooking class at The Gritti Epicurean School © Marriott
Experiences
In keeping with its commitment to tradition, the hotel organizes personal experiences that will stay with you forever. For example, you can take a guided tour of the city with the concierge or enjoy the Riva Yacht Experience. I had the pleasure of being given a tour of the La Fenice Opera, visiting the Orsoni mosaic factory with the last kiln in Venice and being able to witness restoration work at the Palazzo Ducale up close. The Gritti Palace is a sponsor of the Save Venice Initiative that actively works to maintain the city. In the historic Palazzo Ducale, the hotel finances the restoration of the Senate door and the ceiling in the Hall of Four Doors. Looking over the shoulders of the restorers and seeing the ceiling of this architectural masterpiece up close was an unforgettable experience. For relaxation, the hotel offers The Gritti SPA – Sisley Paris as well as a modern fitness suite.
The hotel works with luxury yacht manufacturer Riva. © Marriott
Conclusion
A trip to Venice couldn’t be more romantic and exciting. The Gritti is rightly a legend among hotels and manages to maintain the balance between old-world standards and modern comfort with great skill. Visually, you are transported back in time and thanks to the loving and attentive team, no wishes are left unfulfilled. I have rarely experienced such approachable service in a hotel. In addition, the restaurant and bar are fully convincing (truly no easy task in Venice). The unbeatable location and the terrace right on the water are the icing on the cake of a perfect stay in the timeless lagoon city.
A Bellini that is second to none © Marriott
The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio, 2467, 30124 Venice VE, Italy
+39 041 794611 • marriott.com
Double room from € 910,– per night
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