In a city where history is not just preserved but lived, a new hotel is reimagining what luxury looks like in Venice. The debut of Orient Express Venezia marks a significant moment—not only for the iconic travel brand, but for the city itself, as it welcomes a property that blends centuries-old grandeur with a contemporary vision of hospitality.
Set within the storied Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, this new opening invites guests into a world where architecture, design, and storytelling converge—offering an experience that feels less like a stay and more like a journey through time.
A Venetian Palace Reborn
At the heart of the hotel is a 15th-century palazzo, originally built in 1436 and once home to noble families and cultural patrons. Located in Venice’s Cannaregio district—an area known for its quieter, more authentic character—the property sits at the meeting point of two canals, offering a sense of seclusion rarely found in the city.
After an extensive, multi-year restoration, the building has been transformed into a luxury hotel while preserving its historic soul. Frescoes, ornate detailing, and architectural elements have been carefully restored, creating a space that feels both timeless and immersive.
With just 47 rooms, suites, and salons, the hotel emphasizes intimacy and exclusivity—hallmarks of a new generation of luxury travel.
Design That Balances Heritage and Modernity
The transformation of the palazzo was led by architect and designer Aline Asmar d’Amman, whose approach centers on honoring history while introducing contemporary elegance.
Her design philosophy is evident throughout the property, where original textures and materials are paired with refined, cinematic interiors. The result is a layered aesthetic—one that reflects Venice’s role as a crossroads of cultures, blending influences from East and West.
From grand staircases to quiet courtyards, every space tells a story, inviting guests to experience the building not just as architecture, but as a narrative.
Arrival as an Experience
True to the spirit of Venice, arrival at the hotel is designed to be as memorable as the stay itself.
Guests can arrive by private boat, passing through a historic Gothic portal directly from the canal, or enter through hidden garden pathways and courtyards. This sense of arrival—dramatic yet intimate—sets the tone for what follows.
It is a reminder that in Venice, the journey is always part of the destination.
Dining and Social Spaces Inspired by Travel’s Golden Age
The hotel’s culinary and social spaces draw inspiration from the legacy of the original Orient Express—a symbol of luxury travel in its most romantic form.
Guests can expect a refined dining experience, including a fine dining restaurant accessible by boat, as well as an all-day dining space overlooking a rare Venetian garden courtyard.
A highlight of the property is the Wagon Bar, a concept that pays homage to the golden age of rail travel. Designed as a modern interpretation of the train’s iconic bar cars, it brings a sense of nostalgia and theatricality to the hotel’s social atmosphere.
Wellness Rooted in Cultural Exchange
Beyond design and dining, the hotel introduces a wellness concept inspired by Venice’s historic role as a meeting point of cultures.
The spa draws from Roman bathing traditions, Ottoman hammam rituals, and the maritime influences that have shaped the city for centuries. This layered approach reflects the broader philosophy of the hotel—where every element is connected to a deeper cultural narrative.
A New Era for the Orient Express Brand
The opening of Orient Express Venezia is part of a broader revival of the legendary brand, which is expanding beyond its iconic train journeys into a new portfolio of hotels and experiences.
Developed through a partnership between Accor and LVMH, the brand is positioning itself as a leader in experiential luxury—where travel is not just about destination, but about storytelling, craftsmanship, and emotion.
Following the launch of its first hotel in Rome, this Venetian property represents the next step in building a global presence that redefines what the Orient Express experience can be.
Venice at the Center of a Luxury Renaissance
The opening also reflects a broader transformation taking place in Venice.
After years of focusing on preservation, the city is entering a period of renewal, with historic palazzi being thoughtfully restored and reintroduced as luxury destinations. Orient Express Venezia stands at the forefront of this movement—balancing respect for heritage with a forward-looking vision.
Where History Becomes an Experience
More than a hotel, Orient Express Venezia offers something increasingly rare: a sense of place that feels both authentic and elevated.
It invites guests to step into a world where every detail—from architecture to arrival—has been designed to evoke emotion and memory. In doing so, it captures the essence of what travel once was, and what it can be again.
In Venice, where every corner holds a story, this new chapter adds another—one that blends the romance of the past with the possibilities of the present.