Hotel Metropole
Venice, Italy
Vibe
Scented with black pepper, candlelit salons layer carmine velvet, Fortuny fixtures, and vitrines brimming with antique curiosities.
“Maximalist lagoon wonderland”
Opulent maximalism pairs crimson velvets and Murano chandeliers with Far Eastern antiques and Joseph Kosuth neon art.
Vivaldi taught in the former chapel, while corridors showcase private collections of antique fans and crucifixes.
Attentive liveried staff deliver twenty-four-hour dining, bespoke black-pepper room scents, and private water-taxi arrivals at the jetty.
On Riva degli Schiavoni facing the lagoon, a short walk along the promenade to Piazza San Marco.
“its style is eclectic and deeply rooted, spanning multiple centuries and incorporating influences from historical Venice to the Far East.”
Rooms
Venetian damasks and antique furnishings dress the interiors, while select suites feature private rooftop altane or personal hammams.
“The highly acclaimed Met Restaurant is designed like a theater with a raised stage and drawn curtains to showcase tables…”
Wellness
Gilded walls enclose an intimate retreat featuring a heated hydrotherapy pool, steam hammam, ice waterfall, and multi-sensory chromotherapy showers.
“Escape from the tourist-packed lagoon-side Riva degli Schiavoni into the Metropole’s shadowy salon…”
Backstory
Antonio Vivaldi gave music lessons here when the building was an orphanage chapel, centuries before the Beggiato family took over.
“As we arrive in the lobby, the effect is like falling face first into a lush pile of carmine velvet.”
Eat & drink
Orientalbar serves spiced Venetian plates beneath red velvet, while seasonal breakfast and drinks spill into a walled citrus courtyard.
The neighborhood
Set directly on the Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront, the promenade links Piazza San Marco to the Giardini della Biennale.
More like this
Airelles Palladio Venice
“Giudecca garden refuge”
Quiet
Aman Venice
“Frescoed palazzo hideaway”
Central
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
“Grand Canal heirloom”
Central
Ca' di Dio
“Monastic lagoon retreat”
Central
Nolinski Venezia - Evok Collection
“Stile Liberty jewel-box”
Central
Orient Express Venezia
“Theatrical palazzo heirloom”
Central
Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel
“Secluded lagoon palazzo”
Quiet
Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice
“Jet-set lagoon citadel”
Quiet
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.