Il Palazzo Experimental
Venice, Italy
Vibe
A spirited canal-front palazzo where evening aperitivo crowds spill from the cocktail lounge into a secluded back garden.
“Playful palazzo fantasy”
Pastel lagoon palettes, Palladian arch motifs, and custom terrazzo floors create a playful Venetian interior.
A Renaissance palazzo preserving original maritime mosaic lettering from its past life as a shipping headquarters.
The canal-side Experimental Cocktail Club and secluded back garden draw evening crowds for inventive aperitifs.
In Dorsoduro along the Zattere promenade, overlooking the Giudecca Canal and steps from San Trovaso.
“it turns the classic gestures of Venetian design into something fresh, contemporary, even sexy.”
Rooms
Quirky carved wood headboards, nautical stripes, and dawn-light hues frame views over the Giudecca Canal or quiet courtyards.
“this hip French brand’s signature pop and fizz adds a welcome edge to Venice’s grand hotel scene.”
Backstory
Once the headquarters for the Adriatica shipping company, this Renaissance palace still preserves original maritime mosaic lettering across its facade.
“The hotel sets itself apart from by-the-book Venetian drama with an inspired contemporary styling by two supremely talented women.”
Eat & drink
Ristorante Adriatica serves coastal seafood along the water, while the Experimental Cocktail Club pours inventive drinks against antique mirrors.
The neighborhood
Along the sunlit Zattere promenade in Dorsoduro, local bacari and contemporary art galleries sit steps from the waterfront.
More like this
Airelles Palladio Venice
“Giudecca garden refuge”
Quiet
Aman Venice
“Frescoed palazzo hideaway”
Central
Ca' di Dio
“Monastic lagoon retreat”
Central
Hotel Metropole
“Maximalist lagoon wonderland”
Central
Orient Express Venezia
“Theatrical palazzo heirloom”
Central
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
“Grand Canal heirloom”
Central
Nolinski Venezia - Evok Collection
“Stile Liberty jewel-box”
Central
Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel
“Secluded lagoon palazzo”
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.