HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at Gritti Palace, Venice
Situated along the Grand Canal in the historic and splendidly opulent city of Venice, the Gritti Palace embodies Venetian grandeur in a fabulous way. The 15th century palazzo melds opulence and history with friendly service and approachability, making every visitor feel wholly VIP from start to finish.
DESTINATION: VENICE, ITALY
Venice is a place of utter splendour and while it’s a city that’s extremely polarizing, a jaunt through Venice sans crowds feels like being transported to another world entirely. For architecture lovers, you’ll be dropped into a living, breathing museum. For food lovers, you’ll experience cuisine from Italy in an entirely new way, with a focus on seafood and small bites. For history lovers, you’ll be transported to the heart of the former Venetian Empire. Few cities are as fabulously unique as Venezia.
There are five-star experiences, and then there are places like Gritti Palace, which feel like they operate on a different plane. Some of that is purely the setting: a grand 15th century palazzo with Grand Canal views, an otherworldly lobby and common spaces, plus suites that you could truly live in. But it was the service that stunned us: it wasn’t just exceptional, it was approachable and friendly. That balance can be difficult for properties to strike at times, particularly when the setting is so grand that there’s a sense of formality that inherently permeates. Here, they find that perfect blend: helpful and proactive while being approachable and human; the recipe that all hotels should seek to achieve.
We stayed in a gorgeous suite that was designed to wow. Equipped with a full living room, a spacious bedroom, and two bathrooms – including an incredible luxe master bathroom – it was more than a couple could really ever need. The property offers a restaurant on-site, plus a stunning bar setup for an aperitif or nightcap. Transfers to the property from the airport or train station are available by water taxi (€70 from Piazzale Roma, €120 from the airport) or a private transfer that can be arranged through the hotel concierge. If I’m being honest, I rarely use the hotel concierge given the amount of pre-planning I tend to do, but I found the concierge at Gritti incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, and friendly in handling our requests and helping us navigate COVID protocols.
Your stay at the Gritti Palace will likely include breakfast, which is enjoyed on the Gritti Terrace with iconic Venetian views. As you’d expect, the breakfast can be as indulgent as you’d like, with fresh fruit, baked goods, a selection of meats and cheeses, cereals, and a made-to-order hot breakfast if you’re so inclined. Plus, if you’re someone who likes to wake up with a bit of bubbly, there’s some prosecco (a regional production) available that you can sip on its own or blend with fresh-squeezed blood orange juice. Your afternoon drinks can be had inside at the gorgeously appointed Bar Longhi or outside on the deck at the Riva Bar, where the design is inspired by a Riva yacht. For us, nightly aperitivo with a view became a tradition, and it’s something I’d recommend to anyone visiting Venice for a stunning sense of place. In the evenings, for something more formal, Club del Doge Restaurant is a tribute to Venetian cuisine with seasonal ingredients. For a special occasion, the locale and restaurant design are difficult to trump.
Planning your getaway to Venice? Here’s some inspiration for your getaway:
- Magical Italy: An Itinerary for Two Days in Venice
- Eating Local with EatWith in Venice
- Exploring Venice with Walks of Italy
- Road trip from Venice to Milan
👉🏼 Wanna collaborate on your next trip? Let me help you plan your Italian escape!
Number of Rooms: 82 rooms and suites
Cost Per Night: From €600 – €2000+ per night
Must-Try Eats & Drinks: Martini lovers, try the hotel’s fennel martini, a signature concoction.
Hotel Highlights: The entire property dazzles but the views from the terrace are a must — enjoy breakfast and/or a pre-dinner drink with views across the canal for a movie moment.
Worth the Investment? If you’ve budgeted for a splurgy stay in Venice, you won’t be disappointed — astoundingly memorable and special.
Points Perks: Marriott Bonvoy members will be happy to find the Gritti Palace as part of The Luxury Collection. You’ll collect points (more points for using your Marriott Bonvoy card), and can occasionally use points to book a stay as well (Category 8).
