Orient Express Venezia

We had a brief, but wonderful stay at the Orient Express Hotel in Venice. Our travel advisor had arranged for a very sweet surprise with the management team to celebrate our engagement and it was lovely to walk into the room with a bottle of champagne, our photo and sweets to commemorate the occasion. The location of the hotel is relatively central in the city and we had no issues walking to most places or taking the water taxi when needed. The room we stayed in was clean, beautiful and spacious. We had an issue with the AC being broken the first night so suffered from the hot temperature, but after calling the front desk they let us sleep in a different, but cooler room for the night while they fixed the AC the next day. It was a bit of a rocky start to our stay, but they went above and beyond to make it up to us and my fiance and I ended up having a really memorable and comfortable stay at the beautiful hotel. The hotel just opened in April, so there are kinks being worked out but the staff continues to try to accommodate all guests and goes out of their way to make it a special experience. When we were there, the gym and spa was closed but we were able to go to a commercial gym 20 mins away which was, honestly, not the nicest or cleanest gym so if you want to work out I'd probably figure out a different option until the gym opens. I do want to give a special shout out to the concierge staff, Antonio, Alessio and Domiziana who were excellent in their assistance, service and recommendations.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our stay at Orient Express Venezia was one of the most anticipated parts of our trip, and there is much to admire about this beautiful new property. The hotel itself is absolutely breathtaking. Every space feels thoughtfully curated, with stunning design, impeccable restoration, and a level of craftsmanship that makes the entire property feel like a living work of art. From the grand interiors to the smallest details, it is clear that no expense was spared in creating a truly luxurious experience. The staff were exceptional throughout our stay. Warm, professional, and genuinely eager to help, they were among the highlights of our experience. We especially appreciated the opportunity to tour several of the suites, which are simply spectacular and showcase the property’s vision beautifully. That said, a few aspects of our stay unfortunately fell short of expectations. After arriving from an overnight international flight, waiting until 3:00 PM for our room was very disappointing. For a luxury property, the arrival experience is incredibly important, and after extensive travel, a smoother transition would have made a significant difference. We understand the firm check-in policy but honestly I have personally never had to wait from 1030am when we arrived to the property to 3pm after coming back several times to check and beg to be let in. Of course the lovely staff was amazing but I am really shocked it took all day, there was no way the hotel was full…we barely saw any guests. Breakfast was another area where we expected a bit more refinement. While perfectly adequate, it lacked the memorable, elevated experience we typically associate with hotels in this category. À la carte menu with not many options. The food was just “ok”. For us, another challenge was the location. While some travelers may appreciate a quieter setting, we personally found ourselves missing the iconic Venice atmosphere that comes from being surrounded by canals, waterfront cafés, and the energy of daily Venetian life. It is located not in the greatest area of the island compared to many luxury Venice properties. The dining venues are also beautiful, but the views are not a destination in themselves, and travelers seeking dramatic canal side dining or unforgettable waterfront scenery may want to keep that in mind. You’ll have a garden patio view alone. Overall, Orient Express Venezia is a stunning hotel with outstanding staff, beautiful accommodations, and extraordinary design. It is a property that deserves recognition for its architecture, restoration, and attention to detail. While the hotel itself impressed us greatly, we ultimately have connected more with other luxury Venice properties that offered a stronger sense of place and a more immersive relationship with the city’s waterways and atmosphere. We are grateful for the hospitality and the opportunity to experience this remarkable new hotel, and we look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve as one of Venice’s newest luxury addresses.

We had the most magical trip of a lifetime at the Orient Express Venezia with our two year old son. The hotel staff went out of their way to make him and us feel welcomed and added countless thoughtful touches in the hotel room such as balloons for him, a story with his name in it, a teddy and even a beautiful pair of Venetian shoes for our baby daughter we are expecting in a few months. The design of the hotel is absolutely spectacular and palatial - both my husband and I were saying we don't think we've ever stayed in a nicer hotel room before! The food was exceptional and we had so much help programming our stay to be as memorable and special as can be. Highly recommend to anyone traveling as a couple, with friends or even with small children. We are dying to go back as soon as we can!

First glance, traces of a rich history is obviously seen everywhere in the hotel. A story preserved, from the imposing staircase, impressive architecture of this palazzo, through the astonishingly beautiful original frescoes - never seen bedrooms that are unparalleled. All of these interlaced in harmony with magnificent Murano chandeliers and other elements with contemporary flair. A sense of warm welcome can be felt through the staff. They are unobtrusive but very attentive and helpful. It was notably pristine from the bedrooms to the public areas. The Reception and Concierge are very knowledgeable in assisting what to experience and see in Venice. Food was absolutely divine from the best quality of ingredients. We love the concept of “cicchetti” ones which are traditional Venetian and those of the Chef’s creation. Excellent selection for breakfast, savory and sweet, along with the amazing coffee. Venice in itself has been and will always be unique & magical. Now the city has gained another remarkable gem. Descriptions and photos are merely not enough, one has to personally see the beauty, charm of Orient Express Venezia and experience the warm hospitality. We thank the entire staff for making our stay a wonderful and memorable one.

Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, now part of the Orient Express legacy, is a true masterpiece of restoration, where every detail has been curated with exceptional care and intention. The historic rooms are simply breathtaking, featuring exquisite finishes and authentic period character—nothing is left to chance. From Murano glass to delicate lace, from refined silverware to a carefully selected range of outstanding local products, the property beautifully celebrates the richness of Venetian heritage. Experiencing the palace during the Easter period elevated everything even further, with thoughtful seasonal touches such as traditional colomba and chocolate eggs, adding a warm and festive dimension to the stay. Breakfast was outstanding—an indulgent journey through local excellence, featuring delicacies such as San Daniele ham, herb-roasted ham, Wagyu bresaola, and Asiago cheese, all complemented by an excellent Lavazza coffee. This is not just a hotel, but a place to return to time and again—at different moments of the day, under ever-changing light—simply to admire the magnificent frescoes and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the palace. A truly unforgettable experience.