A city of intrigue and enchantment, Venice continues to capture the hearts of travellers from around the world more than 1000 years after its inception. For our first stay in the floating city we wanted the full Venetian experience, so we checked into the five star Palazzina Grassi.
Located on the famous Grand Canal, Palazzina Grassi delivers everything you’d expect from a luxury Venetian hotel. The hotel can be accessed via the Grand Canal itself or on foot through Venice’s charming winding alleyways. We chose the latter and discovered the hotel’s location to be very private and secluded despite its close proximity to the city’s bustling Piazza San Marco and renowned Rialto Bridge. As a popular destination for celebrities and travellers alike, the hotel was almost at full occupancy during our stay. However we barely bumped into other guests and the atmosphere remained very serene with staff showing utmost attentiveness to our needs at all times.
We settled into our Deluxe Room which was beautifully bright and spacious with modern mirrored installations providing a unique, upscale aesthetic. The hotel’s black mask motif was notable throughout the room which added a playful touch and a clever nod to Venice’s rich history. Our favourite space was the stunning marble clad bathroom stocked with Bottega Veneta amenities. Masterfully curated by French designer Philippe Starck, every space throughout Palazzina Grassi exudes sophistication and refinement.
In contrast to the light toned rooms and suites, The Restaurant boasts a more warm and traditional styling featuring Venetian mahogany, Murano glass sculptures and stone columns. For dinner at The Restaurant, we were treated to a truly delectable tasting menu carefully selected by the head chef. To start off our culinary experience we indulged in the Italian art of aperitivo and enjoyed a round of Aperol spritz (we are true believers that this beverage taste far superior in Italy than anywhere else). We then moved to our comfortable dining setting and devoured course after course of delicious Italian cuisine. Their seafood spaghetti adorned with gold flakes and caviar was one of the best dishes we ate during our trip to Italy.
The following morning we returned to The Restaurant for breakfast before setting out to explore the city. The breakfast menu was superb with options to suit even the most discerning diner. Energised for the day ahead, we booked in a Gondola Tour with help from the friendly Palazzina Grassi team. We were delighted to learn the Gondola would arrive directly at the hotel’s dock to pick us up. We cannot recommend this option more highly as the lines for the Gondola Tours in the city centre can be extremely long. Our voyage took us across the Grand Canal and through charming narrow passageways. For visitors to Venice, a Gondola ride is a must-do experience for a totally unique perspective of the city.
Back at the hotel, we relaxed into the afternoon with a glass of bubbles in the Krug Champagne Lounge. This intimate area soon became our most beloved spot at Palazzina Grassi thanks to its luxurious, masculine design and mesmerising view of the iconic Grand Canal. The exclusive space is only the second Krug Lounge found worldwide.
As we gazed out upon the Grand Canal, we were truly appreciative to have experienced this surreal city with thanks to Palazzina Grassi. Although this was our first trip to Venice, we know it certainly won’t be our last and are already planning our return.
Website: palazzinagrassi.com
Instagram: @PalazzinaGrassi
Facebook: /Palazzina Grassi
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