Discovering St. Regis Venice: A Distinctive Luxury Hotel in the City of Canals

Exploring Unique Architecture

As you step into the Gran Salone, the area adjacent to the main lobby of St. Regis Venice, you'll be greeted by a magnificent white Murano chandelier that shines like a piece of art. From afar, it appears to be a stylish Venetian chandelier, but upon closer inspection, you'll notice delicate flowers cleverly interwoven by Ai Weiwei. This stunning piece, known as the White Chandelier, sets St. Regis apart from traditional palazzo hotels.

Opened in 2019, the hotel occupies the historic structure of the Grand Hotel Britannia, which has welcomed guests since 1895 and was the first hotel in Venice to provide electricity in every room. The St. Regis brand encompasses five linked palazzi, including some of the oldest buildings dating back to the 17th century.

Exclusive Experience with a Private Water Taxi

Arriving at St. Regis Venice feels like stepping into a romantic film from the 1960s. We were greeted at the train station by a private water taxi from the hotel, featuring plush white leather seats and a glossy mahogany exterior. The wind tousled our hair as the captain navigated us through the beautiful canals of the Cannaregio district.

Upon entering the reception area, the Art Deco ambiance combined with modern design overwhelmed me. The tranquility here is a rare find amidst the bustling tourist crowds of Venice.

Luxurious Accommodations

Our suite was located on the piano nobile, the most beautiful floor of the original building, boasting a living room overlooking the Grand Canal, a separate bedroom, and a marble bathroom. Sunlight streamed into the bedroom, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while blackout curtains and an air conditioning system ensured utmost comfort.

While the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room were a standout feature, the lavish bathroom was equally impressive, adorned with black-and-white marble and a deep soaking tub. Premium toiletries and cozy bathrobes added to a truly delightful experience.

Culinary Excellence

At St. Regis, one of the must-try experiences is the dining. We began with the Afternoon Tea ritual at Gran Salone, followed by our first dinner at Gio’s Restaurant & Terrace, helmed by Chef Giuseppe Ricci. The dishes beautifully combined regional Italian flavors with local ingredients, such as scallops with Lamon sauce and catfish with anchovy sauce.

I personally chose scallops for my starter, followed by paccheri pasta with blue lobster in a spicy sauce. We sampled various exquisite Italian wines, notably the Franciacorta Bellavista Brut Satèn 2020, served in a Murano glass specially designed for the hotel.

Unique Cocktails

The Arts Bar at St. Regis is one of the few late-night drinking spots in Venice. It exudes warmth with cocktails inspired by famous works of art. Each drink is served in unique Murano glass crafted by Berengo Studio.

The cocktail I selected was named Edvard Munch, featuring Norwegian aquavit, barley syrup, smoky soda, and a hint of absinthe, served in a distinctive glass reminiscent of the artwork “The Scream.” The blend of flavors was truly exceptional.

Exploration Activities Nearby

A trip to Venice would be incomplete without experiencing a private boat ride. St. Regis offers various personal boat tours on their signature Mahogany Riva. The Grande Canal tour typically lasts about an hour, but for a longer adventure, the 4-hour tour to Murano and Burano is highly recommended.

What could be better than enjoying afternoon tea while gazing at the picturesque canals? At Gran Salone, you’ll be treated to a delightful afternoon tea with delicious sandwiches and scones, providing a luxurious and relaxing experience.

Discovering Berengo Studio

We also had the opportunity to visit Berengo Studio on Murano Island, renowned for its glass craftsmanship. Founded in 1989 by Adriano Berengo, this studio collaborates with contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei to work alongside Murano glass artisans. Guests of St. Regis can book private tours to explore the factory, museum, and enjoy boat transfers.

Participating in Unique Rituals

Each St. Regis hotel around the world features two daily rituals: the Champagne sabering at 5 PM and the Bloody Mary cocktail. In Venice, the version of Bloody Mary is called Santa Maria, made with verjus, homemade spice essence, grappa, and vodka infused with radish. It's a fantastic way to cap off a day of exploration at the hotel.

Article sourced and edited from: Matador Network