Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort

This Hotel Is Where to Stay During the Venice Film Festival in Italy - Hotels Above Par - Boutique Hotels & Travel

"An opulent, palace-like Lido beachfront resort that has hosted the Venice Film Festival for about 80 years—the inaugural festival was held on its balcony in 1932—this celebrity-favored property pairs Venetian grandeur with Moorish interiors (arched details, elaborate chandeliers and jewel-toned palettes). Its 197 rooms, including newly renovated junior suites, are notably spacious for Venice, many with beach-facing balconies, Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries and sweeping lagoon views; the junior suites in particular feel like stepping into a Moorish palace thanks to grand arches and pastel-hued furnishings. Dining ranges from an extensive breakfast buffet at Elimar's Beach Bar and Restaurant to candlelit sunset seafood and Venetian specialties at Tropicana; the Blue Bar serves aperitifs, Aperol spritzes, martinis and light bites (including pizzas), while Adriatico offers pasta with breathtaking seaside views. Onsite amenities include a private beach (unique for Venice), a pool, a Technogym-equipped fitness center, concierge and room service, plus a complimentary private boat shuttle to central Venice every half hour (about 15 minutes), making attractions like Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge easily reachable. Nightly rates start around $350."