The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Hotel · San Marco ·
Luxurious historic palazzo with ornate rooms, canal views, and fine dining
Luxurious historic palazzo with ornate rooms, canal views, and fine dining
"As one of Venice’s storied grande dames dating to the 15th century and once a Doge’s family seat, this place casts a transportive spell with classic gilded decor, Murano chandeliers, and hand‑painted walls—yet never feels fusty thanks to thoroughly modern comforts like lightning‑fast room service and a sophisticated in‑room lighting system. A roll call of illustrious guests from Winston Churchill to Elizabeth Taylor hints at its legend, while the sleek Riva Lounge serves signature Venetian spritzes with unrivaled views of the Salute and the Grand Canal and some of the city’s best people‑watching. Dinner at Club del Doge is a must, especially the risotto “Hemingway‑style,” with succulent scampi folded through the rice and delicately raw scampi on top. Don’t miss the Epicurean School, where you’ll raid the Rialto markets before cooking lunch with executive chef Alberto Fol. Steps from Piazza San Marco yet cocooned like a private palazzo, it feels peerless in Venice." - Liam Hess
"In Venice, the Gritti Palace has reimagined its cooking classes to include a guided visit to the seafood and produce stands at the Rialto Market and has even planted 6,000 artichokes on nearby islands so the hotel's kitchens can use the resulting bounty." - Christine Muhlke Christine Muhlke Christine Muhlke is a former editor at both The New York Times and Bon Appétit. She is the co-author of "Wine Simple," also written by Le Bernardin's Aldo Sohm, and Phaidon's "Signature Dishes That Matter." Christine is the founder of culinary consultancy Bureau X and the creator of the Xtine newsletter. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A five-century palace hotel and a long-standing art patron, the Gritti mixes historic works from Titian's workshop with contemporary pieces and themed suites for design lovers—the Patron Canal Suites showcase distinct period-inspired interiors and the hotel even offers a private Aquariva speedboat for excursions." - Jenn Rice
"In a city with such a concentration of luxe hotels, none do it quite like this Grand Canal classic. Though the 15th-century palazzo—now a member of the Luxury Collection—has been open to guests since 1895, a 15-month, $200 million revamp in 2013 ensured that it’s no creaky museum piece. (Most modern extras are cleverly concealed.) But it’s the sheer grace of the place that makes it so appealing. Of course, it’s all inimitably exquisite, with rich Rubelli fabrics and priceless art; but this silky cocoon also manages to be utterly affable. Nothing is too much trouble, from the staff who serve cocktails from the martini trolley to chef Daniele Turco, who creates wonders with castraure—those special Venetian baby artichokes. A restorative facial in the spa? A spin in the Riva Aquariva boat? Full immersion in local food at the culinary school? Only if you can take your eyes off that watery spectacle outside: This is still one of the most beautiful hotels in one of the most beautiful, and most fragile, spots in the world." - Sarah James, Anne Hanley
"Paying for nearly €30 cocktails here buys you an unmatched front-row panorama of the Grand Canal—Palazzo Genovese and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute sit opposite as gondolas and vaporetti pass, making the Gritti Terrace (seasonal, daytime) and adjacent Riva Lounge (open later) a prime though pricey respite from the crowds." - Ann Shields