The famed city of canals, art, and timeless romance has welcomed a new chapter in luxury hospitality with the debut of the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli. Located in Venice’s authentic Cannaregio district, this historic 15th-century palazzo has been meticulously transformed into a destination hotel, now open for bookings, and promises an unmatched immersive experience for global travelers.
Nestled at the intersection of two quiet canals in northern Venice, the palazzo was originally built in 1436 by architect Filippo Calendario, renowned for his work on the Doge’s Palace. Once home to the noble Donà and Giovannelli families—major patrons of Venetian art—the building is steeped in centuries of culture and prestige. Today, it reemerges under the prestigious Orient Express brand, following the successful launch of La Minerva in Rome.
Architectural Restoration with Cultural Reverence
The palazzo’s transformation has been led by renowned Lebanese-French architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, whose restoration efforts preserve the historic grandeur while weaving in elements of modern opulence. With 47 elegantly designed rooms, including six Signature Suites and exclusive canal-view apartments, every space speaks to the splendor of Venice’s artistic legacy.
Original frescoes, mosaic flooring, carved wooden ceilings, and Gothic windows have been painstakingly preserved and restored. Asmar d’Amman has succeeded in creating what she calls a “dialogue between memory and modernity,” a hotel that evokes 15th-century aristocratic elegance while offering 21st-century comfort.
A Stay Rooted in Venetian Culture
The Palazzo Donà Giovannelli does more than offer a place to sleep—it curates a journey through Venice’s golden age. Guests arrive in style via private water taxi, disembarking at a restored Gothic portico that opens directly onto the canal. Alternative entrances through a secret garden or tranquil courtyard allow for a uniquely serene arrival in one of the world’s most visited cities.
Each area within the hotel reveals a story. The Vittoria Ballroom, originally created for the 1548 wedding of Princess Vittoria Farnese, glimmers with restored Baroque detailing. The Library of Cultures, a tribute to the intellectual heritage of Venice, showcases lapis lazuli pigments and richly gilded woodwork.
Public spaces are designed to reflect Venice’s historical role as a cultural crossroads—fusing Neogothic height with Baroque flamboyance and classical harmony. The octagonal staircase and the skylight vault of glass and stone are among the many architectural marvels visitors encounter.
Signature Suites and Apartments for the Discerning Traveler
The hotel’s 47 rooms, including Signature Suites and exclusive apartments, are designed to offer travelers both historical ambiance and bespoke luxury. The suites on the Piano Nobile are particularly breathtaking, echoing the grandeur of noble Venetian living with curated furnishings, heritage-inspired décor, and views of the Rio di Noale.
Guests looking for an even more immersive Venetian lifestyle can opt for the Orient Express Apartments located in an adjoining building. These residential-style accommodations offer longer stays with full privacy and modern amenities, ideal for families or those seeking a home-away-from-home experience.
Culinary Elegance and Iconic Cocktail Culture
Dining at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is a celebration of local and international flavor. The in-house gourmet restaurant, accessible by boat, offers refined cuisine that melds Venetian traditions with global inspiration. Guests can also enjoy an all-day courtyard dining experience, rare in Venice, where tranquil garden views offer a peaceful counterpoint to the city’s bustling alleys.
A centerpiece of the hotel’s social experience is the Wagon Bar, a sophisticated lounge styled after the legendary Orient Express train carriages. Here, handcrafted cocktails and vintage elegance converge to transport guests back to the golden era of rail travel, with Venetian flair.
Venice’s Luxury Renaissance
The opening of the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli aligns with Venice’s evolving approach to luxury tourism—emphasizing authenticity, cultural preservation, and sustainability. The property joins a growing roster of high-end hotels seeking to deepen visitor engagement with the city’s heritage while limiting the impacts of overtourism in central areas like San Marco.
According to data from Italia.it, the official tourism portal of Italy, the Cannaregio district has become increasingly popular with travelers seeking a more authentic Venetian experience, away from the crowds. The addition of a landmark hotel in this area adds value not only to the guest experience but to Venice’s long-term tourism sustainability goals.
Booking Now Open
With bookings now available through the Orient Express website and leading luxury travel agencies, the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli invites global travelers to rediscover Venice in a way that blends regal heritage with contemporary sophistication.
Whether arriving by gondola through a Gothic archway, sipping cocktails in a reimagined train carriage, or sleeping beneath frescoed ceilings once reserved for Venetian nobility, guests at this hotel are promised an experience that transcends ordinary travel.
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