Luxury on the canal: A review of St. Regis Venice

With its unbeatable location and recently updated interiors, St. Regis Venice is a worthy contender for your next Venetian sojourn. Here’s what to expect

Why stay here?

Location, location, location! The St. Regis Venice is positioned right on the shores of the Grand Canal and located opposite the Punta della Dogana and Santa Maria della Salute basilica, and within an easy, five-minute stroll to St Mark’s Square. The hotel underwent a full-scale renovation in late 2019, restoring the grandeur of the former Grand Hotel Britannia, opened in 1895, and host to notable intellectuals including Impressionist painter Claude Monet.

Design

The hotel is made up of five former palaces, with the oldest being Badoer Tiepolo, which dates to the 17^th century. Recent renovations were overseen by London-based interior design studio Sagrada. The brief was to preserve the artistic and cultural heritage of the building while embracing the St. Regis brand ethos of modern glamour.

Impressive artworks adorn not only the public spaces but also the room interiors. My favourite is the centrepiece of the Gran Salon – the incredible White Chandelier, 2022 by iconic artist Ai Weiwei – a tribute to Venice and its 1600-year history, and the Venetian tradition of glassmaking. The masterpiece, created in collaboration with Berengo Studio’s master craftsmen in Murano Glass, is handcrafted and made of iridescent crystal.

In the room

In the living room of my suite, two French doors open onto a terrace directly across from the Santa Maria della Salute basilica. In the morning, I watch as the city stirs to life.

Within the suite is a quintessential mix of Venetian and contemporary design elements: wooden floors, walls lined in textured Rubelli fabric, and bespoke furniture. A plaster bust stands on a plinth; pink velvet chairs surround a round, timber dining table; and custom-made, recessed cabinetry holds the mini bar, along with art and architecture coffee table books.

The king-sized bed is dressed in Frette linen, while Murano-crafted pendant bed lamps hover above the bedside tables. I love the polished Italian marble ensuite bathroom — my favourite element is the beauty parlour bench and seating.

A separate dressing room contains a double-door wardrobe with sleek leather, timber and mirrored joinery, and a large, freestanding Victoria + Albert bathtub that I soak in, using the Acqua di Parma amenities, with a window and shutters slightly ajar to glimpse Venetian buildings in the distance.

Dining

The hotel’s main restaurant is Gio’s Restaurant & Terrace, with a swoon-worthy position directly overlooking the Grand Canal and alongside the hotel’s Italianate garden. In true Italian spirit, I opt for a classic aperitivo hour cocktail on the outdoor terrace at the Garden & St. Regis bar. Signature cocktails include the Santa Maria — the hotel’s own interpretation of a Bloody Mary, named in honour of the domed basilica directly opposite the hotel.

Breakfast is also served daily at Gio’s Restaurant. Champagne is on offer at the buffet, where I choose from an extensive array of foods including seasonal fruits, fresh-baked pastries and charcuterie. Guests can also order from an a la carte menu.

The special touches

Arrange for the airport transfers, where you’ll be greeted at customs and ushered to a classic wooden speedboat, for a movie star-style entrance to the hotel.

If you want to upgrade

The highest-category suite is the two-bedroom, 150 m² Presidential Suite, occupying the entire waterfront-facing space on the noble floor of the hotel’s Tiepolo Palace, featuring uninterrupted 180-degree views of the entrance to the Grand Canal.

St. Regis Venice

Terrace Grand Canal Suite

Size: 60m²
Price per night: Starting from €5000 (about AUD$8485)
Website: marriott.com