As soon as we pulled up to the dock at the St. Regis Venice, I knew we were in for a treat. Our bags were quickly whisked away by smiling bellmen, as we were welcomed into the cozy lobby to check in. The property, which until recent years housed the Grand Hotel Britannia, dates back to the 17th century. Now a part of Marriott, the St. Regis retains its old-world sophistication with all the upscale amenities luxury travelers are looking for.
I was most impressed by the property’s stunning location at the beginning of the Grand Canal across from the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. The view from our window rivaled any postcard we could buy from the hundreds of kiosks around the city. When we were ready to set out and explore, we were just a five-minute walk from shops and galleries of the Piazza San Marco.
Accommodations
With just 124 guest rooms and 39 suites, you’ll be well taken care of at the St. Regis. We stayed in a Grand Canal View Suite, with a living room to enjoy our prosecco while watching the gondolas glide by. A separate bedroom had a king-sized bed with a soaking tub and a bathroom that featured dual vanities and an oversized rain shower. A second half bathroom off the hall was an extra touch that went a long way when traveling with a teen girl.
Top-notch service is available from the minute you arrive at the St. Regis Venice, with butlers available to unpack your luggage or press a shirt before you head out for the evening. We came back to our suite after an evening of exploring to find our bed turned down (with sweets and water on the bedside, of course) and our ice bucket refreshed to chill the champagne we hadn’t yet had a chance to enjoy.
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Guided Tours in Italy
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a Car Rental
Art and Dining at the St. Regis Venice
Contemporary art plays a large part in the decor at the St. Regis Venice, including White Chandelier, a commissioned glass installation by Chinese master sculptor Ai Weiwei, made in collaboration with Berengo Studio. Guests can have the hotel’s concierge book a private tour of Berengo Studio on the nearby island of Murano to learn about this collaboration and see glass works in progress.
When we returned by water taxi to the St. Regis, we were lucky to witness one of the famed St. Regis traditions—champagne sabering in the Gran Salone. A hotel guest volunteer was walked through the process before she wielded the saber to slice the top off the bottle, and everyone enjoyed a glass of bubbly.
Up next: enjoying a few drinks at lively Arts Bar, where contemporary artists are featured in creative cocktails. Don’t judge me, but I might have selected my cocktail based on the handcrafted Murano glassware it was served in. Sit at the bar to get the full show, and enjoy nibbles from the menu or complimentary potato chips and olives for the perfect salty bite.
A highlight of our St. Regis visit was our canal-side dinner at Gio’s Restaurant, where executive chef Giuseppe Ricci highlights local cuisine alongside that of his home region of Puglia. We went all-in and opted for the eight-course tasting menu, which showcased dishes such as homemade pasta topped with blue crab, an invasive species that threatens local clam and mussel farming. Every bite was a treat.
If you enjoy a meal on the property’s terrace, you might get to see the resident falcon, there under the care of a falconer to keep hungry seagulls away. Be sure to return for the buffet breakfast, where the freshly sliced prosciutto, local cheese, and warm croissants were popular options.
Hotel Amenities
Guests looking to keep up with their fitness routine beyond long walks through the alleys of Venice can head to the property’s fitness center, which is open 24 hours. Next door, you’ll find a small spa where hair, nail, and massage services are available. We were told that there are plans to expand the spa beyond its current footprint and maybe even add a swimming pool.
Take advantage of the property’s service to get to Marco Polo International Airport, which not only includes a water taxi but a driver waiting to deliver you right to the terminal and help you find your check-in line.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating a big anniversary or planning a bucket-list family trip to Venice, the St. Regis Venice offers high-end luxury and services that will make your visit memorable. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points when staying at the St. Regis.
Check rates for the St. Regis Venice online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer Kate Loweth. My stay was paid for by the property, but all the opinions are my own.
