Orient Express Venice: A New Chapter of Venetian Luxury Begins
Venice has welcomed many iconic hotels over the years, but few openings have generated as much anticipation as the new Orient Express Venice. Located in the heart of Cannaregio, the property combines the timeless glamour of the legendary train with the atmosphere of an authentic Venetian noble palace.
During my recent visit, what immediately stood out was the hotel’s ability to feel both grand and deeply personal at the same time — something increasingly rare in luxury hospitality.
First Impressions: Impossible to Miss
Even before entering, the hotel makes a statement.
From the street, guests are welcomed by an original Orient Express carriage positioned outside the property, instantly connecting the hotel to the iconic history and imagery of the famous train.
The location itself is slightly away from the city’s busiest luxury hotel circuit, giving the property a more residential and authentic Venetian atmosphere.
A Warm Welcome
Inside, the experience begins with an exceptionally warm welcome.
I was greeted by Simona and Ivana from the sales team, together with a young yet highly professional staff that immediately made the atmosphere feel relaxed and inviting.
Despite the grandeur of the property, the service never feels formal or distant. Instead, there is a genuine sense of hospitality that makes guests feel at home from the very beginning.
A Palace Restored, Not Reinvented
One of the most fascinating aspects of the hotel is the restoration itself.
This is not a newly built luxury property designed to imitate Venice. The building is an authentic historic palace, once considered one of the most frescoed palaces in the city. Walking through the interiors, the restoration work becomes immediately evident: original architectural elements have been preserved and enhanced rather than replaced.
The lobby is elegant and luminous, featuring refined furnishings and beautiful Fortuny fabrics that immediately reinforce the Venetian identity of the hotel.
From the reception area, guests can access the private water entrance dedicated to boat arrivals, while a magnificent spiral staircase leads to the upper floors and the hotel’s piano nobile.
The Heart of the Hotel
The piano nobile is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the property.
Here, guests can enjoy two intimate lounges:
a music salon featuring a piano
a quiet reading lounge surrounded by books
This floor also hosts the hotel’s Signature Suites, each characterized by soft pastel tones, natural light, and restored historic details, including original Venetian terrazzo flooring and parquet.
The overall feeling throughout the property is one of brightness and softness. Mirrors are used extensively across rooms and corridors, amplifying natural light and creating a remarkably airy atmosphere.
Rooms & Suites
The hotel features 38 accommodations, including:
Superior Rooms
Deluxe Rooms
Junior Suites
Signature Suites
While each category has its own identity, the design language remains cohesive throughout the property: elegant, understated, and unmistakably Venetian.
Some suites are still being finalized, including the highly anticipated Orient Express Signature Suite, where restoration work on the original flooring and interiors is still ongoing.
Dining Experience
At the moment, one of the hotel’s three planned restaurants is open and already offers a very refined dining experience.
Following the site inspection, we enjoyed lunch in an elegant setting with impeccable mise en place and beautifully executed cuisine. The attention to detail was evident throughout the entire experience, from service to presentation.
One aspect to note is that all dining venues are located on the ground floor. Guests looking for rooftop terraces or panoramic dining experiences will not find them here.
What Makes Orient Express Venice Different
What makes this hotel particularly interesting is that it does not rely solely on ultra-luxury aesthetics. Instead, it focuses on atmosphere, heritage, and emotional connection.
The property feels deeply rooted in Venice rather than designed for international luxury trends alone. There is a sense of authenticity that comes from preserving the building’s original soul while introducing the elegance associated with the Orient Express name.
Final Thoughts
Orient Express Venice feels less like a traditional luxury hotel and more like entering a private Venetian residence with an extraordinary story behind it.
For travelers looking for contemporary luxury while still experiencing the real character of Venice, this opening represents one of the most interesting new additions to the city’s hospitality scene.
