Palazzina Grassi

A 25-room hideaway on the Grand Canal designed by Philippe Starck, with a buzzing open kitchen restaurant, ultra-luxe experiences, and gleaming, glamorous interiors.

Equipped with a pool and spa. You didn’t come all the way to Venice to swim, though, did you? That’s what gondolas are for.

French industrial designer and architect Philippe Starck is, by any measure, a design genius, and Palazzina Grassi is reportedly the only hotel he’s ever designed in Italy. Interiors are Luxe with a capital L, even if you’re staying in the “starter” option. 215 square foot Superior Rooms are adorned with Venetian mirrors that bounce light around generously, abundant draperies, cloud white bed linens, and artful touches (note the pointillist chairs and the eye masks that appear to float on the lampshades). To feel like you own this town, we recommend the 753 square-foot Signature Grand Canal Suite; you’ll have sky-high ceilings, a separate living room, and arched windows that look out on the Grand Canal.

The staff has put together some true bucket list experiences for guests, including lessons with a maitre parfumier (yes, you’ll create your own signature scent) and picnics aboard a private motorboat on the lagoon.

You love to watch some of the world’s best chefs in action, and tonight, thanks to the open kitchen, you can see them carefully plating your wild herb gnocchi with asparagus and white ragout. Delicious.

The Restaurant - fine dining experience offering both contemporary dishes and flavours, and more traditional Italian cuisine