Eight years in the making, Orient Express Venezia is a landmark opening with 15th-century Venetian splendour that will dazzle
Words: Jonathan Whiley
Arriving at a party as soon as the doors open can be a risk. Perhaps the host isnât fully ready to receive you and is still plumping the cushions and arranging the furniture. Nevertheless, you admire the surroundings and a cocktail soon helps to forgive the bumps in the road.
There were shades of this at the new Orient Express Venezia (Orient Express, the historic brand revived and run by Accor, not to be confused with Belmondâs Venice Simplon-Orient-Express). Located in the Cannaregio area of Venice, a 10-minute stroll from the Rialto Bridge, it opened at the start of April, billed as âthe reawakening of an icon”.
Indeed, the Palazzo DonĂ Giovannelli is magnificent, dating back to the 15th century and built by the same architect as the Dogeâs Palace. Arriving, film-star style by boat, weâre met by a beautiful candy pink-and-white stone facade with neo-Gothic lancet windows that nod to the cityâs former seat of power.
Paris-based architect and interior designer Aline Asmar dâAmman has worked her considerable magic to capture the Venetian grandeur and sense of timelessness throughout, from the vast lobby with historic columns to the majestic octagonal staircase crowned by a celestial vault and swoonworthy suites (there are six, as well as 41 rooms with marbled bathrooms and sculpted pedestal sinks). The Cherubini Suite, with its vintage Murano chandelier, is particularly striking.
Despite the buildingâs long history as a crossroads of culture and imagination â during the 19th century it was a stage for salons, debates and grand receptions â it shouldnât be lost that this is a hotel, not a museum. Our stay, three weeks after opening, wasnât without its teething issues; from a fire alarm on arrival in our room (a test we were only later made aware of) to designers hanging pictures at aperitivo hour in the art deco Wagon Bar and a miscommunication in the restaurant, it felt as if the finishing touches were still being applied.
One suspects that by the time you read this, these will have been ironed out. A spa and fine restaurant are soon to follow, the latter overseen by three-Michelin-starred Heinz Beck. The acclaimed chef also oversees all-day La Casati, with a menu that includes Venetian-inspired dishes such as bigoli with duck ragout and Beck signatures such as cacio e pepe with lime-marinated prawns.
With all the ingredients in place and a touch of fine tuning, Orient Express Venezia will be an irresistible proposition. In hindsight I think we may have just been a touch too early for the party to be in full swing.
Photo Credits: Giulio GhirardiÂ
