A Fine Art: St. Regis Venice – Hotel Review

6 months ago

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A Fine Art: St. Regis Venice – Hotel Review

Following a two-year restoration of the former Grand Hotel Britannia – more recently known as the Westin Europa & Regina – the opening of the St. Regis Venice marks a new era for this grande dame icon on the Grand Canal, with contemporary interiors that take their cues from the city’s artistic heritage, as well as the esteemed painters, like Turner and Monet, who once stayed at the hotel.

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Review: St. Regis Venice

STAY

In prime position on the Grand Canal, a short stroll from Piazza San Marco and with sweeping views over the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Santa Maria della Salute Basilica and the Punta della Dogana Museum, the hotel unfolds over five palazzi, with the oldest dating back to the 17th century. Of the 129 rooms and 40 suites, about a third of them overlook the hotel’s exquisite gardens or the canal, with the three-bedroom Penthouse Suite taking top spot with a wraparound terrace and vistas over the city with three different viewpoints. Plump for one of the Monet Suites, which nod to the pioneer of impressionism (who painted several of his Venetian masterpieces from the hotel) with a distinctive colour palette in blue and peach tones inspired both by the painter’s watercolours, as well as the reflection of light across the canal. And as with all St. Regis hotels, all guests have access to the brand’s signature St. Regis Butlers, for that discreet service that takes luxury to the next level.

EAT

With its spectacular canal-side terrace, Gio’s – which is where breakfast is also served – is the type of place you can linger at the whole day. Indulge in a long lazy lunch, and as the warm glow of golden hour illuminates the buildings across the Grand Canal, sip on an aperitivo that could take you straight into dinner. The menu here is classic Italian and Venetian dishes from ricotta and eggplant cannelloni to lamb fiorentina served glazed with lemon and fresh seasonal herbs. To finish off, head to Arts Bar for a nightcap, where cocktails are inspired by the artists who helped shape the culture of Venice. Don’t miss out on the G&T inspired by Canaletto, or the mezcal and artichoke cordial cocktail, which takes its cues from Banksy and is aromatised with a spray of salted aromatic water that recalls the Venice sea water.

DO

You’re perfectly positioned to take in some of Venice’s most celebrated sights amid the city’s terracotta rooftops and winding waterways. Just a four-minute stroll away, you can weave your way through the crowds of Piazza San Marco for a look at the intricate Byzantine mosaics of St Mark’s Basilica. Stop in at a local bacaro for cicchetti (Venice’s version of tapas) and wander back through Calle XXII Marzo with its classy boutiques and art galleries. Other major sights within easy reach include Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, the Punta della Dogana Museum and Grand Teatro La Fenice, the city’s temple to opera. St. Regis Venice partners with Glasstress, inviting renowned artists of varied disciplines to create unique glassworks in collaboration with Murano masters. Ai Wei Wei crafted the first piece in rainbow crystal, which is now displayed in the Gran Salone. Guests can also tap into their creative sides with on-site workshops, including mask making and jewellery design.

FINAL WORD

For its third outpost in Italy, the St. Regis Venice brings its timeless luxury and service to an iconic landmark, thoughtfully captivating the spirit of the city while providing a ‘home away from home’ to explore everything Venice has to offer.