Nolinski Venezia: A Touch of French Opulence in Venice

| Mon, 12/04/2023 - 07:00

Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.

Why we love it

Housed inside Venice’s historic Stock Exchange a few minutes from Piazza San Marco, Nolinski Venezia brings gorgeous design and a bit of French savoir faire to La Serenissima.

What to expect

With its stately Art Nouveau facade and red carpeted entrance, this hotel makes a fabulous first impression — and it doesn’t stop there. The rooms and other public spaces were designed to wow, with plush velvet seating in rich, deep tones and whimsical touches like Murano glass objects and a show-stopping ceiling mural inspired by Chagall in the cozy bar. But there’s more to this hotel than good looks — the food, service and amenities combine French art de vivre with Venetian charm.

Background

This is the first hotel outside of France by the French hospitality group EVOK Collection, which is known for modern luxury hotels in Paris and Courchevel. The group’s Nolinski brand — born in Paris — appeals to travelers who appreciate discreet luxury and excellent design.

Location, location, location

Right in the heart of Venice, the hotel’s entrance is on the bustling Calle Larga XXII Marzo, which is lined with upscale designer shops. Some rooms on the upper floors have views of the Basilica di San Marco.

Where you’ll sleep

The 43 rooms and suites are beautifully designed, with big comfy beds and modern bathrooms. My suite had a separate sitting room with a pale pink velvet sofa, a coffee table festooned with art books, and a bar with beautiful cocktail glasses and full-size bottles of premium spirits (careful or you’ll rack up a big tab!). There was no espresso machine, though, which might have been more practical. The bathroom had a Japanese Toto toilet and a bath/shower combination with mosaics depicting an octopus, a motif throughout the hotel.

Dining & drinks

Bar room at Nolinski Venezia — *Bar at Nolinski Venezia*

I loved the vibe of the bar, which feels like a cozy library stacked with bookshelves, burgundy velvet banquettes and the aforementioned ceiling mural, but the taste of my cocktail didn’t quite match the description on the menu. At Il Caffè, the casual ground-floor restaurant, I enjoyed the classic fritto misto, tuna crudo and spaghetti with clams. The Palais Royal restaurant has an eye-catching midcentury-inspired design and serves flaky, buttery French croissants that are to die for.

Service notes

In my interaction with the concierge, I got the feeling that he was trying to upsell me with an expensive private boat ride, but in the end he helpfully organized a private tour of Martina Vidal, one of Burano’s traditional lacemakers and my husband and I took the public vaporetto to get there.

Spa time

The Ottoman-inspired spa has a couple of treatment rooms where you can have a facial, massage or other beauty treatment. Upstairs in the attic, there’s a small pool tiled with gold mosaics that offers a bit of a respite with views of the Basilica di San Marco.

Family perks

The hotel is more suited to couples and adults, but there are eight adjoining rooms for families and cots or roll-out beds are available upon request. With at least eight hours’ notice, the concierge can arrange babysitters or activities suitable for kids.

You should know...

For now, the elegant Palais Royal restaurant in the former council chamber’s auditorium only serves breakfast to hotel guests, but it will open to the public with gourmet menus in spring 2024.