The new Orient Express Venezia hotel brings a 15th century Venetian palace back to life with 47 rooms, historic interiors and fine dining by chef Heinz Beck. Robbie Hodges reports

Orient Express Venezia has opened inside Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, marking the first time the 15th century building has operated as a hotel in nearly six centuries. Owned by Arsenale Group and redesigned by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman, the project forms part of a wider expansion of the Orient Express brand into hotels and trains across Italy.

Located in the Cannaregio district of Venice, the palazzo sits at the meeting point of two canals along the Rio di Noale. The area is known for being quieter than the city’s main tourist routes, offering a slower pace while still reflecting Venice’s long history as a centre of trade and culture. The opening follows the launch of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and the introduction of La Dolce Vita Orient Express train in 2025, positioning Italy as a key market for the brand.

The restoration of Orient Express Venezia focuses on preserving the building’s architectural heritage while adapting it for modern hospitality. Aline Asmar d’Amman has worked to retain original features such as frescoes, carved surfaces and historic layouts, while introducing contemporary materials and design elements. The palazzo includes 47 rooms, suites and residences, each shaped by the structure’s layered history and views over canals or gardens.

Several historic spaces have been carefully restored. The octagonal staircase, originally redesigned in the 19th century by architect Giovanni Battista Meduna, remains a central feature. Salone Vittoria, once used for aristocratic events, has been adapted for modern gatherings while maintaining its decorative details. The lobby, known as il Corte del Conte, has been transformed from an open courtyard into an enclosed reception space with Murano glass lighting and soft furnishings.

A private garden, previously hidden behind the building’s walls, has also been reopened. It now serves as a quiet outdoor area with seating, water features and lantern lighting. A connecting passage called Calle Meraviglia hosts rotating art displays linked to Venice’s cultural calendar, reinforcing the hotel’s role as a space for both visitors and local creative activity.

The design approach throughout Orient Express Venezia draws on Venice’s position as a historical link between East and West. Materials such as natural stone, embossed leather and silk have been used alongside mirrored surfaces and contemporary artworks. Colours reference traditional Venetian tones, sometimes described as “lost colours”, which have been reintroduced through textiles and finishes.

Accommodation includes six signature suites, each with distinct design features tied to the building’s past. These include restored murals, sculptural ceilings and large windows overlooking the canals. The largest suites measure up to 145 sqm and include details such as marble fireplaces and decorative frescoes depicting mythological figures.

Food and drink form a central part of the guest experience. Three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck leads the culinary offering across the hotel. His main restaurant, Heinz Beck Venezia, is located in a restored orangerie and focuses on fine dining. A second venue, La Casati, serves all-day meals inspired by Venetian culture, while the Wagon Bar references the design of classic Orient Express train carriages with an Art Deco style and a focus on cocktails.

The hotel also positions itself as a venue for events and celebrations. Salone Vittoria is available for private functions, continuing its historical role as a setting for formal occasions. Guests can arrive by boat through a Gothic water gate, reflecting traditional Venetian modes of transport and adding a sense of continuity between past and present.

Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO Orient Express, says: "With Orient Express Venezia, we open a new chapter in the legacy of our brand, one that celebrates Venice as a global capital of culture, beauty, and imagination. Palazzo Donà Giovannelli has been revived with extraordinary craftsmanship and deep respect for its six centuries of history, becoming a place where the art of travel meets the soul of the city."

Paolo Barletta, CEO Arsenale Group, says: "With the refurbishment of the iconic Palazzo Donà Giovannelli we continue our strategy of investing in unique heritage assets and unlocking their long-term value through thoughtful redevelopment. The new Orient Express Venezia at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli represents a meaningful step in the development of a distinctive portfolio that brings together iconic locations and a contemporary approach to ultra-luxury."

Bartolomeo Fusco, general manager Orient Express Venezia, says: "I am truly proud to unveil the opening of Orient Express Venezia, a destination where timeless elegance meets contemporary luxury. This magnificent project is not only a milestone, but a heartfelt tribute to Venice’s unique heritage and spirit of hospitality."

Aline Asmar d’Amman adds: "I imagined the transformation of Orient Express Venezia at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli as a theatrical sequence of wonders, a tribute to the whimsical mysteries of Venice and the spectacular marvels of the 15th architectural jewel, unearthed and restored."

The opening reflects a broader trend in luxury travel towards restoring historic buildings and repositioning them as experiential hotels. By combining heritage architecture with contemporary design and curated cultural programming, Orient Express Venezia aims to offer travellers a deeper connection to place while extending the brand beyond rail into a wider lifestyle proposition.