World-leading Accor group's legendary travel brand Orient Express has partnered with Italian hospitality group Arsenale S.p.A. to open its second hotel in Italy at the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice.
Orient Express Venice Hotel is slated to open in early 2024 in Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a palace built in 1400 by architect Fillipo Calendario who designed Venice's famed Doge's Palace. The building is also the former home of the Duke of Urbino, which was renovated twice in 1800 by architect Gian Battista Meduna. Once a pinacotheque housing the painting La Tempesta by Giorgione, it was later owned by the Donà and Giovannelli families.
Located just ten minutes from Venice's Santa Lucia train station, beside the Cannaregio shopping district, Accor and Arsenale have chosen architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d'Amman and her studio Culture in Architecture to design the space.
"Inspired by her multicultural background, passion for Venice and unique poetic language, Aline Asmar d'Amman will sublimate the design of one of the most charismatic palaces in the world," said Stephen Alden, CEO Raffles and Orient Express, Accor.
Drawing inspiration from Venice's rich heritage and history, the Orient Express Venice Hotel will feature 45 guestrooms and suites boasting panoramic views of the gardens and canals. Select terraces hidden on the rooftop further offer guests beautiful views of the wonders of the Serenissima. The hotel bar will be located in the former piano nobile ballroom on the main floor. Meanwhile, a world-class restaurant will invite guests to indulge in the flavours of Italian gastronomy.
"The strategic union between Venice and the new Orient Express Hotel represents another significant step in the objective that Arsenale is pursuing thanks to the partnership with Orient Express, namely the relaunch of luxury tourism that highlights the unprecedented artistic and cultural heritage of our Italian peninsula," said Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale S.p.A.
"Palazzo Donà Giovannelli will become a unique landmark in Venice with its exceptional design, history and heritage. Aline Asmar d'Amman’s meticulous care and eclectic experience will shed new light on the ancient beauty of the Palazzo, helping to spread a message of excellence from Venice throughout the whole world."
When the hotel opens, Orient Express La Dolce Vita train passengers will be able to disembark at the Venice Santa Lucia Station and arrive at the Orient Express Venice Hotel by foot or by boat.
