Nolinski Venezia

The Venice experience—one that is both incredible and unique—starts from the get-go at this property. That’s because the building, which once housed the stock exchange, is a site to behold, with sea-inspired adornments and its “secret” entrance through the small door labeled “borsa.” From the hotel’s location on Venice’s Calle Larga XII Marzo, the property is also the ideal jumping-off point for all the city has to offer—whether you want to shop iconic Italian brands like Dolce & Gabbana or Gucci, which are on the same street—or you want to take in some of the iconic sites, like Piazza San Marco, which is just a quick, 5-minute walk away. To reach the city, Venice’s Marco Polo airport is the closest and, if you’re coming from elsewhere in Italy, the train station is also easily accessible.

The French-Italian interior design team of Yann Le Coadic and Alessandro Scotto are behind the lush and luxurious interiors here, which channel timeless Italian style, often using local materials, and are at once sophisticated (think: deep red fabrics and gold accents) and welcoming. There are 43 rooms—13 of which are suites—that all feature distinctive touches, like locally made glass lanterns and a mosaic octopus in each bathroom. The Master Suites are the largest of the options, which offer the feel of a private apartment, they say, with some even boasting a private terrace.

There’s so much to love about this property—and, as we mentioned, the experience starts right when you enter. The hotel opens up to an incredible courtyard, where you’ll find Il Caffè Nolinski. Serving dishes (you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner here) made with “100 percent Italian ingredients,” the cafe is just one of the culinary outposts at the hotel headed by starred chef Philip Chronopoulos, who received two Michelin stars at Palais Royal Paris. At the cafe, take note of the banquettes, which are inspired by the city’s famous gondolas. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Palais Royal Restaurant Venezia, is set to open in January 2024—and will take “inspiration not only from French cuisine but also from Italy and [Chronopoulos’] native Greece.” Beyond that is the cozy Library Bar, which has over 4,000 (!) books, amazing artwork (read more about that in our Tips section), and is the ideal spot for a cocktail.

Also impressive? The property’s 5th-floor pool. With its gold mosaic tiles and sophisticated feel, it also boasts 360-degree city views—the only pool in the city to offer that, they say. And when it’s time to unwind, head to the hotel’s Spa Nolinski by La Colline, a curated experience by La Colline, one of Switzerland’s best-known skincare companies. It’s a great stop before or after you set out to see the city—whether that’s by foot, vaporetto, or gondola.

If you book through First in Service, you’ll receive a complimentary continental breakfast, a $75 food and beverage credit, and a VIP welcome as well as a room upgrade and early check-in/late check-out, if available.