The Gritti Palace, Venice - hotel review

Splendid architecture, delicious food, world-class art and lots and lots of water, the city of Venice, made up of no fewer than 118 small islands, is as beautiful, charming and romantic as it is unique.

If it’s utter George Clooney style luxury you’re after, there’s only one place to stay: The Gritti Palace.

Where is it?

Set on an especially picturesque bend of Venice’s stunning Grand Canal, the hotel overlooks Santa Maria della Salute – the most beautiful church in a city of beautiful churches – and Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, where the Guggenheim Museum sits. Its entrance is on a peaceful square unbothered by too many of the tourist hordes, yet just a few minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square and the famous sights. All in all, a pretty perfect spot.

Style:

Given the hotel occupies a former palace that dates way back to 1475 (that’s 200 years before the Great Fire of London, for perspective), this decadent hotel oozes historic charm. Grand pillars and a tiled floor make an impression in the lobby; then there is the original artwork throughout – including in some rooms – meaning this luxurious hotel has an alluring hint of gallery about it.

Facilities:

This is a five star hotel with facilities to match, from concierge options and 24 hour room service, to state-of-the-art tech in every room, and even a small but perfectly formed spa offering a full set of treatments. It also has its own water taxi stop, making it easy to reach with luggage. On top of all that, there’s also a golf club. No, it’s not on-site as logistics wouldn’t allow but guests do have preferential booking options and access to the affiliated Venice Golf Club.

Food & drink:

It is worth paying a visit to the Club del Doge restaurant on the ground floor, which boasts a marble floor and palatial papered walls, plus an outdoor terrace right on the canal. It has to be one of the city’s top alfresco settings, albeit with a price to match. Whether or not you opt for lunch or dinner there, definitely don’t miss breakfast served in the very same spot.

Which room?

Sumptuous and fully fitted out with the latest in-room tech, but with all the Venetian charm of a centuries old palace, the 90 rooms and suites which make up this hotel are all stunners in their own right. If space is of the essence (and your pockets are deep) then you may wish to indulge in a suite as the building’s listed status does restrict the roominess of others. If you’re going to splash out, though, we reckon it’s better to spend the extra on a premium room with a Grand Canal view for the ultimate Venice experience.

Extra-curricular:

It’s Venice, so naturally there’s no shortage of ways to entertain yourself. Taking in the main sites is easy, with the Rialto Bridge, Guggenheim, Santa Maria della Salute and St Mark’s Square each just a short walk away. Of course, a gondola ride is obligatory, too.

For the rest of your stay, enjoy going a little more off the tourist trail. For some seriously good eating and drinking.

Tuck into a lunch at Cà D’Oro alla Vedova, tucked down a side street off Strada Nova. It’s a proper old-school bacaro, where drinkers stand in the front and diners tuck into insanely good deep-fried pork meatballs along with a selection of simple pastas. Eat your weight in chichheti and get your fill of spritz at Ai Promessi Sposi. Then indulge in a fancier affair at Antica Carbonera which boasts grand Titanic-esque booths and piano music. For excellent seafood and wine you can’t beat Osteria alle Testiere. If it looks a bit familiar, it's because this is the restaurant which Polpo is based on.

Best for: A luxurious romantic getaway if you've got cash to splash.

From £831 for a double room, Campo S.Maria Del Giglio 2467, Venice, Italy. Visit thegrittipalace.com.