Review: The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice

Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Hotel Gritti Palace, the grande dame of the city’s hotel scene, with its splendid position facing across the Grand Canal to Salute church, really is the ultimate in traditional luxury: a rich-hued marvel of a place that defines classic Venetian hospitality. The Rubelli fabrics on walls and furniture positively glow, aided by dazzling Murano chandeliers that take your breath away. The grandeur of the public rooms echoes in suites fit for monarchs—or movie stars.

What's the backstory? Built in 1475 for Doge Andrea Gritti, this gorgeous palazzo is now part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. A $50 million tip-to-toe makeover overseen by designer Chuck Chewning of Donghia preserved and enhanced the building's historic features while ushering the facilities into the 21st century.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? From the standard double room to the extraordinarily plush Presidential Suite, with its series of floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a superlative view over the Grand Canal, there's no room at the Gritti that won’t make you marvel at the attention to detail and sheer opulence. Painted ceilings, antique mirrors and artworks, exclusive Acqua di Parma toiletries: Everything here is pure pampering.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-fi is free and fast.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? With the view from this Grand Canal terrace, you could easily overlook what’s on your plate, but the breakfast buffet—or some great pancakes from the à la carte menu—help to refocus your attention. Chef Daniele Turco plays innovative games with local ingredients and traditions in the Club del Doge restaurant. Or just drop by for a Basil-ica cocktail (gin, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, orange bitters, and fresh basil) in the Riva bar, arguably the city’s most glamorous spot for aperitivi and nightcaps.

And the service? Discreet, warm, super-professional, and entirely in keeping with the surroundings.

What type of travelers will you find here? The Gritti is plush but never brash, and its clientele tends to match.

What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The heavily trafficked tourist route from the Accademia to Piazza San Marco is just around the corner, but as you glide up to the Gritti’s private jetty in your water taxi and relax on the terrace or in the cool, shady interior, you’d never know. The hotel sits at a seriously chic point on that route, right by a slew of big-name designer boutiques.

Any other hotel features worth noting? The spa, in collaboration with Sisley Paris, has single and double spa suites, a hammam, and aromatherapy treatments. At the Gritti Epicurean cooking school, small groups are introduced to the marvels of Venetian culinary traditions in half-day to three-day courses.

Bottom line: Worth it? Why? This is luxury with a capital "L"; it's the best possible mix of old-school class with of-the-minute comforts.