Palazzina Grassi Opens in Venice

Opened just in time for the upcoming Carnival of Venice, Palazzina Grassi offers guests the opportunity to live the ultimate Venetian fantasy.  Philippe Starck has left his indelible mark on hotels across the globe, and the designer makes a stunning Italian debut with the recent opening of Palazina Grassi.  Starck redesigned a classical 16th-century property into a magical five-star retreat overlooking the Grand Canal.

As can be expected in a Starck-designed hotel, many of the interior items are made by the designer, including oversized lamps and playful furniture.  But there are also plenty of traditional Italian touches like the Murano glass and mirrors, exposed deep mahogany bricks, Venetian plaster walls in greens and reds, and terrazzo floors throughout the property’s 26 rooms.

The beds in the five apartment suites are situated in the center of the room, surrounded by transparent glass wardrobes and large backlit mirrors, so guests will get plenty of close up views of themselves.  Coffee tables made of steel and moonstone onyx, soft rugs, and natural stone in the bathrooms soften the look to create a modern but comfortable atmosphere. A chic restaurant and bar are open to the public, and there will also be a second bar area downstairs that’s reserved for hotel guests only and ultra VIP Venetians.

The guest experience begins here with equal flair, with Palazzina Grassi offering guests a pick-up service in its 1960’s Celli boat. Check-in happens on-board and guests are dropped off directly at the hotel’s private pier.  Yet another perk for guests staying here is that all of Venice’s main museums, art galleries and attractions, including the Galleria dell Accademia, San Marco, and the Palazzo Grassi, are just a short walk away.

Carnival of Venice
Book now if you are planning to attend the infamous Carnival of Venice that runs from February 5-16th. This city-wide masquerade party is a not-to-be-missed extravaganza. Rates start at US$920 during the festival with a minimum night stay. Regular weekly rates start at US$415. www.palazzinagrassi.com