The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice recommended for:​ Romantic getaways, historical landmarks and culture, local attractions, views of the Grand Canal. Pros: Amazing location, Friendly and attentive associates, Great service, Views, History, Architecture, Culinary experiences, One of the best bars in town with the view. Cons: Limited number of rooms with Canal view, no coffeemaker in the room. Highly recommended with 4.95 /5 rating.

 

The Gritti Palace is more than a hotel, it is a destination. Ernest Hemingway once described it as ‘the best hotel in a city of great hotels’, while W. Somerset Maugham gushed that ‘there are few things in life more pleasant than to sit on the terrace of the Gritti when the sun about to set bathes in lovely color the Salute’.

History of the Gritti Palace

The Gritti Palace dates back to 1475 when the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, commissioned it. At first the official residence of the Gritti family, the palace was later used as the residence of the Vatican ambassadors to Venice.

It was at the beginning of the XIX century that The Gritti Palace was turned into a hotel. After a meticulous renovation it now offers guests an insight into its intriguing and illustrious past. Admire the refined renovation from the beautiful terrazzo floors to the remarkable selection of artworks and antiques that adorn all private and social spaces within the hotel.

Gritti Palace was home to successive noble families, such as the Pisanis and again the Grittis in 1814.

Some years later it was sold to the Baroness Susanna d’Eyb, widow to the Baron Vetzlar. It was during this period that John Ruskin and his young wife Ettie spent a long period at Palazzo Gritti where he wrote his famous book ‘The Stones of Venice’.

Over the years, The Gritti Palace has welcomed many famous guests.

Ernest Hemingway and his fourth wife, Mary, arrived at the Gritti Palace in the 1950s, following an African safari. According to Hemingway biographer Anthony Burgess, the manager of the hotel was stunned by the writer’s prodigious consumption of alcohol, observing that “three bottles of Valpolicella [red wine] first thing in the day were nothing to him.” Hemingway once staged a midnight baseball game in the hotel’s lobby—and instead of being reprimanded, the great American scribe had 10 percent taken off his bill, since nobody had ever played the sport on the premises before.

Booking

Usually a breeze, booking my stay at The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice, Italy was a bit more complicated than normal. Under normal circumstances booking is as easy as visiting SPG.com or Marriott.com and using rewards points or credit card. In my case however it was different. I originally booked through SPG.com Westin Europa hotel located 2 blocks from Gritti Palace toward San Marco square. My rate for 5 nights stay was 80,000 Starwood points and additional 10,000 to guarantee a Canal View room for a total of 90,000 SPG points for 5 nights stay.

 

3 weeks before our trip I got an email from Westin Europa and Starwood hotels, stating that Westin will be closing for renovations (it will become a newest St. Regis property). Therefore our reservation was transferred to The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel honoring Westin rate!!!!!! That was a huge saving of points, as The Gritti Palace rate for 5 days stay would be 130,000 SPG points!!! And since Gritti has a very limited number of rooms facing the Grand Canal, we were upgraded to a full suite with 1 and a half baths. Needless to say, I was not complaining.

The regular rate for this suite was 11,840 euros or $13,850  for 5 nights stay, and since it only cost me 90,000 SPG points that ended up being a value of unheard of 15.38 cents per 1 SPG point!!!!

Getting to the Hotel

The Gritti Palace may not be reached by car.

I recommend that you fly into Venice Marco Polo airport or arrive by train into Venice Santa Lucia railway station. Venice Marco Polo airport is about 12 kilometres away from The Gritti Palace, and Venice Santa Lucia railway station 2 kilometres away. From these arrival points, the most convenient way to reach the hotel is by private assisted transfer service, which may be arranged through the Luxury Collection Concierge.

Travel time is approximately 50 minutes from Venice Marco Polo airport and 25 minutes from Santa Lucia railway station. For your convenience, the transfer service fee may be charged directly to your hotel account.

Water taxis are available from Venice Marco Polo airport 24 hours a day. No advance bookings are required. Water taxis to the hotel may be arranged directly upon arrival by contacting the taxi desk “Consorzio Venezia Motoscafi”, located at the extreme left of the airport arrivals hall.

Again, The Gritti Palace may not be reached by car.

Car parking facilities are available at Venice Piazzale Roma.

I actually booked water taxi online saving 10 euros. Normal rate for 2 people with 2 pieces of luggage is 120 euros.

Gritti Palace has its own boat, and it is amazing. It can be booked for a transfer for 240 euros with 1 hr wait included, 24 hrs cancelation is required, no exceptions. Since we had a tight connection in Istanbul, I did not want to chance missing scheduled hotel transfer and pay penalty. That is why I opted for a standard water taxi service.

 

 

Arrival

The ride from the airport in the water taxi was amazing, as it happened to be during a sunset over Venice. We took some magical photos I will be sharing with you on my blog, Facebook and Instagram. It culminated with the arrival at the dock of the Gritti Palace right after the sunset. I have stayed at many magnificent properties around the world, but arriving at the deck of the Gritti during dinner time was so far grandest way to enter any hotel.

 

Check-in

Bellmen dressed in white yachting uniform welcomed us at the deck and escorted us to the reception area. This included private welcome by an extremely attentive and friendly associates. Even during a reservation system change from SPG to Marriott rewards, there was zero confusion as to our check in. We were afforded full Platinum benefits and promptly escorted to our gorgeous upgraded suite on the 3rd floor.

 

Room

 

The word “amazing” doesn’t do a justice to our suite. I felt exactly how I should in the property like the Gritty Palace. It was breathtaking. Two spacious rooms with 1 and a half baths. Floor to ceiling marble in bathrooms, two desks for catching up on my writing, as well as plenty of great albums and books about Venice and Italy. It felt like home from the moment I stepped into our suite. My only regret was that we will spend so little time in this room while exploring Venice.

One thing that was missing was a coffee maker. I find this a small, but crucial exception to this 5 star experience. I, just like many other travelers, tend to awake at different time of the night, and sometimes like to have coffee and catch up on some work or lite reading. Even though this luxury property has a 24 hrs. room service, many people like a freedom of quietly brewing some coffee themselves, without a fuss of ordering a room service or even worse, waking up their spouses.

Dining and  Bars

The Gritti Palace has an indoor bar and restaurant with a terrace on its deck extensions. This can be a bit confusing if you do not stay at the hotel while making the reservations. Basically always ask for the outside seating, weather permitting, if you want to enjoy views from this magnificent property. Keep in mind that aside from weather closing, decks of the bar and restaurant are only opened seasonally.

Bar Longhi

Cherished for its friendly atmosphere and elegance, the Bar Longhi features paintings belonging to the school of the celebrated 18th-century Venetian artist Pietro Longhi, after whom the bar takes its name.
Hand-sculptured mirrors, Murano glass appliqués and a bar counter of carved polychromatic marble complement the refined atmosphere. As soon as weather permits, tables are set outdoors on its Grand Canal terrace, the place to retire for a nightcap and an inspirational contemplation of one of the world’s most spectacular views.
On weekend evenings, live music adds charm to your relaxing and romantic stay on the Grand Canal.

We truly enjoyed this bar and its extension (The Gritti Terrace) with killer views of the Grand canal and Santa Maria della Salute, great Bellini and local wines. We even closed it few times making friends with other quests and staff alike. Service was remarkable.

The Gritti Terrace continues to be the social hub of Venice, stretching along the waterfront on one of the most beautiful sections of the Grand Canal. Open from April through October, weather permitting, the terrace is a popular place to spend an afternoon immersed in the view of the city’s legendary monuments.

The menu comprises appetizers, light salads, pasta, risotto, and platters of seasonal seafood or meat that vary based on Executive Chef Daniele Turco’s creativity. Sip delicious afternoon tea, a crisp glass of champagne, or a refreshing Bellini, Negroni, or Basil-i-ca cocktail, which was inspired by the enchanting Santa Maria della Salute church just across the water.

Club Del Doge Restaurant

Club del Doge Restaurant is where Venetian culinary traditions are celebrated and international gourmands dine. Ideal for romantic dinners for two and gatherings of the most illustrious guests, its stunning location on the Grand Canal and warm interior atmosphere make it the ultimate place to meet in Venice.

Club del Doge Restaurant is a fresh tribute to the timeless wonders of Venetian cuisine. Local epicurean delights will tantalize your senses and leave you with lasting memories. Executive Chef Daniele Turco accompanies diners on a journey through Venice’s culinary heritage by skillfully combining fresh, local ingredients and different tastes, ensuring an innovative interpretation of popular traditional dishes.

As the hotel’s culinary nucleus, Club del Doge Restaurant invites guests to enjoy their meals on the terrace overlooking the Grand Canal from April to October, weather permitting. During the winter, its palatial interiors provide the perfect backdrop for breakfast and dinner.

Dinner is a truly amazing experience especially when seated outside on the deck. Food is wonderful and prices match many other high end Venetian restaurants while providing unbeatable views. There are many 5 stars properties in Venice, but only handful can match this one. For ultimate views time your dinner reservation around sunset.

Start your day with breakfast buffet combined with hot dishes á la carte. In true Gritti style in the evening, the restaurant is transformed by soft music and lighting into a sophisticated and atmospheric setting for romantic dinners and unforgettable feasts.

 

I must say eating a breakfast and drinking my morning coffee as I was planning our day and at the same time enjoyed the views from the deck was one of the best parts of our stay.

The Riva Lounge

The Riva Lounge is an actual name for the outdoor part of the Club Del Doge Restaurant. Based on the materials used in the design of the Riva Yacht, the look and feel of the 36-seat, 55-square-meter Riva Lounge on the Gritti Palace’s iconic terrace reflects the Riva Aquarama Lounge at the Monaco Yacht Club. Inspired by timeless style, the Riva Lounge recalls the elegant decks of the Italian yachts from the 1960s, with such details as polished wood and shiny stainless steel.

Its unique materials and design are accompanied by its charming location on the Grand Canal, with sweeping views from Santa Maria della Salute church to Punta della Dogana. The Riva Lounge is one of the most glamourous meeting places in Venice for an aperitif as the sun goes down or a late-evening cocktail.
Discover the Riva Cocktail—an indigenous invention of international glamour and freshness made from white rum, grapefruit, blue curaçao, orgeat syrup, and orange bitter—to be enjoyed with unparalleled views over Venice’s monuments.

The Gritti SPA

Let yourself be transported to the sensorial retreat of The Gritti SPA, whose elegant, intimate ambience comprises three treatment suites. Two double spa suites include private steam baths decorated in precious Venetian mosaics, and a suite is dedicated to beauty and grooming.

Discover the phyto-aromatic treatments and unique savoir faire of the prestigious Sisley Paris brand, best known for its use of essential oils and plant extracts. Combining massage rituals from across the world, these treatments reunify body and mind with respect for local traditions and the power of aromatherapy. Specific massage techniques are customized to meet the needs of each skin type.
Sisley’s highly effective products can be purchased in the spa’s boutique.

FITNESS CENTER

Guests of The Gritti Palace may enjoy our beautiful fitness facility. Peaceful and spacious, it features an excellent selection of high-tech cardio fitness equipment by Technogym.

Stay fit or get back in shape using our fitness area, open 24h located in The Gritti SPA – Sisley Paris. Access the gym through the spa entrance located on the ground floor of the hotel.

HOTEL AMENITIES

Dedicated to caring for every moment of your stay in Venice, prior to your arrival and while you’re here, multilingual Clef d’Or Concierge Desk provides the highest level of guest service.

BUSINESS SERVICES

● ​Business Centre

FAMILY ACTIVITIES & SERVICES

● Babysitting Service

GUEST SERVICES

● ​Medical Services Available ● ​Luggage Liaison ● ​Exceptional Deliveries ● Non-Smoking Facilities ● Flower Arrangements ● Elevators ● Smoke Detectors ● Multilingual Staff ● Safe-Deposit Boxes ● Shoe Shine Service ● Laundry, Pressing and Dry Cleaning ● ​The Luxury Collection Concierge ● 24-Hour Front Desk

RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT

● Beaches Nearby ● ​Tour Services ● Health Club and The Gritti Palace Spa ● ​The Gritti SPA ● ​Venice Golf Club● ​The Gritti Epicurean School ● ​Sports ● ​Venice Around Program ● ​The Riva Yacht Experience

SHOPPING

● ​Shopping

Check in: ​3:00 PM​Check out: ​12:00 PM

In-room high speed internet access is FREE for SPG Platinum members as well as Marriot Gold members and above.

WIRED AND WIRELESS HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS

Complimentary wired and wireless High Speed Internet Access is available in all guest rooms and public areas. Speeds of up to 2 Mbps are provided for Standard Room guests, while Suite guests enjoy speeds of up to 10Mbps.

 

Bottom Line: The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice recommended for:​ Romantic getaways, historical landmarks and culture, local attractions, views of the Grand Canal. Pros: Amazing location, Friendly and attentive associates, Great service, Views, History, Architecture, Culinary experiences, One of the best bars in town with the view. Cons: Limited number of rooms with Canal view, no coffeemaker in the room. Highly recommended with 4.95 /5 rating.

 

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