Orient Express proudly unveils Orient Express Venezia at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli , the extraordinary rebirth of the 15th century architectural
jewel, owned by Arsenale Group , reimagined by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman as a hotel, for the first time in nearly six centuries. A new icon in the brand’s constellation of ultra – luxury travel experiences, the hotel invites guests into a world where Venetian history, contemporary artistry and the legendary spirit of the Orient Express art of travel converge in perfect harmony. Once a celebrated crossroad on the legendary route from Paris to Istanbul, Venice reclaims its role as a theatrical gateway for the Orient Express world of luxury travel.
Nestled in the quiet rhythm of Cannaregio , the Palazzo rises where two canals intertwine along the Rio di Noale, an address of serenity, history, and cinematic beauty. Here, Orient Express introduces a new chapter in its Italian journey, following the opening last year of the hotel Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and La Dolce Vita Orient Express train inaugurated in 2025.
Meticulously conceived by Aline Asmar d’Amman, known for her ability to weave heritage architecture with contemporary artistic expression, the Palazzo has been restored with deep respect for its origin, introducing a sense of refined contemporary elegance. creative vision shapes the journey in a sequence of wonders, informed by the stories embedded in every architectural detail she unearthed. Embracing the Serenissima’s legendary legacy as a gate between East and West, she choreographs this theatrical journey, where imagination, craftsmanship, and centuries of Venetian culture converge.
The hotel features 47 uniquely crafted rooms, suites, and residences, where each space is elevated with intentional interiors and singular atmosphere, reflecting the layered architectural history of the building and the romance of Venetian living.
A THEATRICAL VOYAGE, SET IN MOTION BY ORIENT EXPRESS
Palazzo Donà Giovannelli has long embodied the spirit of Venice as a crossroad of culture and imagination. In the mid19th century, Count Andrea Giovannelli commissioned architect Giovanni Battista Meduna , celebrated for restoring the neighboring Ca’ d’Oro, to reimagine its interiors with neogothic galore, Baroque flourishes, and the Palazzo’s iconic octagonal staircase crowned by a celestial vault.
During the Ninth Congress of Italian Scientists in 1847, the Palazzo reopened as a stage for salons, debates, and grand receptions. In these historical spaces, intellect and imagination thrived. Over the years, the Palazzo grew through love and noble allia the Salone Vittoria, a setting befitting royalty.
Today, Orient Express Venezia rekindles that spirit. As day shifts into night, Transformation subtly alters the mood, lights soften, candles flicker, and the Palazzo becomes a theatre of shadows, reflections, and whispered intrigue. A handpicked Characters guides guests through curated experiences, immersing them in a world where every moment is an act in a larger narrative.
A MASTERPIECE RESTORED WITH DEVOTION AND WONDER
Aline Asmar d’Amman’s aesthetic vision unveils the Palazzo through a refined interplay of contrasts and memories, intentional architecture, and poetic precision: bold gestures of interior architectural grafting are balanced with infinitely sophisticated de frescoes meet sculptural forms, historical details infinitely reflect into tinted mirrored surfaces. An array of exquisite precious natural stones, meticulously curated and highly crafted, merge into the Palazzo’s architectural body, weaving wonderment in the most intimate spaces.
The “Lost Colors” or “ Colori Persi ” of Venice softly re – emerge, woven into textures and curtains, furnishings, and finishes, transforming the Piano Nobile’s historical salons into a succession of inhabited living canvases, punctuated by a bold intervention of vast cabinets of wonder. Venet ian craftsmanship converses with contemporary art and works by masters of their time, while embossed leathers and moiré silks dress up the walls in echo to the ever – shifting dialogue of light and shadow dancing across the canals. Patinated walls, carved su rfaces and artisanal finishes recall the passage of time, their textures lending a sense of modern, ageless allure.
One of the most unexpected revelations of this transformation is the Palazzo’s Corte del Conte , once an open mineral cortile, elevated into a grand living room, layered with sculpted boiserie , velvet lushness and spectacular bespoke Murano chandeliers, balancing the soul of a home with a dramatic sense of theater.
The Palazzo’s secret garden , a secluded sanctuary hidden at its heart, surprises and delights with its whimsical corners, sophisticated tents, luxuriant fountain and antique
gates, lit by delicate Venetian lanterns diffusing their cinematic warm glow. Long concealed behind centuries old walls, the garden is transformed into an almost otherworldly space where nature, architecture, and the sound of silence meet. Calle Meraviglia discoveries, connects the garden to the lobby, hosting a rotating selection of contemporary works aligned with Venice’s cultural calendar and reinforcing the hotel’s role as a living cultural salon.
Every path and each floor lead to countless discoveries and encounters with marvels of the past, in magnetic dialog with creative nowness. The result is a world of theatrical elegance where centuries of Venetian creativity meet the timeless codes of Orient
LIVING SPACES, CULTURAL ATMOSPHERES
The 47 rooms, suites and residences space gently shaped by the architectural layers of centuries past. Restored murals, sculptural ceilings, and views opening onto gardens and canals create a rare and immersive sense of place.
History comes alive in the six Signature Suites , each telling a different story: Orient Express Suite, Colori Persi Suite, Del Conte Suite, Teatro Suite, Cherubini Suite and La Minerva Suite.
Exclusive spaces ranging up to 145 sqm reveal the hotel’s most hidden treasures: 19th century frescoes dedicated to the goddess Minerva and mythical flying figures that evoke the grandeur of a bygone era, gilded salons animated by dancing cherubs, monument marble fireplaces with mesmerizing sculptural shells, all flanked with tall windows opening onto some of the most coveted views over Venice’s canals. Each suite is a unique experience, where artistic heritage meets contemporary luxury.
THE ART OF DINING
The culinary vision of Orient Express Venezia is anchored by the signature of
Michelin starred Chef Heinz Beck , marking one of the most anticipated gastronomic debuts of the year. His creative imprint elevates the entire food & beverage universe of the palazzo.
Heinz Beck Venezia , an intimate gourmet concept by the acclaimed chef, unfolds within the historic orangerie, offering a fine dining and deeply sensorial culinary journey designed exclusively for the hotel.
La Casati the hotel’s all day dining restaurant channels the theatrical avant garde spirit of Marchesa Luisa Casati. Featuring a rare private garden, it becomes a stage where Heinz
Beck’s philosophy meets Venetian inspiration in a choreography of flavor, artistr
y and spectacle.
The Wagon Bar, an Art Deco – inspired bar, pays homage to the legendary lounge cars of the original Orient Express trains, blending crafted mixology with a touch of mystery and
nocturnal charm.
A STAGE WHERE EVERY MOMENT AND CELEBRATION BECOMES A STORY
Salone Vittoria , located at the first noble floor of the hotel, embodies the splendor and historical memory of a venue once dedicated to the wedding of Princess Vittoria Farnese. A treasure trove of extraordinary architectural and artistic beauty, it preserves centuries of elegance and ceremonial glamour, re – imagined to host the most solemn moments in the heart of Venice.
Guests may arrive directly by boat through the Gothic water gate , a dramatic and evocative gesture that recalls the timeless romance of travel between East and West and sets the
tone for a stay that interlaces heritage, culture, and culinary excellence. Beyond the palazzo’s interiors, guests are invited to experience Venice through the lens of Orient Express, exploring the surrounding streets of Cannaregio, or discovering the city’s storied craftsmanship and artistic traditions.
