Rising majestically from the tranquil waters of Rio di Noale in Venice's historic Cannaregio sestiere, Orient Express Venezia reawakens one of the floating city's most storied aristocratic palaces: Palazzo Donà Giovannelli. Originally constructed in 1400 under master architect Filippo Calendario—celebrated worldwide as the designer of the Doge’s Palace—the residence once hosted the Duke of Urbino and the powerful Donà and Giovannelli dynasties.
Following an exquisite eight-year restorative tour de force directed by acclaimed architect Aline Asmar d’Amman (Culture in Architecture), the palace opens its historic bronze gates as an intimate sanctuary of 45 rooms and suites. The design celebrates layered eras of architectural magnificence: Gothic lancet windows, 19th-century Gian Battista Meduna neoclassical additions, original Renaissance ceiling frescoes, and the timeless romance of the Orient Express train heritage.
Guests arrive like Venetian nobility through the private water gate, stepping into a grand vestibule where a monumental octagonal staircase leads to historic piano nobile salons. Outdoors, a rare and peaceful interior courtyard garden offers secluded alfresco dining and aperitivi beneath fragrant wisteria, while the Sala della Cultura library salon and signature cocktail lounge provide refined spaces for literary and epicurean contemplation.
Intimate and poetic guest room adorned with bespoke Venetian terrazzo floors, rich Rubelli damasks, handcrafted Murano lighting fixtures, and an Italian marble bathroom equipped with a walk-in rainfall shower.
Magnificent guest room framing captivating vistas of gliding gondolas along Rio di Noale canal. Features soaring ceilings, rich architectural moldings, an antique cocktail bar, and an Italian marble soaking bath.
Open-plan suite bathed in natural light overlooking the private courtyard garden. Adorned with heritage stuccowork, plush velvet daybeds, custom woodwork, and double vanity Italian marble bath.
A breathtaking tribute to Venice’s lost heritage colors. Features painstakingly restored 18th-century ceiling frescoes, an expansive separate salon, a private canal-facing balcony, and a freestanding marble bathtub.
The crowning jewel of Palazzo Donà Giovannelli on the historic piano nobile. Features 6-meter-high ceilings, a grand dining salon for eight, an antique fireplace, a master canal-view bedroom, and dedicated 24-hour butler service.
Set within the opulent ground-floor salons overlooking the canal and private garden. Celebrates Venice’s historic trade routes with lagoon seafood, wild herb risottos, and rare vintage wine pairings.
An enchanting green oasis shielded within the palazzo walls, serving chilled Prosecco Superiore, artisanal cicchetti, fresh summer pastas, and handcrafted gelato beneath blooming jasmine pergolas.
Intimate cocktail lounge celebrating the golden age of Orient Express travel and Venetian masquerade lore. Serves signature Bellinis, vintage Negronis, and rare amari in hand-cut Murano crystal.