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Our stay at Orient Express Venezia was one of the most anticipated parts of our trip, and there is much to admire about this beautiful new property.
The hotel itself is absolutely breathtaking. Every space feels thoughtfully curated, with stunning design, impeccable restoration, and a level of craftsmanship that makes the entire property feel like a living work of art. From the grand interiors to the smallest details, it is clear that no expense was spared in creating a truly luxurious experience.
The staff were exceptional throughout our stay. Warm, professional, and genuinely eager to help, they were among the highlights of our experience. We especially appreciated the opportunity to tour several of the suites, which are simply spectacular and showcase the property’s vision beautifully.
That said, a few aspects of our stay unfortunately fell short of expectations.
After arriving from an overnight international flight, waiting until 3:00 PM for our room was very disappointing. For a luxury property, the arrival experience is incredibly important, and after extensive travel, a smoother transition would have made a significant difference. We understand the firm check-in policy but honestly I have personally never had to wait from 1030am when we arrived to the property to 3pm after coming back several times to check and beg to be let in. Of course the lovely staff was amazing but I am really shocked it took all day, there was no way the hotel was full…we barely saw any guests.
Breakfast was another area where we expected a bit more refinement. While perfectly adequate, it lacked the memorable, elevated experience we typically associate with hotels in this category. À la carte menu with not many options. The food was just “ok”.
For us, another challenge was the location. While some travelers may appreciate a quieter setting, we personally found ourselves missing the iconic Venice atmosphere that comes from being surrounded by canals, waterfront cafés, and the energy of daily Venetian life. It is located not in the greatest area of the island compared to many luxury Venice properties. The dining venues are also beautiful, but the views are not a destination in themselves, and travelers seeking dramatic canal side dining or unforgettable waterfront scenery may want to keep that in mind. You’ll have a garden patio view alone.
Overall, Orient Express Venezia is a stunning hotel with outstanding staff, beautiful accommodations, and extraordinary design. It is a property that deserves recognition for its architecture, restoration, and attention to detail.
While the hotel itself impressed us greatly, we ultimately have connected more with other luxury Venice properties that offered a stronger sense of place and a more immersive relationship with the city’s waterways and atmosphere.
We are grateful for the hospitality and the opportunity to experience this remarkable new hotel, and we look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve as one of Venice’s newest luxury addresses."