Some people have childhood traumas; I have fashion travel traumas. One reason for this is tourists in gaudy outfits showing off the worst colors ever documented by the Pantone Color Institute. Windbreakers tied around the waist, bulky fanny packs and ill-fitting cargo pants – these fashion choices almost landed me in a psychiatric ward on previous visits to Venice. There was no escape, not even in my hotel. At the Gritti Palace I found refuge from tourists who see Venice like Disney World. In my luxurious hotel suite, I was able to escape the “Karens” with their walking sandals and lose myself in an elegant atmosphere with historical charm and opulent details. It felt as if Venice had poured all its splendor over the Gritti Palace. Here’s why, as a fashion director and luxury lover, I recommend the Gritti Palace as the ultimate luxury hotel in Venice. If you want to experience Venice in a refreshing way, a stay here is a must. Plus: What to wear in Venice this summer.
The Gritti Palace – Venice
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Venice, is a symbol of elegance and style. Located directly on the Grand Canal, this five-star hotel has attracted aristocrats, nobles and celebrities for centuries. I get serious FOMO when I think of the opulent parties where fashion took center stage and elegant women in Venetian lace, velvet and silk partied under glittering Murano glass chandeliers. The history of the Gritti Palace dates back to the 14th century. It was rebuilt by the Pisani family in 1475 and became the residence of Doge Andrea Gritti in 1525. Converted into a hotel in 1895, this magnificent hotel is a testament to Venice’s luxurious heritage.
Fashion history
Venice has more to offer than its picturesque cobblestone streets, canals and gondola rides. Known for its sumptuous velvets, silks and lace, the city can look back on a fashion history dating back to the 13th century. It is a trendsetter for luxury, style and elegance. This heritage is perfectly reflected in the Gritti Palace. The Gritti Palace presents local and historical works of art as well as valuable antiques and exudes an unmistakable Venetian identity. The luxurious surroundings provided the perfect setting for me to reflect on Venice’s influence on the fashion world and how it continues to inspire designers today. This sumptuous setting was a transformative experience that deepened my perspective on Venice and heightened my appreciation for its cultural significance in the world of style and fashion.
There are hotel suites, and then there are HOTELSUITES.
Although I often get to stay in luxury hotels, I still enjoy the little things; these opulent surroundings were overwhelming in the best sense. I had to try really hard to pretend that “this was just another room” – another day in a fabulous life. But inside I was bursting with excitement and tried not to show our concierge how impressed I was. I could almost hear him thinking: “Is this woman going to leave the hotel with more than just the Aqua di Parma toiletries?“
The Patron Suite – “Room with a view”
The Patron Suite is a real design masterpiece. It has a separate, large living room with framed artwork, red velvet armchairs, an antique floral sofa and a charming area for late room service. The suite is furnished with ornate white moldings, salmon-colored walls, red patterned curtains and a sparkling Murano glass chandelier. Huge windows offer breathtaking views of the Grand Canal, where turquoise-green water laps against the old, weathered stones of the historic Venetian buildings and gondolas glide gracefully past while the gondoliers sing old Italian songs. The breathtaking beauty and timeless charm of Venice create an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a living painting.
The bedroom
The Patron Suite bedroom continues the luxurious style with red and gold themes, lavish wallpaper and a huge king-size bed. The room is spacious (a rarity in Venice), with ample closet space and modern amenities and… blah blah blah – the room is just awesome! You get the idea. Let’s get to the most important thing – it had full-length mirrors! As a passionné de mode, I’m obsessed with full-length mirrors; it’s always a kind of Russian roulette when I walk into my room – will there be full-length mirrors? The suite even had two of them in a huge format. Bull’s eye!
The bathroom
The Patron Suite has 1 ½ bathrooms. The master bedroom leads into the en-suite marble bathroom. Complete with large bath, separate shower and double washbasin with illuminated mirrors, offering a touch of modern comfort.
The Patron Suite creates a truly special experience by combining classic elegance with modern amenities.
“There are few things in life that are more enjoyable.”
There is a unique place in Venice, celebrated by writers and artists, where the elegance of a 14th century Gothic palace, the glittering Grand Canal and the splendor of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute come together in perfect harmony: the Gritti Terrace. This noble setting is ideal for sophisticated meetings and has inspired numerous novels and iconic film scenes. W. Somerset Maugham once remarked: “There are few things in life more enjoyable than sitting there and enjoying the view.” I absolutely agree. Woody Allen chose it as a romantic setting for his movie “Everyone Says I Love You” with Julia Roberts, and Ernest Hemingway mentioned it in his book “Across the River and into the Woods”.
Sitting here in my Valentino Panama hat, Prada sunglasses, white Wolff jumpsuit and my signature Aymara red lips, basking in my own superficiality with a cool rosé in hand, I couldn’t help but think: this would be the perfect place for a first date with Bradley Cooper.
The spa is a necessity, not a luxury.
After a long day in Venice, I returned to the hotel with a new appreciation for this majestic city. But I was still struggling with the trauma of fashion horrors – those hideous down jackets in Pantone shade 448 C were everywhere. With every muscle in my body tensing, the famous Gritti Spa was the obvious choice to soothe my traumatized fashion soul. In collaboration with the renowned Sisley brand, it offers an intimate and elegant space with a variety of treatments that include Sisley’s exclusive Soins-Phyto-Aromatiques. After my spa treatments, I returned to my room purring like Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld’s cat. The feeling of lightness and well-being after this treatment is incomparable and offers exceptional benefits for body and mind.
For the love of breakfast
I love hotel breakfast experiences. Breakfast here is anything but boring, with a selection of colorful fresh fruits, carefully baked breads and gourmet cheeses that would make any foodie rave. An important breakfast detail that is often overlooked by hotels, especially in Europe, is vegetarian options at breakfast. I can confirm that the selection here is delicious – every bite, from perfectly seasoned designer omelettes to decadent pastries, was a delight.
A stay at the Gritti Palace is more than just a luxurious retreat; it is an immersion into the heart and soul of Venetian elegance. Every detail, from the sumptuous furnishings to the impeccable service, contributes to an experience that goes beyond the typical tourist experience. This hotel offers a sanctuary where guests can lose themselves in opulent surroundings and enjoy the profound beauty of Venice. It’s like living in a time capsule that preserves the splendor and magnificence of times gone by.
Experience Venice in a completely new way – book your luxury oasis here.
Bonus: The trends for summer 2024 – What you should wear in Venice
White maxi dresses and maxi skirts are the favorites of summer 2024
Perfect for keeping cool with grace in the Venetian heat. While white and maxi styles may not seem ideal for the Venetian streets, we know that looking fabulous is more important.
Let your shoes do the talking
Opt for comfortable flats that stand out. The cobblestone streets of Venice can be tricky in sandals, and wedges might be a challenge – unless you’re Italian. Choose ballet flats that enhance your outfit with colors, textures and details.
Mini dresses for dinner
Unfortunately, Venice’s high tide often coincides with our desire to look good at dinner. If you’re going for a romantic dinner and have to navigate through high water, leave long dresses and Marlene pants behind for the evening; opt for mini dresses instead. Be creative with prints and fabrics or stick to the tried-and-tested little black dress.
Rubber boots
I know that’s not what you want to hear. But get out your Chanel rubber boots. If you have to navigate through knee-high water in Venice, do it with a certain decorum. When the flood waters reach the streets, these delicate, sophisticated sandals won’t be enough. Either you have to hide your fashionista instincts and wear the unsightly but practical rain shoe covers provided by the hotels. Or to maintain some decorum, you need to break out those Chanel FW22 rain boots, Burberry FW23 rain boots or follow the trend with chunky MSGM Pre-Fall ’24 rubber rain boots.
What will we be wearing in summer 2024? We’ll tell you. Click here for the full report.
Teaser photo & photos: © Gritti Palace @MarriottIntl
Photos: © Launchmetrics SpotlightSM
