Il Palazzo Experimental
Jewel of Venice
1999. It was the year that I first found myself in Venice as a roaming art student on exchange, drooling under all of the Titians by day and each night in search of for the hidden, or non-existent night life. I remember thinking as I wandered the canals, that the city would surely be sunk the next time I wanted to come around. Lucky for all of us, the magic of Venice still sits mostly above water, and with Il Palazzo added to the mix, a lively night cap is easier to find as well.
The Hotel
The sixteenth century Italian palace is the sixth hotel by the Experimental Group out of Paris, and the first in Italy. Like the Experimental hotels that precede it, it manages to pay homage to local traditions and styles while having the unmistakable mark of the Group. Art deco touches and delicious details are the work of renowned architect and interior designer, Dorothée Meilichzon. The style is classic, minimal, lux, and make us feel like we’re in a grown-up fairy-tale.
Like most accommodations in Venice, you won’t find expansive suites at Il Palazzo Experimental, but you will find thirty-two richly decorated, compact rooms that are oh so pretty. We recommend grabbing a room with a view to the Giudecca Canal to maximize your experience. And while you should certainly get out and see the sites of Venice, we wouldn’t scoff at the idea of hanging out at Il Palazzo all day. Plant yourself on the canal-facing terrace for a bite, sip tea in the intimate garden (there are over 500 gardens in the city, many hidden like this one), belly up to the bar designed by Milan-based Cristina Celestino and inspired by the late Carlo Scarpa, and polish off the day in the Experimental Cocktail Club.
Food and Drink
At Ristorante Adriatica, named after the shipping company that once occupied the palace, you will be delighted by innovative, organic and seasonal Venetian fare. The restaurant is a collaboration between the Experimental Group and Silvio Pezzana and Toto Dell’Aringa, founders of London-based Italian Supper Club and is inspired by the flavors and regions of the Italian side of the Adriatic including Friuli, Emilia Romagna, Marche, Puglia, and Veneto. We love the playfulness of the space which feels like the gelato parlor of royals, with its black and white tiled floors, marble countertops, jeweled-toned surfaces and striped compliments. Save the gelato for dessert though, and enjoy the full spectrum of Adriatica’s menu.
As always at any Experimental establishment, you must try the cocktails. These folks are masters of mixology and the drinks are not to be missed.
The Area
Il Palazzo sits on Le Zattere––a 1.7 kilometer promenade along the Giudecca Canal, dating back to 1516–– in the Dorsoduro sestiere (zone) of the city. Le Zattere is relatively calm, heavily utilized by walkers, joggers, people-watchers, and sun-baskers on cafe terraces. The other side of Il Palazzo is mostly residential but sprinkled with an up and coming restaurant scene. As a point of reference and/or if you’re off to see the major sites, you can find yourself at Piazza San Marco or the Rialto in 20 minutes walking, Gallerie dell'Accademia in 8 minutes, and the train station in 15.
Good things to know
While the hotel is family friendly (babysitters on hand, menus catered to the littles, etc.), it can be lively, especially with the Experimental Cocktail Club. If you’re not into the family-friendly scene in the traditional sense, but do love to bring the littles along, this could be your perfect sustainable stay. Il Palazzo doesn’t allow pets. Children under 3 are free. Additional person charges may apply in certain rooms and/or suites.
Good Trips perks
Welcome drink
Flexible check-in / check-out when available
Use code GOODTRIPS at booking
At a glance
Location: Venice, Italy
Price: from €210
Rooms: 32
Suitable for: Families (young children included) and people with disabilities
Nearest Airport: Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
Arrive by: train, bus, or boat
Open: Year-round
Check in: 2pm, Check out: 12pm
Sustainability in practice
The Experimental Group is continuously challenging itself to implement sustainable strategies at each of its locations. They place special emphasis on training employees to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining environmentally and culturally sensitive properties. At any Experimental Hotel, you can always count on quality and local ingredients to be a focus.
Ecological / organic food & wine
Farm-to-table dining
Ecological / organic cleaning products
Water-flow reducers
Plastic-free / Zero waste
Supports local community and economy
100% Smoke-free hotel
Motion-sensor lights