In an unparalleled fusion of history, art, and modern luxury, the Orient Express brand extends its legendary hospitality to Venice with the opening of Palazzo Donà Giovannelli. Starting April 2026, guests can immerse themselves in the splendor of Venetian nobility, art, and architecture, marking a new era for luxury travel in Venice.
The announcement comes with great anticipation as Orient Express, synonymous with the golden age of luxury rail travel, continues to redefine luxury hospitality. The Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a masterpiece of neo-Gothic and Baroque architecture, promises an experience that transcends the ordinary, nestled in the authentic heart of the Cannaregio district.
A Legacy Reborn
Constructed in 1436 by the renowned architect Filippo Calendario, the same mind behind the iconic Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Donà Giovannelli has been a storied residence of the Venetian nobility. Its historical significance and architectural beauty make it a perfect addition to the Orient Express collection. After extensive restoration, the palazzo is set to welcome guests, offering 47 rooms, including six signature suites and private apartments, each blending historical legacy with contemporary design.
Exclusive Insights into Palazzo Donà Giovannelli
“More than just a hotel, Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli represents a journey through centuries of splendor,” states Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express. “This Venetian property embodies a legacy in evolution, where each stay becomes a journey through memory, art, and emotion, deeply connected to the poetic vision of Orient Express.”
The palazzo’s storied past as the residence of the noble Donà and Giovannelli families, and later, the Duke of Urbino, infuses it with a profound historical essence. The restoration has meticulously brought to light the original frescoes, mosaic flooring, and intricate finishes, reinvigorating the palazzo’s noble heritage.
An Architectural and Sensory Journey
Guests arriving by private boat through a 15th-century Gothic entrance will step directly into the hotel’s secret garden of Santa Fosca, while another entrance leads through the bustling Strada Nova. Inside, a grand, light-filled lobby awaits, leading to the spectacular octagonal staircase, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece by Giovanni Battista Meduna. The Piano Nobile reveals a succession of historic halls, each telling tales of grand celebrations and intellectual gatherings of Venice’s golden age.
Signature Suites and Residential Apartments
The six signature suites, located on the Piano Nobile and the first floor, echo the grandeur of the Serenissima, offering uniquely crafted environments. Adjacent to the main building, the first Orient Express apartments in Venice provide a residential experience with a modern reinterpretation of luxury, overlooking the canals.
Art, Culture, and Gastronomy
Each space within the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is designed to tell a story, from the restored Italian frescoes to the mosaic floors. The work of architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman harmoniously blends historical memory with modern aesthetics. The property’s gastronomic offerings include a fine dining restaurant with private mooring, an all-day dining area overlooking an exclusive internal courtyard and garden, and the iconic Wagon Bar, a tribute to the golden years of train travel.
Living History with Modern Luxury
Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is not merely a luxury hotel; it is a journey into the heart of Venetian history. Each stay is an emotional path, an immersion into the memory, beauty, and millennia-old culture of the city. With its unique location, architectural wonders, and sensitive integration of modern comforts, the palazzo offers an unmatched experience in Venice.
Bookings Now Open
Reservations for Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli have officially opened, inviting guests to experience authentic Venice from April 2026. In the heart of Cannaregio, among silent canals and authentic vistas, awaits a luxury hotel that narrates the soul of Venice through the elegance and splendor of its history.
As Orient Express continues to expand its portfolio of luxury accommodations, Palazzo Donà Giovannelli stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to bringing historical landmarks back to life, offering unparalleled experiences that bridge the past with the present.