Wednesday 23 / April / 2025
Venice—an enchanting blend of architectural splendour, winding canals, cobbled streets, and gondolas that glide effortlessly under ancient bridges—is truly a city like no other. For years, I had dreamt of visiting this floating masterpiece, captivated by YouTube vlogs and images of crumbling palazzi, Venetian cuisine, and a cityscape that seems to defy time.
When I finally made the journey recently, Venice proved to be even more spellbinding in person. It is a place of infinite charm and art, steeped in history, laced with romance, and brimming with soul. And at the very heart of my experience was Nolinski Venezia.
A timeless retreat
There are hotels that impress, and then there are those that enchant. Nolinski Venezia belongs to the latter. Just five minutes from St Mark’s Square and within a short stroll of the Rialto Bridge and La Fenice opera house, the hotel blends seamlessly into the historic soul of Venice, yet rises majestically as a beacon of elegance.
Surrounded by Venice’s most iconic luxury boutiques, just two canals away from Piazza San Marco and over a bridge from La Fenice, its elaborate façade compels passersby to look up in admiration. With mythological ornamentation inspired by the sea, its windows and balconies echo the city’s maritime legacy. It’s easy to imagine merchants of the past commissioning such symbols to grace the former Stock Exchange building this hotel now occupies.
The reinforced concrete structure—pioneering for its time—was completed in 1929 and remains one of the tallest in Venice, surpassed only by the campanile and the dome of San Marco Basilica. Designed by Umberto Bellotto, the building’s composite architectural style bravely merges Art Nouveau, Stile Liberty, and Modernism.
Protected under Venice’s Historic Monuments law, it showcases exquisite examples of wrought iron craftsmanship, uniquely Venetian. Climbing the grand staircase, one’s hand naturally traces the ornate balustrades—each step a quiet celebration of detail. Inside, the original terrazzo floors and stucco marmorino walls have been lovingly restored, a tribute to the traditional artisanship of Venice. These noble materials offer a feast for the eye, and in harmony with the building’s preserved historic elements, the interiors achieve a rare synthesis: contemporary yet timeless, bold yet respectful of the past.
Designed by Lecoadic & Scotto, the interiors reflect a meticulous fusion of Venetian opulence and modern grace. Across five floors, contrasting textures—mango wood panelling against classical stucco, modern art placed near antique accents—surprise and delight in equal measure.
“Art and noble materials reign supreme here,” says Piero Pastore, General Manager of Nolinski Venezia.
The hotel houses 43 rooms, including 13 one-of-a-kind suites, and every corner—from the Library Bar with its 4,000 books and ceiling fresco by Simon Buret to the rooftop pool adorned in golden mosaic—conveys a sense of refined wonder and feels both intimate and expansive.
From the Ottoman-inspired spa to the rooftop pool with its golden mosaic and panoramic skyline views, every space is curated to evoke serenity and wonder.
The hotel’s beating heart lies in its immersive spaces: Il Caffè, a quiet courtyard for morning espresso; the Library Bar; the grand yet intimate lobby; and the Palais Royal Restaurant Venezia, set in a theatrical auditorium.
What truly makes Nolinski stand apart is how seamlessly it merges the past with the present.
Original terrazzo floors and stucco walls restored to their historic brilliance coexist with sleek, contemporary touches. Even the grand staircase—with its intricate wrought iron balustrade—invites admiration at every step.
Look closely, and you’ll find delightful surprises: a mosaic octopus with outstretched arms greeting guests in each bathroom, an architectural flourish echoing the building’s maritime themes, and a design ethos that is both bold and respectful of tradition. Guests can enjoy moments of private calm, a quiet reminder that every detail at Nolinski carries both elegance and intention.
Gastronomy with soul
Nolinski’s culinary journey is as refined as its setting. Chef Philip Chronopoulos helms both Il Caffè and the fine-dining Palais Royal Restaurant.
Drawing from French techniques and flavours from Italy and Greece, his creations are a reflection of cultural harmony and elevated taste.
Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast in the courtyard or a gourmet dinner beneath the restaurant’s domed ceiling, dining at Nolinski is an immersive experience in itself.
A sky-high sanctuary
Crowning the hotel is the rooftop spa and pool—Venice’s only one of its kind.
Here, amidst golden tiles and warm waters, guests can enjoy an uninterrupted 360° view of the Venetian skyline. The gilded waters reflect the Venetian skies, inviting guests to unwind while gazing at domes and bell towers in the distance.
From the campanile of St Mark’s to the shimmering rooftops of La Serenissima, it’s a vista that soothes and stuns in equal measure.
In an age where luxury is less about opulence and more about authenticity, privacy, and meaningful experiences, Nolinski Venezia rises to the occasion. It offers not just impeccable service, but an atmosphere that feels like home—if home were a Venetian palace where time pauses for art, history and serenity.
For travellers seeking a hotel that honours Venice’s soul while providing modern indulgence, Nolinski is not just a place to stay. It is an unforgettable part of the Venetian experience.
