Luxury

Hotel Gabrielli Venezia - Starhotels Collezione

The Soul of the Grand Tour Shines in a 14th-Century Venetian Palace

by Lavinia Colonna Preti
Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione (VE) — Veneto Secrets

In Venice, on the enchanting Riva degli Schiavoni, the legendary Hotel Gabrielli, an essential stop for Grand Tour travelers and a favorite refuge for those traveling the Orient Express, reopened in grand style in 2025.

Walking through the corridors of the Hotel Gabrielli, now part of The Leading Hotels of the World, is like stepping into history: illustrious figures such as Sigmund Freud, writers like Franz Kafka, and artists who sought inspiration in the light of the lagoon have stayed here.

A Centuries-Old History

The palace’s foundations date back to 1371, when it was built as a noble residence for the Gabrielli family in Venetian Gothic style. In 1856, it became a global hotel landmark thanks to the Perkhofer family, who transformed it into a luxury inn, making it one of the oldest hotels in Venice, continuously managed by the same family for five generations.

Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione (VE) — Veneto Secrets
Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione (VE) — Veneto Secrets

We are thrilled that the Hotel Gabrielli, always and forever a refuge for intellectuals and artists, has joined our Starhotels Collezione portfolio.

(Elisabetta Fabri, President & MD of Starhotels)

Until today, when the Perkhofer family entered into an agreement based on values ​​and vision with the Italian Starhotels group, which began the impressive restoration of the building, completed in 2025 with the opening of the new Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione.

Restoration and Design

The historic façade, restored to its original splendor, features magnificent four-light windows, which have become the logo of the new Gabrielli and an architectural feature of two signature suites overlooking San Giorgio Maggiore.

Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione (VE) — Veneto Secrets
Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione (VE) — Veneto Secrets

The Rooms: There are 66, including the beautiful Presidential Suite, among the largest on the island, boasting a private roof terrace with breathtaking views of the city. All rooms feature bathrooms in precious Istrian stone and Fior di Pesco marble, and floors that alternate the warmth of Canaletto walnut with the classic elegance of Venetian terrazzo.

The Craftsmanship: The interior design project, curated by Andrea Auletta, involved local artisans to preserve and enhance the hotel’s historic heritage. This is part of the Starhotels La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory patronage project, which celebrates Italian know-how.

The Details: Over 700 historic pieces have been restored, including 18th-century chandeliers and sconces, including works by masters Archimede Seguso and the Pauly & C. glassworks, and all the original seats, which have been upholstered in Rubelli silks.

Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione (VE) — Veneto Secrets
Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione (VE) — Veneto Secrets

Unique Spaces

At the heart of the hotel lies a true rarity: a private garden spanning over 600 square meters, the largest on the central island of Venice. A protected natural setting, enriched by centuries-old olive trees and native plants, brought to life with botanical sensitivity and respect for history.

Ascending to the upper floors, you reach the beautiful Terrazza Gabrielli, with 360-degree views of the Arsenale, the Island of San Giorgio, and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, which also houses the hotel’s rooftop bar.

Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione (VE) — Veneto Secrets

Food & Lifestyle

Felice al Gabrielli: On the ground floor, you’ll find the restaurant led by chef Mirko Pistorello, named after Franz Kafka’s muse.

K Lounge: The room next to the restaurant houses the cocktail bar, which also offers an aperitif experience at outdoor tables on the Riva degli Schiavoni, where you can watch the boats pass by as the sun sets behind the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Unique spaces: The hotel’s incredible services are rounded out by the elegant Ballroom, a refined setting for private events and intimate receptions, the Library Room, the Wine Cellar, and a SPA with a hammam, sauna, emotional shower, and treatment room.

Hotel Gabrielli Venezia – Starhotels Collezione (VE) — Veneto Secrets

One of the Gabrielli’s greatest pleasures is its concept of widespread hospitality and a “Venetian home” where guests can choose where to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or even just read a book with a cup of tea. They can relax in every corner of the hotel at any time, from the glass-covered winter garden to the romantic velvet alcoves.

Here, the Grand Tour‘s charm has never stopped.

The Secret

When Andreas Perkhofer opened the hotel in 1856, he initially called it “Sandwirth.” He wanted to evoke the reliability and style of Central European hospitality, much appreciated by Grand Tour travelers arriving from Northern Europe. Over time, the name of the building (Gabrielli) prevailed, but the family decided to keep the historical inscription on the facade to honor their roots and connection to their homeland.

Useful Info

Hotel Gabrielli
Riva degli Schiavoni 4110
30122 Venezia
Tel. +39 041 5231588

Rooms: from 500 euros in low season, 700 euros in high season with breakfast

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