Orient Express Venice has opened at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a stunning 5-star rebirth of a 15th-century architectural masterpiece owned by Arsenale Group and expertly restored by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman.

Artisans of travel since 1883, the Orient Express brand has been part of the Accor Group’s luxury brand collection since 2022. Accor is a leading global player with a long tradition in the premium hotel and restaurant sectors, which in 2024 entered into a strategic partnership with LVMH for the development of the Orient Express brand.

A full eight years of restoration have brought to life a theatrical sequence of wonders, a tribute to the enigmatic eccentricity of Venice and the extraordinary splendors of this 15th-century architectural jewel.

The History of the Palace

The palace—reportedly built in 1436 by Filippo Calendario, the same architect as the Doge’s Palace—was initially owned by the Loredan family. In the 16th century, it was donated by the Serenissima to the Duke of Urbino, Francesco Maria della Rovere. It then passed into the hands of the Donà family until 1838, when it was bought by the Giovannellis, a dynasty of industrialists from Bergamo who made it a hub of social and social life in Venice.

After eight years of restoration, interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman achieved an aesthetic marvel: preserving all the palace’s original decorations while blending them with details reminiscent of the legendary carriages of the most famous train in the world.

The Meduna Touch: The Legacy of a Grand Theater

The 19th-century soul of the palace bears the prestigious signature of Giovanni Battista Meduna, the architect whose name was inextricably linked to the reconstruction of the Teatro La Fenice after the fire of 1836.

At Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, Meduna worked with the same theatrical sensibility that made him famous: his is the incredible monumental octagonal staircase, a masterpiece of symmetry and light.

Rooms and Exclusive Services

The hotel boasts 47 rooms, suites, and residences, each with its own distinctive identity. The interiors and atmospheres reflect the Palazzo’s architectural layers and the romanticism of the Venetian lifestyle.

Numerous services are available, including a convenient waterfront entrance, a spa, and a gym.

Heinz Beck in Venice: a stellar gastronomic experience

The cuisine is entrusted to the mastery of three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck, who has curated the culinary offerings, bringing his philosophy of lightness and flavor to Venice through three distinct experiences.

La Casati: the restaurant, named after the Marchesa Casati, who lived and hosted legendary parties here, that overlooks the magical internal garden.

Heinz Beck Venice: the fine-dining restaurant housed in the historic Orangerie.

Wagon Bar: perfect for a drink in a setting reminiscent of the iconic Art Deco design of the Orient Express sleeping wagons.

The Secret

The Palace housed a prestigious art gallery, commissioned by the Giovannelli family, which included Giorgione’s famous work “The Tempest,” which was later transferred to the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice after being purchased by the Italian State.

Useful Info

Orient Express Venezia
Strada Nova 2292
30121 Venezia
Tel. +39 041 8858004