Photography: Londra Palace
Londra Palace
Reviewed by Joeri Van Overloop
Set the scene
As soon as you walk into the Londra Palace Hotel in Venice, you'll be greeted by a grandiose symphony of marble and mirrors, recreating the allure of 19th-century lavishness. Antique furniture, layered with velvets and satins, lounge comfortably in the heart of lavish halls. Up above, the glitters of a vintage Baccarat chandelier will catch your eyes, shedding a soft, ethereal glow on its surroundings.
Meanwhile, the hotel walls are adorned with precious art pieces that are thoughtfully spread out across the lobby and the lounges. There's a seamless blend of intimacy and sophistication here, making guests feel like they're a part of an elegant portrait that's been painted over time.
What can we expect in our room?
The charm seeping from the intricately patterned Biedermeier-style furniture casts a royal nostalgia, harmonizing perfectly with the unobstructed vista of St. Mark's Basin which adorns most rooms. Modern amenities are in fluent conversation with the old-world charm, each room boasting comfortable king-sized beds, well-stocked minibars, speed-of-light Wi-Fi and so much more.
Natural light streams in through large windows, kissing the silken Rubelli fabrics, bouncing off the ethereal paintings on the wall, and casting a warm glow on the marble-clad en suite bathrooms. And, while these might catch your immediate eye, it's the quiet attention to detail that truly sets the rooms apart, such as the thoughtfully curated toiletries and well-insulated walls.
How about the food and drinks
The hotel's renowned Ristorante Do Leoni is a gem in its own right, with its high ceilings, ornate decor, and stunning views of the shimmering lagoon. As you settle down for your meal, prepare to be wowed by the creative mix of Venetian and international cuisines, each dish a testament to the masterful skills of the talented chefs. Here, each plate serves as a canvas, where traditional recipes merge with innovative culinary techniques to create a symphony of tastes, smells, and colors.
As for drinks, the hotel's bar is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you'd prefer to relax on the enchanting terrace with a sun-down cocktail, or you're looking to end your day conversing over a glass of carefully-selected wine, the extensive drink menu includes a laudable selection of wines, local liquors, international spirits, and exuberant cocktails, impeccably served in an atmosphere of casual refinement.
What about the service
The front desk representatives at the Londra Palace, fluent in various languages, are available around the clock, ready to assist with any inquiries or arrangements you may need. Whether it's organizing a mesmerizing gondola tour or recommending off-the-beaten-path spots around Venice, they are eager to make every aspect of your visit enjoyable and hassle-free.
Beyond the front desk, you'll encounter the diligent housekeeping staff who ensure that the rooms and communal areas of the Londra Palace Hotel always exude freshness and cleanliness. The concierge team, with their vast knowledge and resources, are also invaluable, prepared to plan unforgettable experiences tailored to your unique interests.
What’s the neighbourhood scene like?
The celebrated Piazza San Marco with its towering Campanile and splendid Basilica, an epitome of Italo-Byzantine architecture, is just a stone’s throw away. So are the endless meandering canals and quaint bridges that have been an emblem of the city's poetic charm for hundreds of years.
The neighborhood also offers an equally delightful scene for those who wish to relax or are keen on culinary adventure. For food and beverage enthusiasts, a myriad of traditional Italian cafes line up in the vicinity. Cosy hidden Venetian bars serving authentic cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and local wines make for a vibrant night scene.
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What’s the backstory of the Londra Palace?
Steeped in rich history, the Londra Palace has been serving guests with elegance and charm for over 140 years. The property was discovered to be built over the ruins of the church of San Moisè Profeta around the middle of the 19th century. This palatial hotel was constructed in 1860, during the golden era of travel, and was initially known as the Beau-Rivage Hotel. By 1895, under a new management, the hotel was renamed as the Hotel Londres, and it primarily catered to the aristocracy, playing host to notable figures and events throughout its illustrious history.
The distinguished roster of guests who have graced the Londra Palace Hotel’s exalted halls include renowned composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who resided in room 106 for a month and composed the famous "Fourth Symphony". Adding a romantic flair to its history, the hotel saw many writers professing their love for this enchanting city from the comfort of its balconied rooms, influencing their work in inexplicable ways.
Price Range
The exact rates are susceptible to fluctuations depending on the time of the year and the type of accommodation chosen. If you're eyeing the classic room with the view of St. Anthony's street, the price hovers around 400 Euros per night for two, which includes a scrumptious breakfast. If the Deluxe Lagoon view suite is more befitting your expectations, with the staggering panorama of the San Giorgio Maggiore Church and the Lagoon making it worth every one of the 1000 Euros per night you spend.
Amenities & Facilities
The core of its offerings features 53 guestrooms, the in-room amenities include mini-bars, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and marble bathrooms offering bathrobes, slippers, and L'Occitane toiletries.
A 24-hour business center is at your disposal for any professional needs or last-minute assignments. This illustrious hotel also makes arrangements for private transfers, babysitting services, and personalized city tours, further cementing its commitment to providing an unparalleled guest experience.
How to get to the Londra Palace hotel in Venice
The Alilaguna Water Bus, operates spacious and comfortable Blue Line boats from the Marco Polo Airport to the San Zaccaria stop. From San Zaccaria, the Londra Palace is just a brisk 5-minute walk away.
Alternatively, you might prefer the speed and convenience of a taxi. From the airport's main terminal, follow the signs to find the taxi rank. Once seated comfortably in a water taxi, it's a 30-minute journey to Londra Palace Hotel. Yes, you'll pay more, but the time-saving and the experience of getting up close to Venetian lagoons make it incredibly worthwhile.
What Customers Have To Say
We booked the Altana (rooftop) and would HIGHLY suggest!
We will be back and recommend 100%
GRAZIE MILLE Sterling & Jeannine Ashbee Sydney Australia
Everything about this little gem is fantastic. The hotel decor, the rooms, the food, the cocktails, the service and most importantly the staff.
My parents visited last year and unfortunately my father fell ill whilst over there and ended up in hospital. The hotel staff looked after my mother and were so kind and compassionate. They made sure she could get to and from the hospital to visit my father, made her soup when she got back as she had got caught in a terrible thunderstorm. I cannot thank them enough for making a difficult time, that little bit easier.
We returned last month, both my parents, myself and my husband now that my father is better and had the most amazing time. The staff remembered what had happened last year and went out of their way to make our experience unforgettable this time.
1000/10 in all aspects, and if you get the chance to visit Venice, you must stay here!
Thanks again for everything 🙂
Amazing staff
The best breakfast
Amazing room
Sending love for everybody
Contact:
Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4171, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Phone: +39 041 520 0533
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed within this article are the author’s alone, not those of any travel/leisure company, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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