Venetian Horizons

Venice, with its shimmering canals and centuries of romance, has never lacked allure — but a new chapter in la dolce vita is already in the works. Set for a 2026 debut, the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is poised to become one of the most talked-about openings in the world of luxury travel.

Orient express - Palazzo

Built in the 15th century, the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli was once home to one of Venice’s most powerful families. The Donà clan counted doges, cardinals, and diplomats among their ranks, and their palace mirrored their influence: frescoed ceilings, gilded salons, and airy courtyards where Venetian society once gathered. Over the centuries, the palazzo played host to artists, aristocrats, and adventurers — and now it’s being reimagined for a new era.

The revival comes courtesy of Orient Express Hotels, the storied brand synonymous with timeless glamour and grand voyages. Following their expansion in Paris and Rome, the Venice project is part of a new constellation of properties designed to embody the brand’s legendary spirit of travel. Insiders are already buzzing about how the Orient Express team will blend Venetian heritage with modern indulgence.

Expect sumptuous suites framed by Renaissance details, salons lit by Murano chandeliers, and quiet corners that whisper stories from another time. Unlike Venice’s larger resorts, this will be a jewel-box hotel — intimate, refined, and designed for guests who prefer an address steeped in history rather than mass hospitality.

Venice is no stranger to five-star hotels, but the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is set to stand apart. Its scale and provenance promise a truly exclusive experience — the kind where sipping a spritz at sunset feels like stepping into a painting. For travelers chasing both heritage and glamour, this hotel will be less about checking into a room and more about entering a chapter of Venetian history.

For now, the Palazzo remains behind scaffolding and secrets, but one thing is certain: when it opens, it will be the Venetian address everyone is talking about. Pack your silk scarves and oversized sunglasses — this will be the place where history, style, and romance converge.

Stay tuned: we’ll keep unlocking the story of this Venetian jewel as 2026 approaches.