Accor’s Orient Express is showing no signs of slowing its roll.
Hot on the heels of the launch of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, and the debut of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the legendary brand has announced the upcoming Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, located in the Venetian district of Cannaregio, one of six notable sestieri in the city, imbued with authentic charm and history.
Architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman has been appointed to lead the restoration of the grand neo-Gothic and Baroque structure built in 1436 by Filippo Calendario, whose name has also been attached to the construction of the Doge’s Palace. Original frescoes, intricate mosaic detailing and floors, Murano chandeliers, ornate decorative features, and a striking octagonal staircase have been preserved as part of the extensive transformation, designed to uphold the building’s long legacy.
What was once the private residence of the Donà and Giovannelli families had also been in the ownership of the Duke of Urbino, who used the palace for lavish celebrations. Reborn as a modern hotel that honours the essence of La Serenissima and the vibrant history of the location, Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli will offer 47 guestrooms, suites, and apartments to guests. On the piano nobile—the first floor of the building—will be the Vittoria Ballroom, the Library of Cultures, and the Music Room.
One of the spectacular ways that guests can experience their first impression of the hotel will be by arrival on a private boat, guided through a Gothic portal on the canal. Once inside the dramatic mansion, the journey continues with a fine-dining restaurant, a second dining venue overlooking a lush courtyard and garden, and the Wagon Bar.
“More than a hotel, Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is a transformative voyage through centuries of splendour. Rooted in the poetic vision of Orient Express, this Venetian property embodies a heritage in motion where every stay becomes a passage through memory, art and emotion,” says Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express. While we await further details and images, the hotel has been earmarked for an April 2026 opening with reservations available now.
All images courtesy of Orient Express.
