If you’re a movie buff, you’ve heard of the Venice Film Festival. The iconic event is one of the oldest film festivals in the world, and the Hotel Excelsior at Venice Lido Resort has hosted the celebration for the last 80 years. In fact, the first-ever Venice Film Festival was inaugurated on the hotel’s balcony in 1932. Since then, it has become a Venice favorite, a beloved celebrity, and a local hotspot.
With an exterior reminiscent of a Venetian palace, the property feels opulent from the second you pull up to the private dock. Once inside, Moorish details, ranging from archways to elaborate chandeliers and jewel-toned color schemes, highlight the property’s rich history.
Together, it gives off a feeling of glamour, so it’s no surprise that celebrities still stay at the hotel—even years after the festival’s debut.
All the 197 rooms, including the suites and junior suites, are spacious compared to other hotels in Venice. Most have balconies overlooking the beach, and the interior decor and furniture only enhance the Moorish feel of the property. Every room also features Salvatore Ferragamo-branded toiletries and breathtaking views.
When craving a bite (or plate of fresh pasta), throw on your favorite fancy dress and head for a candlelight dinner at Tropicana. The spot is one of Venice’s most beloved nighttime spots and serves up the lagoon’s best fresh seafood alongside traditional Venetian dishes with picture-perfect sunset views as the backdrop. In the morning, there is an extensive breakfast buffet with everything from pastries to omelets at Elimar’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. For light bites or an Aperol spritz, the Blue Bar serves up a mean aperitif. Notice the array of fresh pizzas, delicious martinis, and other soft bites. Lastly, Adriatico Restaurant is another fan-favorite with delicious pastas and breathtaking sea views.
Since the hotel is located on Lido Island, it is only 15 minutes away from the main sites of Venice. The property provides guests with a complimentary private boat shuttle to and from the city every half an hour for easy transfer. However, the hotel is far enough from the main square that you can truly escape from the business and crowds of the Venetian city.
It’s also the only hotel in Venice with access to its own beach, which is another reason you can stay at the hotel and get some major R+R. The gorgeous pool, seaside views, and gym with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment add to the appeal.
Top Takeaways
Location: Venice, Italy
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: A not-so-secret Venetian spot for locals and celebrities alike.
Food + Drink: Start the day with the extensive buffet at Elimar’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. For a delicious sunset dining experience, Tropicana serves up fresh seafood and other Venetian specialties. Light bites, beloved Martinis, and the best Aperol spritzes are served up at The Blue Bar. The outdoor terrace of Adriatico Restaurant boasts incredible seaside views.
Amenities: pool; beach access; fitness center; concierge; room service; multiple onsite restaurants; complimentary private boat shuttle to/from the city
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Staying in one of the newly renovated junior suites feels like walking into your Moorish palace, thanks to the grand arches and pastel-hued furniture.
5 Nearby Attractions: Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, Teatro La Fenice, and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? With a spot on Lido Island, you don’t have to leave the hotel for a single thing; honestly, you shouldn’t.
Rooms: 197 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $350/a night
Closest Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
