This Venice Hotel Has One Of The City's Largest Private Gardens—And A Literary Past

Venice has never lacked for grandeur, but the return of Hotel Gabrielli adds a new chapter to the city’s hospitality story. On August 25, 2025, the 19th-century palazzo on Riva degli Schiavoni reopened as part of the Starhotels Collezione, marking the revival of a landmark that has shaped Venetian hospitality for nearly 170 years. With its sweeping views across the San Marco basin and San Giorgio Maggiore, the five-star hotel emerges from an extensive restoration that balances history with modern comfort. For travellers, it offers not just another address in Venice, but a front-row seat to the lagoon itself.

Long considered one of the city’s most recognisable properties, Hotel Gabrielli has hosted generations of visitors, among them Franz Kafka, who found inspiration for his letters here. Today, under the stewardship of Starhotels, it enters a new era. The meticulous conservation has preserved the palazzo’s historic character—its ornate windows, Murano chandeliers, and marble details—while introducing contemporary elegance designed for today’s discerning guest. The result is a property that embodies both continuity and renewal: a Venetian icon reborn, where the city’s layered past meets the promise of a refined, five-star future.

A Tale Of Heritage

The renovation, led by designer Andrea Auletta, has reimagined the hotel without compromising its soul. The historic façade shines once again, its Quadrifora windows framing some of the city’s most coveted lagoon views. Inside, Venetian tradition meets modern sophistication, Murano chandeliers glow above coffered ceilings, Istrian stone columns stand tall beside contemporary accents, and every corner reflects a discreet kind of luxury.

Starhotels’ long-standing commitment to craftsmanship is visible in every detail. Through its patronage initiative, La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory, Murano glass masters restored over 700 chandeliers and wall sconces to their original brilliance. Original floors, marble claddings, and the majestic staircase stand as tributes to the palazzo’s history, while a reduction in key count, from 105 to just 66 rooms, ensures a more exclusive experience. The crown jewel is the Presidential Suite, complete with a private rooftop terrace that gazes across the lagoon.

A Hidden Green Escape

Step past the palazzo’s grand interiors and you’ll find a surprise—one of Venice’s largest private gardens. Spread over 600 sqm, this hidden enclave offers rare tranquillity in the city, with centuries-old olive trees, magnolias, hydrangeas, and antique marble tubs tucked amid the greenery. It’s the kind of space where one can retreat with a book, a spritz, or simply the sound of lapping waters against marble canal walls.

Dining, too, has been reimagined with a distinctly Venetian identity. Executive Chef Mirko Pistorello champions the Km Veneto ethos, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to showcase the best of regional flavours. At Felice al Gabrielli, named after Kafka’s muse Felice Bauer, guests dine in a refined courtyard that evokes the hush of a winter garden. The K Lounge Bar, meanwhile, serves as the vibrant heart of the hotel, drawing from the flavours of the lagoon in both its cuisine and cocktails.

Panoramas At Sunset

For panoramic drama, the sixth-floor Terrazza Gabrielli delivers. With its sweeping 360-degree views over Venice, from the Lido to Punta della Dogana, it is destined to become a signature address for sunset aperitivi. Bar Manager Diego Filippone’s cocktails, paired with Pistorello’s small plates, create evenings where the grandeur of Venice is matched only by the artistry on the table.

The journey ends at the Venetian Spa, a serene sanctuary lined with marble and equipped with a hammam, sauna, and private treatment suite. It’s the final brushstroke in a hotel that has been reborn not just as a place to stay, but as a living expression of Venice itself.

With Hotel Gabrielli, Starhotels has given Venice not just another luxury hotel, but a homecoming for a beloved landmark—one that honours its past even as it sets the tone for the city’s future in hospitality.

FAQs

1. Where is Hotel Gabrielli located?
Hotel Gabrielli is situated on Riva degli Schiavoni, one of Venice’s most famous waterfront promenades in Venezia. It overlooks the San Marco basin and offers sweeping views of San Giorgio Maggiore Island. 

2. How can I reach the hotel from Venice Marco Polo Airport?
From Venice Marco Polo Airport, guests can take the Alilaguna water bus directly to the San Zaccaria stop, which is just a short walk from the hotel. Private water taxis are also available for a more direct transfer.

3. How close is Hotel Gabrielli to St. Mark’s Square?
The hotel is a 10-minute walk along the waterfront from St. Mark’s Square, placing guests within easy reach of Venice’s most iconic landmarks.

4. What category of hotel is it?
Hotel Gabrielli is a five-star property under the Starhotels Collezione brand, blending historic Venetian charm with contemporary luxury.

5. Are dining options available on-site?
Guests can dine at Felice al Gabrielli Restaurant, enjoy cocktails at the K Lounge Bar, or head to Terrazza Gabrielli rooftop bar for panoramic aperitivi.