Il Palazzo Experimental: a dreamlike hotel in Venice
At the end of November 2022, we found ourselves in Venice—what we consider to be the most beautiful city in the world. Our visit was for work, attending the renowned La Biennale di Arte, and we had the pleasure of staying at Il Palazzo Experimental, a hidden gem of a hotel belonging to the Experimental Group. Nestled right on the banks of the Grand Canal, this exquisite retreat is situated in the serene Dorsoduro district.
Site: www.palazzoexperimental.com
Address: Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 1411, 30123 Venice (Italy)
The mastermind behind the transformation of this stunning Renaissance palace is Dorothée Meilichzon, one of the most sought-after interior designers in Paris. Her expertise is in high demand for crafting boutique hotels, fashionable restaurants, and exclusive clubs in London, New York, Menorca, Ibiza, and beyond. She has already worked her magic on other Experimental Group properties across Europe.
Her distinctive touch is immediately recognisable upon stepping into any of her spaces—an embrace of eclecticism, a rejection of minimalism, and an unwavering commitment to detail. Her signature aesthetic combines vintage references, multiple pattern blends, and an appreciation for original architectural features, all infused with her renowned contemporary twist.
A collage of noble materials and exquisite design details
Il Palazzo Experimental is a true architectural and Art Deco design treasure. The hotel boasts 28 rooms and 4 suites, all offering views of either the Grand Canal or the enchanting garden that embraces the property.
Each room is unique, possessing its own identity, yet certain elements unify them: hand-glazed tiles, custom brass and chrome lighting, Venetian-designed objects, arched mirrors, Marmorino-plastered walls, intricately carved wood, subtle touches of Breccia Capraia marble, and sumptuous fabrics adorning the furniture and bed headboards. The colour palette is simply mesmerising, featuring terracotta, coral green, sky blue, pale yellow, silver grey, and cream tones.
While every room is magnificent, we highly recommend choosing one on the piano nobile, the primo piano, where you will find a stunning set of three neo-Gothic arched windows overlooking the Grand Canal.
The sunsets from this vantage point are nothing short of spectacular—an unforgettable experience.
Another element that will capture your heart (and surely Wes Anderson’s, too) is the hotel’s charming bedroom doors. It will be impossible to resist photographing them!
Each door is framed in exquisite detailing and painted in striking blue or cherry-red stripes, reminiscent of the beach huts at Lido.
As for the common areas, they reflect the same impeccable savoir-faire present in the rooms. From the reception to the bathrooms, the atmosphere is refined and cohesive.
The floors are adorned with classic terrazzo, including the geometric design created by Carlo Scarpa for the Olivetti offices in St Mark’s Square.
The interiors feature rich velvet accents, an impressive selection of books on art, design, and architecture, the iconic gondolier stripes, and specially designed or reissued furniture, including pieces by the legendary Gae Aulenti.
A majestic project worthy of Venice
The transformation of Il Palazzo Experimental was no small feat, requiring three years of meticulous renovation and interior design. The result is extraordinary—a hotel where design and elegance reign supreme. It has already become an icon in La Serenissima.
The architectural influence of Andrea Palladio, one of the key figures in 16th-century Venice, is evident in the distinctive arches gracing the hotel’s interiors.
This four-star property was once owned by Giovanni Stucky, who became the richest man in Venice by producing pasta—his Stucky brand gained worldwide fame. From the original building, the double doors on the ground floor remain, opening onto a stunning private garden adorned with both classical and contemporary sculptures.
The garden is connected to the Rio del Ognissanti, enhancing the property’s charm. Another historical feature that remains intact is the golden Adriatica sign on the façade, a reminder that the Palazzo served for decades as the headquarters of Italy’s Naval Transport Society.
Dorsoduro: one of Venice’s most tranquil districts
Dorsoduro is the city’s university district, known for being on one of the most stable and elevated parts of Venice. It is blissfully removed from the chaos of cruise ship tourism while still offering a prime location on the banks of the Grand Canal. We consider it the perfect neighbourhood to stay in.
Here, you will find cultural treasures such as the Gallerie dell’Accademia, Palazzo Ca’ Rezzonico—one of the most beautiful palaces in Venice—and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, another masterpiece in itself. Nearby, Campo Santa Margherita stands as the most vibrant square in the district and one of the liveliest in the entire city.
Best of all, the area is well-connected. From here, you are just a few vaporetto stops from the Biennale di Arte pavilions and within walking distance of the Jewish Quarter and other major tourist spots.
Ristorante Adriatica
One of the standout features of Il Palazzo Experimental is Ristorante Adriatica. This charming dining space, located on the ground floor adjacent to reception, offers a menu inspired by Italy’s coastal regions, including Puglia, Abruzzo, and Veneto. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.
The décor aligns seamlessly with the rest of the hotel. Once again, arches take centre stage, complemented by veined marble dining tables, striped banquettes with plush velvet cushions, and monochrome chequered flooring.
Adriatica also boasts two terraces: one at street level and another, more intimate, nestled within the hotel’s lush garden. Both are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon tea, or unwinding after a long day of exploring Venice.
Experimental Cocktail Club
The hotel’s cocktail bar was designed by Cristina Celestino, a Milan-based designer renowned for her refined aesthetic.
Once again, the décor is a visual delight, featuring antique mirrors with marble inlays and design elements inspired by Carlo Scarpa, one of Venice’s most revered 20th-century designers.
The bar serves a mix of classic cocktails, modern twists, and innovative “cocktails of the future”, all crafted with local ingredients and a signature surprise element. Simply put—delicious!
In summary, we highly recommend visiting Venice outside the peak season—November is an especially magical time. And if you can, make sure to stay at this extraordinary hotel. The experience is truly sublime.
(*) Photographs by CC/magazine.
