Violino d’Oro: the jewel hotel redefining venetian elegance
Just a two-minute walk from the iconic St Mark’s Square and embraced by Venice’s most picturesque canals, Violino d’Oro is far more than a privileged address – it is an immersion into the city’s most authentic and refined soul.
Recently unveiled by Collezione Em, the exquisite hotel collection from the Maestrelli family, this five-star boutique property represents a new era in luxury hospitality: intimate, conscious, and deeply emotional. It not only pays homage to Italy’s rich artistic tradition but reimagines it with a contemporary sensitivity where design, sustainability and Venetian soul are seamlessly interwoven.
Every detail of the project reflects a deep respect for cultural heritage and a passion for excellence – hallmarks of this hotelier family with over three decades of experience. More than a place to stay, this retreat is an aesthetic, sensory and human experience – recognised as part of The Leading Hotels of the World, a distinction that places it among the world’s most exclusive destinations.
“They have reinterpreted Venetian hospitality through a lens that is contemporary, sophisticated and deeply human.”
An intimate palazzo steeped in art and history
The hotel is housed within three meticulously restored 17th-century buildings. Inside, luxury is expressed through silence, texture, and the natural light that fills every space. Nothing is left to chance: from the materials to the subtle scent in the corridors, each element contributes to a truly unique atmosphere.
Sara and Elena Maestrelli, heirs to the family’s savoir-faire, have succeeded in reimagining Venetian hospitality with a perspective that is both sophisticated and profoundly human. Here, every corner tells a story. Fabrics by Rubelli, lamps by Venini, artisanal Venetian terrazzo floors, and a curated selection of Italian art and design pieces coexist in perfect harmony.
Across its 32 rooms and suites, guests encounter a well-balanced blend of elegance and comfort. Furniture with clean lines and Italian soul sits alongside Oriental pieces, Venetian antiques and contemporary touches, reflecting a global, refined aesthetic.
Canal views, high ceilings and a soft, harmonious colour palette reinforce the feeling of calm and understated sophistication.
Luxury born of authenticity
“It’s an artisanal Italian project designed like a home”, says Sara Maestrelli. And that’s exactly how it feels – like a refined home, full of soul. From the glassware to the headboards, everything has been crafted between Venice and Tuscany, avoiding mass production in favour of noble materials and expert hands.
Velvets, brocades and damasks from Rubelli elegantly dress the rooms, while Carrara marble inlays in the artisanal flooring tell a story of craftsmanship that withstands the test of time. Hand-blown Murano glass lamps add both character and warmth. Every object has a story. Every texture evokes emotion.
At this Venetian boutique hotel, sustainability is not a marketing label but a deeply rooted philosophy. The use of local materials, support for artisan economies, and a mindful approach to resource management reflect a genuine commitment to the environment – and to the future of luxury travel.
“At Violino d’Oro, sustainability is not a label – it’s a cross-cutting philosophy.”
Hospitality that leaves a lasting impression
Beyond its architectural beauty, what truly sets Violino d’Oro apart is the warmth of its hospitality.
The team strikes a perfect balance between professionalism and approachability, offering a service that is warm, attentive and entirely personalised. From the check-in experience to every tailored local suggestion, guests feel genuinely listened to and cared for.
The beds invite deep rest; the Ortigia amenities add a sensory touch that extends the experience; and the communal areas – adorned with artworks and Venetian glass – encourage lingering. Here, luxury is not flaunted, but lived with natural ease.
The entire team – trained to the highest standards of hospitality – understands the importance of anticipating every need. Whether it’s arranging a special reservation, organising a private dinner, or adapting breakfast hours, the service flows with the guest’s own rhythm.
Breakfasts that celebrate the art of living
Each morning begins with an unforgettable breakfast in a sun-drenched dining room.
Fresh produce, artisanal pastries, seasonal fruit, freshly pressed juices and made-to-order coffee set the scene for a slow and pleasurable start to the day.
The offering is complemented by rustic breads, local cheeses, organic cereals, and both vegetarian and vegan options – all reflecting the hotel’s wholesome, health-conscious philosophy. The serene ambiance – with elegant tables, soft lighting and gentle music – invites guests to savour breakfast as an act of wellbeing.
The gastronomic jewel: Il Piccolo
The crown of the hotel’s culinary offering is Il Piccolo, the intimate in-house restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide. With just nine tables, it presents a contemporary, plant-forward menu rooted in local and seasonal ingredients.
From reimagined cicchetti to chickpea mini-burgers or artichokes with vegan black garlic mayo, every dish pays tribute to the surrounding land. Signature cocktails, crafted by head bartender Francesco, complete the experience with creativity and flavour.
“Il Piccolo is the intimate in-house restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide.”
Il Piccolo becomes an intimate stage where haute cuisine is expressed without pretension, allowing diners to fully appreciate every ingredient, every texture, every story. The menu, which evolves with the seasons, combines innovative cooking techniques with a deep respect for tradition.
Experiences that connect with the soul of Venice
This exceptional property understands luxury as an emotional, enriching experience — one that is deeply connected to its surroundings. As such, it offers not just an unforgettable stay, but unique experiences that allow guests to discover Venice from an intimate, local and authentic perspective.
From Venetian cooking classes, yoga by the canals and mixology workshops, to private visits to the ateliers of legendary artisans such as Rubelli or Micheluzzi — where tradition and design coexist in perfect harmony.
Cultural tours are also organised to unveil the city’s lesser-known treasures, with privileged access to operas or palaces usually closed to the general public — offering a rare and exclusive insight into the soul of Venice.
Guests can also book bespoke experiences such as sunrise photography walks, guided strolls through the Dorsoduro district, private sunset cruises on the lagoon, or food tours through Venice’s best bacari (traditional wine bars).
Every activity is tailor-made, designed to suit each guest’s pace and personal interests.
The aim is always the same: to offer a real, profound, and sensitive connection to the City of Canals.
Burano and Murano: beyond the Grand Canal
During our stay, we also explored two unmissable islands: Murano and Burano.
These excursions are organised by the hotel team with great care and sensitivity, expanding the Venetian experience beyond the historic centre.
In Murano, the soul of glass reveals itself at every turn. Though world-famous for its glassmaking tradition, what makes visiting truly captivating is the chance to experience it from within: stepping into a working fornace, feeling the heat of the furnaces, and shaping molten glass with your own hands under the guidance of a master artisan.
It’s a direct connection to centuries of living heritage – a craft passed down through generations. In addition to workshop visits, Murano also offers charming galleries and shops where one-of-a-kind, signed and numbered pieces can be purchased – true works of art that keep Venetian craftsmanship alive.
Burano, by contrast, is an explosion of colour and visual poetry. Its brightly painted façades reflected in the canals create a palette straight out of a dream. But beyond the visual charm, Burano is the cradle of the most refined handmade lace.
The lace makers still work by hand as they did centuries ago – using the finest threads and infinite patience.
Walking through its quiet streets feels like stepping into a living history lesson, where art and everyday life are gracefully intertwined. Its serene, almost timeless atmosphere makes it the perfect place to disconnect – to sit by a canal with an espresso and let beauty do the rest.
One more reason to return
In a city overflowing with history and beauty, this restored palazzo offers something new: a different way of inhabiting Venice. A space where art, design, craftsmanship and Italian hospitality intertwine to create an experience that is authentic, sophisticated, and deeply emotional.
“In a city overflowing with history and beauty, this restored palazzo offers something new: a different way of inhabiting Venice.”
Violino d’Oro is not just another option — it is a statement of intent. A haven that celebrates beauty in all its forms: in craftsmanship, architecture, silence, personalised service, art, light, and unhurried time. It is the kind of place that lingers in your memory — that becomes part of the emotional imprint of a journey.
At a time when true luxury means feeling at home away from home, Violino d’Oro offers precisely that: an intimate, exceptional, and unrepeatable sanctuary that invites you not only to return to Venice, but to experience it in an entirely new way — more consciously, more deeply, more personally.
(*) Photography: Ely Sánchez / CC Studio.
