Hotel Gabrielli, regarded by many as the crown jewel of Venice when it originally opened in 1856, aims to regain that accolade when it reopens early in 2025 following an extraordinary renovation.
Overlooking the Venetian lagoon on a prime spot on Riva degli Schiavoni and with a direct view on Isola di San Giorgio, pictured top of page, the hotel’s re-emergence signals an exciting new era of Venetian hôtellerie.
Starhotels has revealed design details of the renovation of the historical 13th-century palazzo and its six surrounding buildings that altogether form this Venetian heritage.
Hotel Gabrielli will reopen its doors early in 2025 after a major reinvention
Owned and Run for five generations by the Perkhofer family as a “Family affair” and long-time home to returning guests, the property has always been an open house for luminaries from the worlds of art, literature, fashion and politics.
And being a milestone during the Grand Tour, it was the preferred location for Orient Express travellers who used to stay there before departing on their trains.
Says Elisabetta Fabri, CEO of Starhotels: “When you’re in this location, everything breathes history and charm. We want to write the new chapter of the famous Hotel Gabrielli, creating an intriguing and whimsical atmosphere, a very classical Venetian experience with contemporary comfort.”
Restoration is essential to the interior design brief and the result will be a Venetian experience that pays tribute to the memories of the past, while offering a new fresh elegance.
Many original features, such as the precious Quadrifora windows on the main façade, ancient courtyard columns, marble bathrooms, and pavements in Istrian stone, are returning to life.
Highlighting the property’s heritage, luxurious fabrics by famous local brands will give guests the illustrious feel of residing in a classic Venetian Palazzo.
Local artisans have also been involved to enrich the hotel’s authentic elegance. Original Murano chandeliers and mirrors, painted wooden beams and luxury marble wall coverings will show the authentic craftsmanship of the Venetian Serenissima.
Hotel Gabrielli by American artist Virginia Miranda
Reducing the number of bedrooms from 120 to 73 will allow more living space, with new rooms all designed for 21st-century living, while its 19 suites will offer separate sleeping, lounging and dressing areas.
Spacious front rooms and suites overlooking the lagoon offer postcard views of Venice.
The Presidential Suite will be one of the biggest accommodation on the island with a private altana, the classic panoramic terrace, making it an extraordinary light-house apartment overlooking the roofs of Venice and the lagoon.
In its new chapter, the hotel will feature a Mediterranean restaurant on the ground floor with a variety of public areas for formal and informal dining and cocktail experiences.
Highlights will be a Venetian garden adjacent to a romantic Canal with private access and a scenic Roof Terrace with Sky Bar with direct view on san Giorgio.
