Orient Express is strengthening its foothold in the boot-shaped country.

The hospitality heavyweight, which has branched out beyond luxury trains and into yachts and hotels, just opened a second property in Italy. The new Orient Express Venezia is housed within the lavish Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in the historic Cannaregio district of Venice. Thankfully, that is one of the quieter quarters of the city. 

The 15th-century palazzo, owned by the Arsenale Group, stands proudly where two canals meet along the Rio di Noale. It was originally built in 1436, but has been entirely reimagined by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman as a hotel for the first time in nearly six centuries. Charming original features have been restored and a refined contemporary elegance woven in, with old-world Venetian craftsmanship sitting alongside more modern touches.  

The building itself is steeped in history. In the mid-19th century, architect Giovanni Battista Meduna added Neogothic and Baroque flourishes to the interior, creating a theatrical feel that remains today. In 1847, the palazzo reopened as a stage for salons, debates, and grand receptions. Patinated walls, carved surfaces, and painted frescoes reflect that layered past, while precious natural stones, embossed leathers, and moiré silks add a sense of luxury. 

Guests may arrive directly by boat through the Gothic water gate, setting a perfectly dramatic tone for the stay. The palazzo’s lobby, once an open stone courtyard, has been transformed into an opulent living room with sculpted wood paneling, rich velvet upholstery, and spectacular bespoke Murano chandeliers throughout. Through a gallery with a rotating selection of contemporary works lies a secret garden with antique gates opening to sophisticated tents lit by Venetian lanterns. 

Upstairs are 47 rooms, suites, and residences, each showcasing restored murals, sculptural ceilings, and views of gardens and canals. Spanning up to 1,560 square feet, the six Signature Suites are decked out with 19th-century frescoes, gilded salons, marble fireplaces, and tall windows, evoking the glitz and glamor of a bygone era. 

Beyond the accommodation, Heinz Beck Venezia offers fine-dining fare by Michelin three-star chef Heinz Beck, the all-day restaurant La Casati serves up more relaxed dishes, and the Wagon Bar slings signature cocktails and Venetian cicchetti in a plush Art Deco-esque setting inspired by the Orient Express lounge cars. Other highlights include a spa steeped in ancient Roman thermal rituals and an extravagant ballroom for events. 

The Venetian outpost is the second hotel Orient Express has opened in Italy, following the debut of the first location in Rome in 2025. It also rolled out a new train in the country last year. These launches are part of a wider effort to put Italy at the forefront of luxury travel.

You can visit the Orient Express Venezia website to book your stay.

Click here to see more photos of the hotel.