If you’re seeking a fresh and stylish Venetian retreat, look no further than Il Palazzo Experimental. Imagine walking into what resembles a Wes Anderson set, as you enter this renovated palazzo situated gracefully along the water. Opened in 2019, Il Palazzo Experimental is designed to captivate travelers with a discerning eye for design.
The Paris-based Experimental Group skillfully blended the historic charm of this stately palazzo with a modern and vibrant color palette, all the while preserving iconic Venetian elements. You’ll be charmed by the soaring arched windows, two-story ceilings in the lagoon-view suites, and delightful stripe motifs (an homage to the classic Venetian gondolier uniform).
The playful design adds a contemporary twist, setting the hotel apart from more traditional settings such as the Gritti Palace or St. Regis. Once the private mansion of a Swiss entrepreneur, the building later housed the headquarters of the now-defunct Italian shipping company Adriatica, whose sign still adorns the exterior.
The popular Experimental Cocktail Club, a chic speakeasy-style bar, offers exquisite cocktails from 6 pm, making it the perfect place to unwind after exploring the magical city of Venice. There is also a bar in the restaurant where you can get cocktails earlier in the day.
While we really enjoyed our stay at Il Palazzo Experimental and especially the cocktail bar, we have to say that the decor while impressive, is not to our personal preference. However, for those who enjoy this type of design, it’s a unique and modern option in Venice as opposed to many Venitian hotels with classic and at times opulent Italian style.
Note: Il Palazzo Experimental provided support for the reporting of this story