The 15-month restoration of The Gritti Palace is part of a larger strategy to invest over €150m in the restoration of Starwood’s most celebrated Luxury Collection hotels in Europe, including Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville, Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian,which re-opened last year, and the Prince de Galles in Paris, set to re-open later this month.

“There is a mystique about The Gritti Palace that has enchanted its guests for generations, so it was essential that we involved local artisans, architects, craftsmen and cultural institutions to preserve its authentic elegance and distinct personality, while bringing the landmark hotel into the 21st century,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis and W Hotels Worldwide.

“The renaissance of this Venetian icon marks a momentous occasion for The Luxury Collection as the birthplace of the brand, now 85 hotels around the world, which has come full circle to restore its roots on the Grand Canal.”

Facing the majestic Santa Maria della Salute and steps from Piazza San Marco and La Fenice Theatre, The Gritti Palace was transformed into its current Gothic shape by the Pisani family in 1475 and became the private residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, in 1525. In the centuries that followed, it was home to other noble families and illustrious visitors before being converted into a luxury hotel in 1895. In 1947, The Gritti Palace was bought by CIGA (Compagnia Italiana Grandi Alberghi), to which The Luxury Collection brand traces its roots.

The protected landmark building’s architectural restorations were led by Italian engineering firm Veniceplan Ingegneria Srl with the Regional Board of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Environmental Conservation of Venice and Lagoon. The process included the incorporation of modern hydraulic engineering to protect the building during high tides, and the addition of environmentally-friendly measures such as the use of LED lighting throughout the hotel’s public areas and guest rooms. The interior design was overseen by Donghia Associates.

“By carefully restoring precious antique furniture and artwork, and complementing them with a selection of newly handcrafted furnishings, we aimed to enhance the exclusive residential ambience that has kept The Gritti Palace so unique and personal to its loyal guests through the years,” says Chuck Chewning, Design Director, Donghia Associates.

“We have seamlessly integrated Donghia’s and Rubelli’s signature sophistication with the hotel’s history and heritage, giving it a sense of Venetian elegance and timeless luxury.”

Featuring 61 luxurious guest rooms and 21 sumptuous suites, including suites with impressive canal views, The Gritti Palace décor has been inspired by renowned personalities such as Ernest Hemingway, Somerset Maugham and Peggy Guggenheim, who have left their indelible mark on the hotel and the city.

Cloaked in rich period colours, the restored rooms and suites feature local design elements including Venetian tapestries and velvets, Rococo couches, handcrafted Girandole mirrors and Murano glass chandeliers.

The hotel also features the traditional Club del Doge Restaurant, the Bar Longhi and The Gritti Epicurean School, a Venetian open kitchen that since 1975 has hosted the social elite of Venice and international guests for wine tastings, cooking workshops and celebrations. A Blu Mediterraneo Spa and Explorer’s Library complete the property’s public zones.

www.luxurycollection.com/gritti