Londra Palace

There’s a certain magic to arriving at Londra Palace — the kind that starts before you even step inside. The hotel sits right on the Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice’s storied waterfront promenade, with the city’s energy humming just outside the door and the vaporetto stops mere steps away. It’s the rare address that lets you feel both in the heart of things and somehow above the fray. From the moment I arrived, the staff set the tone: warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making each stay feel personal. This is a Relais & Châteaux property, and you sense it in the way every detail is handled — not with formality, but with a kind of practiced ease that makes you feel like a returning friend, even on your first visit. But the real showstopper here is the altana — the hotel’s traditional Venetian wooden rooftop terrace. It’s one of the highest in the city, and standing up there, you get a 360-degree sweep of Venice: the lagoon shimmering below, the rooftops and bell towers stretching out in every direction, and on a clear day, the Dolomites etched on the horizon. The hotel can arrange a private brunch, dinner, or aperitivo up here, complete with a curated picnic hamper of local delicacies. I can’t overstate this: a meal on the altana is a bucket-list experience, the kind of moment that makes you fall in love with Venice all over again. If you do one thing here, make it this. Choosing a room at Londra Palace is less about right or wrong and more about what kind of Venice you want to wake up to. The lagoon-facing rooms are the classic fantasy: throw open your windows to the San Marco Basin, watch gondolas drift by, and catch the sunrise over the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. But don’t overlook the city-side rooms — they offer a quieter, equally mesmerizing view of Venice’s rooftops and spires, a tapestry of terracotta and stone that feels like your own private slice of the city. I always talk through these options with clients, because both are exceptional, just in different ways. And then there’s breakfast — a ritual I look forward to every morning. Forget the buffet; here, breakfast is cooked to order, served à la carte by the same staff who seem to know exactly when you need another cappuccino or a gentle nudge toward the day’s best pastry. Whether you’re on the terrace watching the city wake up or tucked into a cozy corner of the dining room, it’s a moment to slow down and savor — the kind of start that sets the tone for the rest of your day in Venice. NEED TO KNOW ──────────── 1) The Altana rooftop experience is in high demand and available for private use only — book it as early as possible, especially if you want a sunset dinner or a special occasion brunch. 2) When choosing your room, think about what matters most: lagoon-facing rooms deliver those iconic water views and sunrises, while city-side rooms offer a quieter, more authentic perspective of Venice’s rooftops and daily life. 3) The hotel’s location right on the Riva degli Schiavoni means you’re steps from major vaporetto stops — a genuine advantage for exploring the city and the islands without hassle. 4) Breakfast is à la carte and cooked to order — take your time and let the staff guide you to their favorites. 5) If you’re celebrating something special, let the staff know in advance; they excel at creating memorable moments, whether it’s a rooftop dinner or a surprise in your room. A special grazia to Alessandra, Annimi, and Primo Maitre Sante Malizia for your absolutely amazing hospitality and making my stay such an amazing time!

We travel all over the world and can judge very well whether a hotel actually lives up to what it promises. The Londra Palace is one of the best hotels we have ever visited. We were met at the airport, then we went comfortably by air-conditioned car to the water taxi. A hotel employee was waiting for us at the pier and took our suitcases. At the hotel (opposite the water taxi landing), we were able to have a drink while we were being checked in. Then room 414.... A dream. Large balcony with a view of the canal and the colorful hustle and bustle. The breakfast was excellent, the selection of drinks at the bar outstanding. And then the service: friendly, respectful, and attentive. Everything was noticed and there was an immediate response. The cleaning fairies in the room were so tidy and precise. The bed linens were changed every day, which was very appropriate at 30 degrees during the day and despite showering. Everything here is lovely and personal. Luxury, but not of the loud variety, rather down-to-earth and understated. We spent a wonderful week here and can only say: you must not miss this. A big thank you to this wonderful hotel.

Andrea was the most competent and delightful professional concierge I have ever worked with. Everything he suggested met or exceeded our expectations. He was always at our disposal and ever ready to please. Londra Palace is just a delight!