Tucked away behind tall trees and just a stone’s throw from the Grand Hotel Excelsior, the Albergo di Quattro Fontane offers a glimpse into a more tranquil and refined side of Venice. This family-run, charmingly discreet hotel preserves the last traces of the Lido’s golden era, long after the glamour of the early 20th century had faded.
While the Excelsior and Des Bains dominated the beachside grandeur of their time, the Quattro Fontane evolved differently. Originally built in 1573 as Ca’ Pisani, it was probably designed by Andrea Palladio as a second residence and vineyard for the Pisani family. It was later converted into a hotel and in 1954, the Bevilacqua family took ownership.
Bente Bevilacqua, the hotel’s architect, was born in Nice to a Danish mother and a Venetian father. She eventually took over the property with her sister, the artist Pia. Their Danish mother had already begun assembling a highly curated interior: an eclectic mix of antiques, travel finds and carefully placed curiosities that give the hotel its distinct identity.
Today, each space reflects this layered history. Examples include the Austro-Hungarian-style corridor; the turquoise reading room, which is adorned with old Masonic aprons and Scandinavian furniture; and the bedrooms, which blend minimalist wooden furniture with colourful Sorrento tiles. These features all contribute to the atmosphere of a lived-in residence rather than a traditional hotel. The dining room retains elements from the Pisani period, including Palladian columns and chandeliers by Maestro Bellotto, while unexpected contrasts are provided by Danish design details such as lacquered red chairs.
The 60 rooms, which are individually furnished with period furniture and fine fabrics, are divided between the cottage and the new wing. Each room is unique.
The furniture, which includes pieces from the owners’ extraordinary antique collections, is both rich and diverse.
Murano chandeliers, ceramics, paintings, prints, miniatures, Persian and Oriental rugs, display cases and furniture containing precious memorabilia can be found throughout. These include small bags from the early 1900s, liturgical vestments, fans and puppets.
This charming little hotel has all you are looking for in a seaside vacation. Walking distance to the beach, a holiday style interior, a lush garden to enjoy breakfast and dinner and loads of art books and objects to look at while you are there.
There’s a sense of continuity and purpose throughout. The objects tell stories and nothing feels accidental. During the Venice Film Festival, the hotel quietly fills with directors, critics, and film enthusiasts looking for peace and quiet away from the spotlight. It’s a place where conversations unfold over Negronis and old maps, and where the staff are quietly attentive rather than ceremonious.
The Albergo di Quattro Fontane doesn’t advertise itself as a tourist destination. It’s not part of the tourist circuit. However, for those who prefer a slower pace and a deeper connection to the city’s cultural fabric, it offers something increasingly rare: authenticity, elegance, and a sense of time gently preserved.
