There are hotels that are constantly changing, either through new owners or through time, but something grandiose always stays the same. One of these classic luxury hotels is the Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort at the Lido, Venice. It mixes grandeur with a touch of the exotic. With its golden beach and sea-view terraces, it embodies all the bygone charm and old school glamour of the Lido.
Today that glamour might only appear during the famous Venice Film Festival in September, but I have rediscovered this grand hotel for many more reason
First of all, it is usually avoided by the hordes of tourists coming to visit Venice but is nonetheless a recreation hotspot for locals; visitors can get into the local spirit with chartered boat rides around the lagoon, beachcombing, and a visit to the Oasis of the Alberoni, a natural reserve located at the south of the island. Or you can just rent a private cabana on the beach that are shaped like Arab tents.
The Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort – constructed in 1908 – is one of the lagoon’s renowned luxury hotels. The exterior – constructed directly on the beachfront – is reminiscent of a Venetian renaissance palace, complete with a golden, onion-domed tower and a large, beautiful Belle Epoque sign that reads RESTAURANT and of course we are talking about le grand restaurant, where we can imagine elegant dinner parties and soirées.
Also inside, the hotel is an intriguing blend of Belle Époque architecture and Moroccan design touches – a courtyard fountain, arched entryways, elaborate chandeliers, and jewel-toned fabrics in all rooms, Murano glass lamps and Arabic details creates a sumptuous feel that has 1950s-style glamour at its core.
The interior décor and furnishings take the Moorish theme to the next level with fabric-textured walls, wooden lattice screens and arched doorways.
You feel like being in a fairy tale castle with a modern twist that help you to rewind and forget about reality around you, maybe something you are looking for when on a holiday.
The service is excellent and from the beach boy to the Maître d’hôtel you will find competent, friendly staff who will do everything to make everything the way you want it.
Most rooms have balconies which you will appreciate just to get most out of the salty breeze, and you cannot wait to start your day with a long beach walk, just wearing your bikini, as you do not even have to cross a street.
The cuisine is authentic venetian and seasonal and there are many simple, but fine restaurants in walking distance. Which also makes an advantage for living at the Lido. You can walk or take the bike everywhere; you will discover Veneto villas and if this is too much tranquillity you can always hop on the hotels private boat to float into busy Venice across the canal.
At the Excelsior you will definitely find the grandeur of a Belle Epoque hotel with details that reminds you of old glamour.
