Il Palazzo Experimental sits on the Zattere, the long sunny promenade on the Giudecca Canal in Dorsoduro, at Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo. The hotel lists eight room types named after places in the neighbourhood, among them Trovaso, Ognissanti, Romite, Giudecca, Zattere and Dorsoduro, so even the room names root you in the quarter. Choices range from classic double and single rooms to deluxe rooms, a canal-view deluxe room, an executive room with a balcony and a junior suite and a suite with canal views, with sizes from about two hundred to nearly five hundred square feet. Rooms are described as air conditioned, soundproofed, and furnished with premium bedding, a pillowtop mattress, a down comforter, bathrobes, free toiletries, a hair dryer, a coffee and tea maker, free bottled water and a minibar. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, a terrace, a garden and a bayside location, plus a buffet breakfast for a fee. Dorsoduro is a favourite district for art lovers, with the Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection a walk away, as well as the church of the Gesuati on the Zattere itself. The hotel is listed as Green Key certified and as part of the 2020 Conde Nast Traveler Hot List.
Why Dorsoduro
It is the quarter that most visitors describe as the most relaxed place to stay in Venice. Students from the university, bars in Campo Santa Margherita and small workshops give it a daily life that is less theatrical than San Marco, while the Zattere offers wide skies, afternoon sun and views to the Giudecca. Gelato and a slow walk along the water are the area's signature pleasures. From the hotel, the Accademia and the Salute are walkable, and waterbus stops on the Zattere give access to the rest of the city.
Rooms and services
The booking page mentions an elevator and wheelchair access that may have limitations, so confirm needs in advance. The property is smoke-free and does not allow pets. Free WiFi, a concierge, a twenty-four-hour front desk, luggage storage and tour and ticket assistance are listed.
The booking page notes laundry and dry cleaning, and free cribs on request. Because the hotel is a palazzo conversion, room sizes and layouts vary, and the canal-view and balcony rooms are the ones to request. Breakfast is a buffet for a surcharge, so compare it with a cafe breakfast in the quarter.
Who it suits
Couples, art lovers and repeat visitors who want a hotel with personality and a quieter base. It is a longer walk to St Mark's than to the Accademia, which is a plus for some and a minus for others. Rates sit in the upper-middle to high range. If you want a more traditional grand-hotel experience, see the Gritti Palace or the Danieli in this guide; if you want something simpler, look at the other Dorsoduro options.
Venice has charged a day-visitor access fee on selected dates; rules and dates change, so check the current position before you travel. The booking page for the hotel mentions that overnight guests can ask about an exemption, so confirm the process with the hotel.
Why stay here
- ✓Zattere waterfront location
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Terrace and garden
- ✓Canal-view rooms
- ✓Soundproofed rooms
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Concierge
- ✓Green Key certified
Good questions
Where is Il Palazzo Experimental?+
On Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo in Dorsoduro, on the Zattere waterfront facing the Giudecca Canal.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?+
Yes. The booking page shows a restaurant and bar, a terrace and a garden. Buffet breakfast is available for a surcharge.
Are pets allowed?+
No. The booking page says pets are not allowed and the premises are smoke-free.
