Hotel Gabrielli in Venice reopens in July 2025

VENICE, ITALY – A new chapter of Venetian luxury hospitality unfolds as Starhotels Group prepares to reopen the iconic Hotel Gabrielli as a 5-star hotel after an extensive renovation. Located on the prestigious Riva degli Schiavoni, just a few steps from St. Mark’s Square and offering breathtaking views of San Giorgio Maggiore Island and the St. Mark Lagoon, this historic 14th-century palazzo – home to one of Venice‘s most expansive private gardens – has been transformed to offer a contemporary yet deeply authentic Venetian experience. The renovation emphasises simplicity and timeless elegance, establishing Hotel Gabrielli as a unique destination. The new hotel will open its doors on July 9th, 2025.

This ambitious conservative restoration project has engaged a team of experts dedicated to bringing this hotel back to life, showcasing the scale of the investment and its craftsmanship. Still owned by the Perkhofer family, who have been its custodians since 1856 and now into their fifth generation, Hotel Gabrielli will now be managed by Starhotels, as part of its prestigious Collezione brand. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Hotel Gabrielli, once a haven for intellectuals and artists like Franz Kafka, Sigmund Freud, and Walter Benjamin, into our Starhotels Collezione portfolio,” comments Elisabetta Fabri, Starhotels President and CEO. “Together with the Perkhofer family, we have undertaken a careful, conservative restoration to preserve and enhance the authentic soul of this Venetian gem. This approach follows in the footsteps of our recent conservation projects, including Helvetia & Bristol in Florence and, just a few months ago, the Hotel d’Inghilterra in Rome.”

The essence of Venice

Hotel Gabrielli reflects Venetian elegance, balancing preservation with a contemporary twist. Respecting the hotel’s rich heritage and sense of place, Milanese designer Andrea Auletta and his studio have preserved the property’s original architectural elements while combining them with refined, modern sophistication.

“Venice has always been our inspiration,” Auletta explains. “From the color palette reminiscent of the lagoon to each material and stylistic code that maintains a strong territorial identity. The genius loci is preserved, merging Venetian grandeur with modern luxury: Murano chandeliers, coffered ceilings, and Istrian stone columns coexist with contemporary sophistication.”

Preserving heritage: La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory

The focus on sustainable restoration underscores Starhotels’ commitment to preserving Venice’s cultural heritage while embracing modern environmental awareness and supporting local craftsmanship. As part of La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory, Starhotels’ patronage project to promote high Italian artisanship, in collaboration with two significant Italian institutions dedicated to preserving fine craftsmanship – Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte and Associazione OMA – Osservatorio dei Mestieri d’Arte – this dedication to artisanal excellence is vividly demonstrated.

Local artisans were involved in recovering and restoring over 700 chandeliers and appliqués, crafted by Murano glass masters such as the renowned Archimede Seguso and the historic Pauly & C. artistic glassworks, creating a seamless thread connecting the past with the present. The original parquet floors have been carefully preserved and renewed, while the ornate beams adorning the ceilings of communal areas and the historical marble cladding have been finely conserved.

A new dimension of hospitality

To ensure a more exclusive experience, the hotel’s room and suite count has been reduced from 105 to 66, creating spacious, refined accommodations. Each suite is uniquely designed, favouring fewer, well-selected large amenities over a quantity of smaller ones, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. The crown jewel is the sumptuous Presidential Suite, one of the largest on the island, boasting a private rooftop altana terrace with unparalleled panoramic views over the city and lagoon.

The historic façade, meticulously restored to its original splendor, features the magnificent Quadrifora windows, now the emblem of the new Gabrielli and a striking architectural highlight of one of its most extraordinary suites, overlooking San Giorgio Maggiore.

Gabrielli Rooftop Terrace and Gabrielli’s garden

On the sixth floor, the Gabrielli Rooftop Terrace extends over 150 sqm, offering a mesmerizing 360-degree panorama of Venice, from the Lido to the Punta della Dogana and St. Mark lagoon. An outdoor sky bar, featuring brick-red accents that echo the building’s façade, enhances this elevated experience.

At the hotel’s heart lies a secret 600 sqm garden, restored to its original beauty through meticulous research on historical plant species: this project has preserved indigenous flora, including two majestic centuries-old olive trees, creating a serene oasis amid Venice’s vibrant energy.

Spaces of encounter

The convivial areas are designed to offer a seamless and inviting guest experience. The reception, styled as a sophisticated living room, showcases Venice’s beauty with mirrored surfaces reflecting the lagoon’s ever-changing scenery. A dedicated check-in and check-out desk ensures an intimate, relaxed interaction, while the concierge area, envisioned as a dynamic space for all hours, evolves throughout the day. Two Rubelli optical fabric panels softly illuminate at night, transforming the ambience with a magical glow. Original marble cladding was meticulously restored by master artisans, alongside ornate ceiling beams, while the textiles adorning sofas, armchairs, and cushions are exclusively crafted by Rubelli and Antico Cotonificio Veneziano. 

Caffè Gabrielli Restaurant and K Lounge Bar

The Caffè Gabrielli Restaurant and K Lounge Bar exude a sophisticated ambiance, where wood, mirrors, and lagoon-green marble intertwine in an elegant chromatic harmony. Lighting is carefully orchestrated to shift throughout the day, transitioning from bright morning tones to a Venetian candlelight effect in the evening. At the center of the dining room, a central island adorned with a Murano glass chandelier and lush greenery serves as a focal point. A partially covered internal courtyard, designed as a year-round veranda dining space, features a contemporary metal and glass structure. Conceived as a winter garden, this area is adorned with jute-effect fabrics and green trims and fringes, enhancing its inviting, outdoor aesthetic.

Venetian Spa

A holistic approach to well-being is at the heart of the hotel’s intimate spa, designed as an exclusive retreat for those seeking relaxation in dynamic Venice. Uniquely located on the first floor, it features a private spa – a bathtub, a multisensory shower, a sauna, and a hammam – and a treatment room for two guests. Venetian craftsmanship is at the core of the design, with restored wooden beams and exquisite marble finishes creating an atmosphere of refined serenity.

Hotel Gabrielli has recently joined the prestigious collection of The Leading Hotels of the World.

The article Hotel Gabrielli in Venice reopens in July 2025 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.