Palazzina G in Venice: Your Ultimate Seduction

It takes a lot to impress expert in luxury travel Kylie Flavell but Palazzina G is an exception in every way…

If there’s one city in Italy that seduces actors, artists, directors and filmmakers from the world over it’s Venice, home of the glamorous Biennale art and film festivals. As a travel journalist and TV presenter in Italy, I have sought out the most decadent experiences in this country and have become quite discerning when it comes to dream hotels. However, I think I actually gasped when the door was opened on this suite.

Palazzina G is not for families, it’s not for tourists, it’s not for anyone who says “my hotel room is basically just somewhere to crash after a day of sightseeing”. Everything about this place, designed by legendary French designer Philippe Starck, is intoxicating, from the bespoke Krug champagne lounge to the views over that turquoise green canal. But it’s the owner, Emanuele Garosci who intrigues me most. This elegant young innovator knew exactly what he wanted five years ago. Venice rolled its eyes and tsk tsked his vision, because although this town was known as the haven for hedonists and promiscuous types like Byron and Casanova hundreds of years ago, the hotel scene today is decidedly conservative and generic. Fast-forward to today and Garosci has proven everyone wrong with his experiment, attracting praise from the creme de la creme in fashion and luxury. Editor of Italian Vogue Franca Sozzani deems it a triumph. Valentino adores it. George Clooney only comes here for parties thrown by who else but Vanity Fair.

palazzina g luxury hotel venice

I’ve stayed in so-called ‘design hotels’ where the decor is so self-aware it leaves you awestruck yet cold. Somehow they have created suites that are minimalist but devastatingly cosy and romantic. The breakfast is sophisticated but indulgent and the chef will take you on a personal tour of the markets and then cook a mouthwatering Venetian meal right in front of you at the chef’s bar. The whole philosophy is about making luxury personal, cheeky but true to the seductive heritage of Venezia. Be warned, don’t go here if you want to keep things platonic between you and your travel companion.