Repolished palazzi
While space is at a premium in Venice, and strict planning rules limit the truly “new” hotels that can open here, glitzy names in hospitality are astutely taking over historic buildings in less familiar neighborhoods, drawing travelers away from the usual stomping grounds. Near the Arsenale, the Hotel Gabrielli reopened in August 2025 after an extensive renovation by Starhotels Collezione. In April the ribbons will be cut on both the Orient Express Venezia, a 15th-century palazzo in Cannaregio, and Airelles Venezia, installed in three heritage buildings with sprawling gardens on the island of Giudecca. Refreshed with lagoon-toned rooms ready for A-listers, the Moorish-style Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, the hub of the Venice Film Festival on the beachy island, makes its comeback in May. Near the Grand Canal, legendary Venetian addresses will soon be run by global brands making their debuts there: In the summer Four Seasons will officially claim the Hotel Danieli, a waterfront grande dame beside the Doge’s Palace; on the horizon is Rosewood’s takeover of the Hotel Bauer (currently closed for renovation), cantilevered over the Grand Canal since 1880.
The Biennale, briefly
To be held from May 9 to November 22, the 61st edition of the biannual art festival was envisioned by the late art curator Koyo Kouoh. She died in May 2025, just days before the theme, In Minor Keys, was announced; a team has carried out her meticulous plans. With exhibits at the Arsenale shipyards and major country pavilions in the Giardini parkland, the Biennale offers a tour of Venice and the global art world.
Annika Huett
The insider’s take
On top of leading boat trips and bird-watching tours, fourth-generation fisherman Andrea Rossi delivers his daily catch to the city’s top kitchens, which call him whenever folks like Clooney and Cruise come to dinner. Here are his picks for where to eat, shop, and find peace in Venice.
Trattoria al Gatto Nero: “My absolute favorite traditional dish is risotto di gò. It’s made with freshly caught goby fish, Parmesan, and butter. Try it at this old-school trattoria on Burano, run by the Bovo family since 1965. All the Buranelli go there for special occasions.”
La Bottega Dell’Arte: “I’m from four generations of fishermen and lace makers, and we have lots of these little artisan shops on Burano. One that’s really dear to me is this place, my wife’s. She makes lace and designs things like tablecloths and centerpieces in classic and modern styles.”
Convento di San Francesco del Deserto: “This is on an island near Burano, and Franciscan friars still live there. It’s fascinated me since I was young. I used to fish for clams nearby. It’s a peaceful, spiritual place. The atmosphere must be as it was two or three centuries ago.”
This article appeared in the March 2026 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.