Joining some of the world’s most opulent hotels in the world, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by Italian real estate company Gruppo Barletta to manage Rosewood Venice, which is set to open in 2020 as the ultra-luxury brand’s second property in Italy and eighth in Europe.
Occupying the magnificent fifteenth-century Palazzo Dona’ Giovannelli (pictured above), Rosewood Venice will be located in the heart of the Cannaregio neighbourhood near many of the city’s most legendary landmarks, including the Piazza San Marco, Strada Nova, and Palazzo Ducale.
The building was constructed by Filippo Calendario (the same architect who designed the Palazzo Ducale) in the mid-1400s and has a long history of hosting Venetian high society, from serving as the home of the Duke of Urbino to hosting the wedding of Princess Vittoria Farnese.
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Preserving the original character of the building but providing all the modern amenities and refinements of a luxury hotel, Rosewood Venice’s renovation will include around 50 guestrooms and suites featuring canal-front and water views. The Gothic-style entrance on the Rio di Noale will be retained, providing guests with convenient water access.
A unique feature of the property is the two interior walled courtyards, which is rare within Venice’s city centre and offers guests an opportunity for outdoor dining and relaxing. The hotel will include two dining venues, the brand’s renowned Sense, Rosewood’s signature spa, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
“As one of the most romantic cities in Europe, beloved for its breathtaking architecture and beautiful canals, Venice is an ideal location for Rosewood’s newest property in our rapidly expanding European portfolio,” said Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group. “Celebrated for its integral role in the development of Italian commerce, culture, and arts, Venice is ripe with history and natural beauty. We look forward to providing guests with unrivaled access to its many treasures.”
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“With its exceptional design, history and heritage, Palazzo Dona’ Giovannelli is destined to become a landmark destination in Venice,” said Paolo Barletta, CEO of the Barletta Group. “This project strengthens once again the appeal of our country as a major hospitality destination. The Barletta Group is extremely proud to undertake this exciting project. Together with a brand representing absolute quality like Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the Barletta Group is fully aligned with its strategy to develop unique hospitality projects across Italy. Their expertise and experience will take the Italian luxury hospitality experience to a new level of excellence.”
“The opening of Rosewood Venice will mark a significant moment for the Rosewood brand as we continue to build out a prominent presence in Europe,” says Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. “We are excited to bring our Sense of Place philosophy to this landmark property so as to provide new opportunities of exploration not only for affluential explorers visiting from afar but also for members of the local community who are looking to experience their city in a fresh way.”