There are few places in the world where stepping into a hotel feels like stepping into a slice of history, and fewer still that balance that with contemporary elegance. Welcome to the new Hotel Gabrielli, a reimagined Venetian icon reopening its doors on July 9th after an extraordinary restoration. Set along the Riva degli Schiavoni, just a short stroll from St. Mark’s Square, this 14th-century palazzo has recently joined the Leading Hotels of the World collection. Now, under the management of Starhotels and part of the prestigious Collezione portfolio, Hotel Gabrielli is ready to welcome a new generation of travellers (and event planners!) into its exciting next chapter.
“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,” says 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.
For the MICE crowd, it’s a dream location that’s ready to host sunset cocktails on the 150 sqm rooftop terrace with 360-degree views across Venice, or private gatherings in the secret garden, a tranquil 600 sqm oasis restored with native Venetian flora and centuries-old olive trees. The blend of indoor-outdoor event potential can be hard to find in Venice, and the hotel’s thoughtful design means you’re never far from natural light, greenery, or a stunning view.
Inside the hotel, the original parquet floors, Istrian stone columns and Murano glass chandeliers have all been lovingly restored by local artisans, many via Starhotels’ own sustainability-driven initiative, La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory. Milanese designer Andrea Auletta has designed the interiors with a light touch, favouring calm tones and Venetian textures that honour the building’s past while giving it a bold, modern identity. With only 66 rooms and suites, which was reduced from 105 for a more exclusive guest experience, there’s a strong sense of private space. A Presidential Suite is also available, featuring a private altana terrace overlooking the lagoon and a front-row seat to Venice’s timeless theatre.
The hotel also houses Caffè Gabrielli Restaurant and the K Lounge Bar, where mirrored walls, Murano chandeliers and lagoon-green marble set the stage for high-end, high-impact dining. The lighting in these areas changes throughout the day, from bright morning light to a candlelight effect in the evenings. When it’s time to unwind, the intimate spa offers a hammam, a sauna and a multisensory shower, alongside treatment rooms. From a planning perspective, Hotel Gabrielli checks every box: location, flexibility and fantastic views, but more than that, it offers delegates the opportunity to share in its rich history.