HONG KONG, Nov. 5, 2018 — 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. Located in the heart of the bustling Cannaregio neighborhood, Rosewood Venice will be housed within the magnificent fifteenth century Palazzo Dona’ Giovannelli and located near many of the city’s most legendary landmarks, including the Strada Nova, Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco, and Palazzo Ducale.
Constructed in the mid-1400s by Filippo Calendario, the master architect of the stunning Palazzo Ducale, the Palazzo Dona’ Giovannelli is steeped in history, having served as the home of the Duke of Urbino as well as the venue for his son’s wedding to Princess Vittoria Farnese. The palazzo has since undergone two renovations, the first in the 1800s by famous architect Gian Battista Meduna and the second in the mid-20th century. Throughout its storied history, the palazzo has been owned by both the Dona’ and Giovannelli families and has remained a one-of-a-kind treasure within the heart of Venice.
Designed to preserve the building’s stunning original detailing and rich heritage while simultaneously incorporating refined and modern amenities, Rosewood Venice will feature approximately 50 guestrooms and suites inspired by the palace’s rich history and featuring stunning water views due to its dual canal frontage. The hotel’s dramatic main entrance on the Rio di Noale is an incredible gothic feature that provides convenient water access to the first internal courtyard and to the octagonal staircase created by the celebrated architect Gian Battista Meduna, whose other work includes the renovation of the Cathedral of San Marco. The building’s main floor, or piano nobile, is richly adorned with breathtaking frescos, stuccos, and coffered ceilings as well as magnificent fireplaces and tapestries. A defining feature of the property are two walled courtyards, a rarity in Venice, which will offer an inviting outdoor space for dining and relaxing.
Rosewood Venice will feature two signature dining venues, including a charming piano bar. Additionally, the hotel will include the brand’s renowned Sense, A Rosewood Spa®, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and extensive meetings and events space.
“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,” says Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer 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.”
“With its exceptional design, history and heritage, Palazzo Dona’ Giovannelli is destined to become a landmark destination in Venice,” says Paolo Barletta, chief executive officer 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.”
“We are delighted,” continues Mr. Barletta, “to work together with the Rosewood team, and in particular, with Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group and Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, with whom we have established a great affinity of views. 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.”
Rosewood Venice will join Rosewood’s network of distinctive European properties including Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, Rosewood London, and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris. Additional upcoming properties in Europe include Rosewood Edinburgh, Rosewood Vienna, Rosewood Munich, and Rosewood Hotel, Grosvenor Square in London.
