Hotel Londra Palace

Venice is a city whose lack of road traffic and modern congestion has kept it romantic and historically authentic.   Grand palace hotels line the canals, still welcoming guests as they have for over a hundred years, with guest lists riddled with royalty and celebrities. Here, modern amenities were carefully installed, designed to add comforts without detracting from it’s beauty and charm!

The HOTEL LONDRA PALACE is a bastion of refinement and sophistication. Originally, it was two separate hotels: the “Hotel Beau Rivage” and the “Hotel d’Angleterre et Pension”. These buildings dated back to the mid-nineteenth century, landmarks just off St. Mark’s Square.  In 1900, the two hotels became one, and were renamed “Hotel Londres et Beau Rivage”. Throughout the following century, the hotel remained open under various names until 1973 when it was finally christened the HOTEL LONDRA PALACE.  During this time, it welcomed various artists, musicians, dignitaries and celebrities.

Despite its rich history, guests visiting the Hotel Londra should not expect to sacrifice comfort and luxury. The hotel was remodeled during the 1990s at a cost of over 8 million dollars. Thankfully, the restorations had no impact on the hotel’s history, personality or architecture though it did update its technology and amenities.

All of the 53 rooms at the LondraPalace are splendid and opulent. They have authentic nineteenth century style furniture, paintings and original materials. The décor varies from room to room but all have silk and brocade fabrics.  During the recent renovations, all the bathrooms were refurbished in marble. The LondraPalace has over one hundred windows, many with balconies, and the view from the hotel is spectacular. The standard rooms overlook this incredible city, filled with canals and mazes of tiny streets. The Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites have a view of the gondola lined lagoon stretching from San Giorgio Island across the entire basin of San Marco. Guests in a Junior Suites not only have a fabulous view but are treated to additional space as well.

The hotel’s restaurant, “De Leoni”, has the highest international standards and has been favorably reviewed in numerous guidebooks. The ambiance is welcoming yet elegant and the food is delicate and delicious. I chose to have my midday meal on the outdoor veranda, which is only a few feet from the lagoon and in direct view of the passing parade of tourists and gondoliers.  I’d recommend this experience to everyone! For after dinner drinks the hotel bar is the place to go. It is fully stocked with every type of libation and spirit you can imagine, and it’s bellinis are only made with the freshest peach juice!

The only thing more refined and welcoming than the HotelLondraPalace is the staff itself. They were so attentive and friendly that I would return just to stay with them again!   The HotelLondraPalace will be my home in Venice hopefully, once again soon!