A new chapter for Hotel Gabrielli, Venice
This August marks an exciting new chapter for one of Venice’s most historic hotels. The 14th-century Hotel Gabrielli, sitting proudly on the Riva degli Schiavoni just a short stroll from Piazza San Marco, has reopened its doors as a five-star member of the Starhotels Collezione. Following an extensive restoration, this Venetian palazzo now offers a rare blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury, all set against the shimmering backdrop of the lagoon.
The Gabrielli has long been an icon of Venetian hospitality. Still owned by the Perkhofer family, custodians of the property since 1856, it has been lovingly restored with the help of Milanese designer Andrea Auletta. The result is a space that feels both historic and fresh: Murano chandeliers, Istrian stone columns and coffered ceilings now sit alongside elegant modern details, creating an atmosphere that feels profoundly Venetian without ever straying into cliché.
With just 66 rooms and suites, the Gabrielli is intimate by Venetian standards. The jewel in the crown is the Presidential Suite, which comes with its own private rooftop altana terrace and some of the most breathtaking views in the city. Many of the rooms feature the hotel’s emblematic Quadrifora windows, framing sweeping views across San Giorgio Maggiore and the lagoon.
Yet it is not only the interiors that impress. Hidden at the back of the property lies one of Venice’s largest private gardens, a tranquil 600 square metres shaded by olive trees, magnolias and hydrangeas. In summer, it becomes a quiet retreat from the crowds, where the gentle sound of water against marble canal walls makes time feel slower.
Dining at Gabrielli pays homage to Venetian traditions while keeping things contemporary. Executive Chef Mirko Pistorello champions ingredients from local supply chains under the Km Veneto ethos, with menus rooted in seasonality. The Felice al Gabrielli Restaurant, named after Franz Kafka’s muse Felice Bauer, offers an intimate setting opening onto a courtyard designed as a modern-day winter garden. Meanwhile, the K Lounge Bar is set to become a lively gathering spot, with cocktails and plates that draw inspiration from the lagoon itself.
On the sixth floor, Terrazza Gabrielli promises to be one of the most atmospheric rooftop bars in Venice. From here you can sip a sunset spritz or a signature cocktail by Bar Manager Diego Filippone while taking in 360-degree views of the city, from the Lido to the Punta della Dogana and the domes of San Marco.
Completing the picture is the Venetian Spa, a serene sanctuary of marble and soft light. Here, a sauna, hammam, multisensory shower and couple’s treatment room provide a calming contrast to the bustle of Venice outside.
Hotel Gabrielli has always been part of the city’s story, welcoming guests from around the world including literary figures like Franz Kafka. With its new chapter, it is set to be one of Venice’s most coveted addresses once again, offering a stay that is both deeply authentic and quietly glamorous — a place where history, design and la dolce vita meet.