Hotel Excelsior Lido for Unparalleled Luxury

There’s no hotel room quite like the guest rooms at the Hotel Excelsior in Venice

Venice Italy is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, if you’re able to get past the crowds and pollution of San Marco square. Ask travelers if Venice is worth a visit and you’re likely to receive a mixed bag of responses.

Lido – The Beach

Venice on a good day in the spring or summer is picture-perfect. The crystal blue/green waters are perfectly complemented by the vibrantly painted Italian structures lining the waterways. While San Marco square is one of the most popular tourist destinations known throughout the globe, we suggest staying a few miles away, across the waters on Lido.

Lido, or Lido di Venezia, is located on the beach of Venice. What many travelers don’t know about Venice, is that is consists of several islands. San Marco square is the most popular island since it is the location of many historical monuments and museums.  Visitors who stay at one of the other islands are able to travel to and from the island via hotel boat, private boat taxi or Venice public transportation.

Lido is the perfect choice for travelers who want to explore the real Venice, and take a break from the crowds. Located far enough away from the square to avoid tourist overload, but close enough for a shopping or dining trip, Lido is a perfect choice. It is also the location of one of the grandest hotels in existence, the Hotel Excelsior.

Hotel Excelsior – History

The Hotel Excelsior opened on July 21st, 1908. Opening day was a momentous occasion. Over 3,000 guests and 30,000 Venetian citizens were invited to celebrate the luxury hotel’s opening. The hotel was commissioned by the famous entrepreneur Nicolo Spada, who hired architect Giovanni Sardi for the project. Very quickly, Lido became a luxury destination, with its elegant beaches facing the Adriatic Sea.

During the 30s the hotel saw a boom when the Venice Film Festival began showing films on the island and the Venice Casino opened.

The Hotel Excelsior Today

When it came to renovating their guest rooms, the Hotel Excelsior spared no expense. Each room is decorated with unique furniture pieces inspired by Mediterranean art and architecture. Vibrant wallpaper, and accents made of carefully shaped glass, dazzle the eye from the moment you step into your room. The rich colors used to decorate your room will inspire feelings of happiness. The delicate linens help guests sleep comfortably after a long day of sight-seeing. Balcony rooms face the Atlantic ocean, providing guests with one-of-a-kind view.

The hotel also spears no expense when it comes to amenities. Besides the modern gym, amazing pool area and live entertainment, guests also get to bath in Salvatore Ferragamo’s line of soaps.

Guest Tips

As a guest of the Hotel Excelsior, make sure to take advantage of the complimentary continental breakfast. Unlike the stale bagels we come to expect from American hotel free breakfasts, the Hotel Excelsior provides a full breakfast buffet. Guests are invited to dine in one of the grand dining rooms, facing the deck and ocean. Take in the vaulted ceilings, and chandeliers as you munch on flaky croissants, warm pastries, Italian prosciutto and more.

This beach property is best visited during the summer season. Visit during the early spring or winter and the beach may be under construction. During the warmer months guests can book one of the hundreds of cabanas lining the edge of the water. Book on in advance through the hotel.

The hotel provides a free shuttle to San Marco Square several times throughout the day. The boat ride takes approximately 25 minutes to and from the hotel. It’s a beautiful but bumpy ride, so if you get sea sick make sure to take your meds.

Lido is a beautiful island. Take some time to explore it. While there is a restaurant in the hotel, located just a short walking distance away is Ristorante Valentino. We had the best Italian food of our entire trip to Italy at Valentino’s. The portions are large, the food is flavorful, the pasta al dente and the prices are budget friendly.

Venice is a beautiful and romantic city, you just need to know where to stay.