Venetian Dreams

Once a 19th-century flour mill, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice now offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool and a serene escape just minutes from Piazza San Marco, says Anjana Gosai

Venice is one of the world’s most extraordinary cities, its 118 islands linked by a delicate network of canals and bridges – a triumph of human ingenuity. With winding waterways, historic architecture and romantic gondola rides, it offers an unforgettable setting, perfect for a honeymoon.

Beyond its physical beauty, the city holds a powerful place in our imagination: immortalised by Shakespeare in Othello and The Merchant of Venice and brought vividly to life on screen, in iconic movies such as Don’t Look Now and Casino Royale. When it comes to accommodation that captures both the romance and grandeur of the city, the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice stands out.

Situated on Giudecca, the hotel is a striking neo-Gothic building that was once a 19th-century flour and pasta factory, later transformed into a five-star Hilton in 2007.

Today, the 379-room property offers sweeping panoramic views of the city, exceptional cuisine, elite service and a peaceful retreat away from the intensity of the crowds. Central Venice is easily reached by the hotel’s private water shuttle or the vaporetto, with Piazza San Marco just 15 minutes away.

Arriving by water taxi from the train station, winding through the canals before cruising up to this magnificent building, you’ll be reminded why Venice, of all Italy’s breathtaking cities, holds such an enduring place in our hearts.

ROOMS & SUITES

Interiors nod to local heritage with Murano glass, lagoon-inspired tones and subtle references to the building’s industrial past. Rooms balance style and comfort, offering plush beds and spacious marble bathrooms.

There are larger rooms and suites that include extras, like lounge access, living areas and sweeping lagoon views. The hotel now features 45 suites, including a luxurious two-storey Presidential Suite with direct access to the stunning rooftop pool. In 2024, 24 new suites by Italian designer Biagio Forino were unveiled, from family-friendly layouts to executive retreats, each framing Venice in all its watery splendour.

EATING & DRINKING

Guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Aromi, the hotel’s waterside fine-dining restaurant, presents executive chef Ivan Fargnoli’s seasonal Italian creations with subtle Asian-inspired touches – from duck consommé to squid ink spaghetti with sea urchins. Highlights include the roasted glacier 51 codfish fillet and a divine tiramisu crafted from his mother’s cherished recipe. For drinks, the Skyline Rooftop Bar offers sweeping lagoon views and inventive cocktails. For a more relaxed setting, Bacaromi serves Venetian classics, from cicchetti to fresh pasta and grilled meats.

WHAT TO DO

A stroll through Piazza San Marco is a must, where you can marvel at the grand cathedral St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the soaring Campanile (bell tower).

A ride on a famous gondola can set you back up to €100 for 30 mins. Instead, enjoy a more serene experience with a sunset Catamaran tour (www.venezia-cat.it/) round the lagoon. The Sunset Jazz Cruise costs less than a gondola ride, and you can enjoy golden hour while sipping on Aperol Spritz, and admiring the Venice skyline.

Molino Stucky offers a range of experiences for guests including a visit to the island of Murano to watch a glass-blowing workshop. After a day of exploring, visit the hotel’s spa, for a sauna or hammam session or head to the rooftop pool for a romantic sunset swim.

Nightly rates at Hilton Molino Stucky
Venice begin at €240 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast.

www.hilton.com/en/hotels/vcehihi-hilton-molino-stucky-venice