Hotel Excelsior Venice

Hotel Excelsior Venice Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Hotel Excelsior Venice feels like stepping into a different era — and I mean that in the best possible way. This five-star property sits right on the Lido’s waterfront, and honestly, the moment you see that grand Belle Époque facade, you understand why this place has been hosting guests since 1908. The lobby is all marble columns and crystal chandeliers, but it doesn’t feel stuffy or overdone. There’s something about the way the light filters through those tall windows that just makes you want to slow down and actually enjoy being on vacation.

The Lido Advantage

Here’s what most people don’t realize about staying on the Lido — you get the best of both worlds without the chaos of central Venice. The hotel sits directly on Lungomare Marconi, which means you’re literally steps from a proper beach (yes, Venice has beaches), but you’re also just a quick vaporetto ride from St. Mark’s Square. I actually prefer this setup because you can escape the tourist crowds in the evening and have dinner somewhere that feels authentically Italian. The couples who stay here seem to get it — there’s something romantic about watching the sunset over the Adriatic before heading back into the city for the night.

Rooms with Character

The rooms at Hotel Excelsior Venice manage to feel both grand and comfortable, which isn’t always easy to pull off in these historic luxury properties. Mine had this gorgeous view of the lagoon — you know, the kind where you actually want to open the curtains first thing in the morning. The decor walks that fine line between elegant and livable, with rich fabrics and antique touches that don’t make you afraid to actually use the furniture. The bathrooms are properly luxurious (marble everything, as you’d expect), but what I really appreciated were the little details like the quality of the linens and the fact that the air conditioning actually works well during Venice’s sticky summers.

Dining and Amenities

The breakfast situation here is honestly impressive — they’ve got this beautiful terrace where you can eat overlooking the water, and the spread includes both Italian classics and international options that don’t feel like an afterthought. The hotel’s restaurant, Elimar, serves solid Venetian cuisine, though I’d recommend venturing out for dinner at least once to explore the Lido’s quieter dining scene. There’s also a private beach area with cabanas, which feels almost surreal when you remember you’re technically still in Venice. The spa is small but well-appointed, perfect for unwinding after a day of walking on those unforgiving stone streets.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is the balance it strikes — you get all the luxury and service you’d expect from a five-star hotel, but without feeling like you’re trapped in a tourist bubble. The staff genuinely knows the area and can point you toward experiences you won’t find in guidebooks. Plus, there’s something to be said for being able to take a proper swim in the morning before heading off to explore the Doge’s Palace. It’s the kind of place where you can have a completely different Venice experience, one that includes actual relaxation alongside all the sightseeing.

The luxury concierge service in Venice secures Murano furnace masterclasses, lagoon yacht cocktails, and box seats at La Fenice.

Hotel Excelsior Venice Accommodations

Reviews of Hotel Excelsior Venice

• Dorian from Israel – 28 September 2024 (9/10)

  If you’re looking for old school luxurious Venice this place is for you. Beautiful grounds and lovley staff, this hotel exudes old school wealthy Venice and its wonderful.
  
  What could be improved: It’s lovley. Great value for money

• Lee from Ireland – 26 September 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful and historic hotel. Rooms spacious and comfortable.
  On the beach and with a 30m swimming pool, gym and a great bar on a terrace overlooking the sea. The staff are wonderful and the food excellent. Shuttle boat to Piazza San Marco.
  
  What could be improved: Swimming Pool opening hours: 9am to 7pm. It would be great if it opened at 7am or even 8am, 9am is really late. We would have liked to swim before breakfast.

• Elaine from United Kingdom – 23 September 2024 (9/10)

  We were given an upgrade to the junior suite facing the sea which was fabulous. The breakfast was amazing. Location superb. The hotel is beautiful and so iconic. Wonderful to be so close to the sea. The complementary regular boat to San Marco was an unexpected bonus.

• Lee from Ireland – 15 September 2024 (9/10)

  beautiful historic hotel, friendly staff, excellent bar and restaurant, fabulously large heated swimming pool and beautiful beach,
  
  What could be improved: pool opening hour not until 9am; no coffee machine in classic rooms

• Jane from United Kingdom – 9 September 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing building right on the beach with water access for boats to Venice

• Alla from United States – 18 August 2024 (9/10)

  Great property. Excellent location. Fantastic staff. Great Experience.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Martin from United Kingdom – 2 August 2024 (9/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nil

• Janne from Denmark – 1 August 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location , great facilities and a beautiful hotel
  I upgraded to a room with balcony and sea view, which was fantastic
  Excellent every half-hour shuttle boat to St Marco
  Staff was on top of things and very kind and service minded – across restaurants/bar, pool area , reception and concierge. You feel at home and appreciated
  
  What could be improved: Eating and drinking at the hotel is expensive – but you have the option to boarder the shuttle boat (included in the rate) and find cheaper options
  Minor things, but part of the difference between “9” and “10” was that soap etc was not replaced when empty
  The balcony could have been better used with 2 outdoor chairs
  On sustainability, I suggest the lightening should not be put on after cleaning during the day and that towels should not be replacement when not on the floor
  On the face of it, a great arrangement with a vendor for a boat trip to Murano and Burano, as suggested by the concierge, but I suggest that you in stead book a non-vendor tour or just jump on/off the local ferry (you have to find your way back in any event and you would have seen more of the islands)

• Jill from United States – 22 July 2024 (9/10)

  The beach cabanas and comfortable beds/sheets
  
  What could be improved: The food was expensive

• Ahmed from Saudi Arabia – 26 July 2022 (9/10)

  building design, provided services, hotel atmosphere

Surroundings

Facilities