La casa di Hubert De Givenchy – Dimora Italia

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to La Casa di Hubert de Givenchy – Dimora Italia by water taxi last April, right as the sun was dipping low over the Grand Canal. It’s tucked away in Dorsoduro at 373, you know, that artsy sestiere where the vibe shifts from the chaotic San Marco crowds to something more laid-back and local. Honestly, stepping off the boat onto the weathered stone steps felt like entering a hidden Venice – no throngs of day-trippers, just the faint lap of canal water and that briny, slightly musty smell that screams “you’re really here.” The place is named after the fashion icon himself, and you can tell – it’s got this elegant, understated glamour, like staying in a designer’s private pied-à-terre. Check-in was a breeze; the staff – a mix of friendly Venetians who actually live in the neighborhood – handed over an old-fashioned key with a quick chat about the best nearby osteria for cicchetti. No fuss, no long lines, though fair warning, if you’re hauling heavy bags, those narrow stairs might test you a bit (there’s no elevator, which keeps the historic charm intact, I suppose).

What really won me over were the rooms – mine overlooked a quiet rio, with these massive windows letting in that golden Venetian light. The decor’s all about subtle luxury: think crisp linens that feel like silk (probably are, given the Givenchy tie-in), antique mirrors that catch the reflections off the water, and a bathroom with marble that’s cool underfoot and stocked with those fancy toiletries that smell like citrus and herbs. It’s a 4-star spot with a high rating for good reason – everything’s spotless, but not in a sterile way; there’s a lived-in warmth, like the creak of wooden floors that’ve seen centuries. Mornings, I’d grab coffee from the small breakfast setup – fresh pastries and espresso that hits just right – and wander out to nearby spots locals love, like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection a short stroll away or Campo Santa Margherita for an evening spritz amid university kids and artists. It’s not smack in the tourist fray, which means quieter nights (though you might hear the occasional gondola serenade drifting by), but you’re still close enough to hop a vaporetto to San Marco if you must. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the thicker-walled rooms – I mean, it’s an old palazzo, so what do you expect? – but that just forced me to unplug and actually enjoy the view.

Look, if you’re coming to Venice and want to skip the overpriced, soulless hotels near the Rialto, this is your spot. It’s pricey in peak season (May through September gets busy, so book early), but worth it for that authentic slice of la dolce vita. I left feeling like I’d glimpsed the real city – not the postcard version – and honestly, I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in quieter winter when the fog rolls in and it feels even more magical. Just pack light and embrace the walk – Dorsoduro’s alleys are half the fun.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $2,526. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 6

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities