This New Boutique Hotel in Venice Links You to the City's Finest Artisans

The Dinogo Perspective

Violino d’Oro marks the debut of Tuscan luxury brand Collezione Em in Venice, a family-run five-star hospitality group renowned for their beach retreat Villa Roma Imperiale in Forte dei Marmi, a hotspot for the elite. This 32-room boutique hotel pays homage to Italy's rich artistic and artisan heritage at every turn, from the hand-laid Venetian seminato terrazzo flooring to the stunning Venini chandeliers above.

“Violino d’Oro was designed to feel like home,” shares co-owner Sara Maestrelli. “Every fabric, piece of furniture, and glass is crafted in Italy, utilizing the finest natural materials to ensure longevity beyond trends.” Alongside co-owner Elena Maestrelli and architect Piera Tempesti Benelli, they have filled Violino with Italian craftsmanship, from custom furniture and hand-crafted stucco walls to pillows adorned with Rubelli fabrics, Micheluzzi glass, Fortuny textiles, antiques, mid-century designs, and contemporary art.

Who’s it for?

Ideal for art enthusiasts and design aficionados who value Italian artisan craftsmanship. The intimate size and tranquil setting of Violino d’Oro, nestled in a quiet square, make it a perfect retreat for couples and solo travelers seeking a chic getaway. The suites and connecting rooms are also well-suited for friends or family vacations. Its prime location allows easy access to Venice's vibrant art scene, just a short stroll from the Biennale Giardini, Basilica San Marco, Museo Correr, Collezione Peggy Guggenheim, and La Fenice Opera House.

The location

Located in the heart of Venice, Violino d’Oro is within walking distance of Piazza San Marco and Campo Santo Stefano, as well as the Accademia bridge (or traghetto) to Sestiere Dorsoduro. While Sestiere San Marco is one of the island's most bustling neighborhoods, Violino d’Oro enjoys a peaceful square beside Ponte San Moisè and Calle Larga XXII Marzo, renowned for luxury shopping. The hotel boasts a canal-side position with its own private water entrance, perfect for discreet arrivals and swift departures by private boat.

The accommodations

The hotel boasts 32 guest rooms and suites, distributed across three historic palazzi, and they are more spacious than most Venetian lodgings. Each room is adorned in deep emerald green or radiant beige, featuring warm wooden floors and ample closets; modern bathrooms are equipped with amenities from Sicilian soap and fragrance brand Ortigia. The decor reflects local design traditions, showcasing Venetian broccati by Rubelli on sofas, cushions, headboards, and drapes, paired with custom midcentury-style furnishings and contemporary Chinoiserie wardrobes and doors.

Culinary offerings

Adjacent to the reception area is the inviting Il Piccolo Bar, where master bartender Francesco Adragna crafts enchanting cocktails such as the Doge’s Fizz (made with Venetian gin), served alongside olives and an assortment of cicchetti, Venice’s take on tapas. Moving through the lobby to the back courtyard, guests will discover Il Piccolo Ristorante, styled as an intimate salon featuring handcrafted floral stucco walls, Rubelli cushions, and Ginori flatware. The menu at Il Piccolo is a modern interpretation of Italian cuisine, emphasizing local vegetables, lagoon-fresh fish, and traditional Venetian dishes.

Team and hospitality

The friendly staff at Violino d'Oro quickly feel like family, starting with porter Maurizio, who warmly welcomes you at the dock. General manager Annabella Cariello and the front desk team are sempre disponibile, always present in both body and spirit. Engaging staff-led excursions take you to hidden gardens and neighboring islands. While enjoying a cocktail, don’t miss the chance to chat with owner Sara about local artisans. She can connect you with talents like the Micheluzzi sisters, known for their exquisite glassware, or arrange exclusive visits to the workshops of renowned brands like Rubelli.

Access options

Exploring Venice and its ancient palaces can be a challenge for those with mobility needs. To accommodate this, Violino d’Oro features two wheelchair-accessible executive rooms and ensures that all public spaces are accessible with two elevators, ramps, and wide doorways. The hotel also provides a wheelchair and stroller, along with a ‘un amico veneziano,’ a staff member dedicated to assisting guests with mobility while they navigate the city.

Staying active

Although there’s no spa or gym available, Annabella wisely states, “Venice is meant to be explored.” Alongside Sara, she has crafted a range of active experiences designed to elevate your heart rate and spark your curiosity, including guided cultural running tours and yoga sessions by the harbor.