RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL PALAZZO NANI VENICE:
THE ULTIMATE VENETIAN EXPERIENCE
words by MAREK BARTEK
images courtesy of RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL, PALAZZO NANI VENICE
American screenwriter and novelist Truman Capote once famously said, “Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.” And I haven’t found a better way to describe it yet. There is just something intoxicating about Venice. Maybe it is its beauty, its history or the sheer defiance of time and tides. The city feels like a dreamy labyrinth, full of canals and bridges, where every turn reveals something new and beautiful. And if you’re going to surrender to the magic of La Serenìssima, it makes sense to do so in a place that embodies its essence.
Set on the Cannaregio Canal, Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice is no ordinary hotel. Originally built in the 16th century, the palazzo was once home to the Nani family, an influential Venetian dynasty involved in the political and cultural life of the Republic. Today, following an extensive 22-month renovation, it stands as a unique blend of history and hospitality. Frescoed ceilings and stucco, many attributed to the renowned sculptor Alessandro Vittoria, are seamlessly integrated with the comforts any modern visitor can wish for.
The overall theme when designing the hotel’s 52 rooms and suites was “serenity.” Muted tones, plush fabrics and an ever-present tasteful opulence create an ambiance that feels both indulgent and intimate. Whether your window opens onto the quiet courtyard, the city streets or the waters of the Cannaregio, each view tells a different Venetian story. And for those who want to feel even more connected to the city, the hotel’s commitment to preserving the building’s original architectural elements — such as restored frescoes, antique wooden beams and even traces of Roman flooring — serves as a reminder that you are living within a piece of history. If I ever felt like Princess of Genovia, it was right at this moment. There is probably nothing that will beat falling asleep and waking up to frescoes on the ceiling.
As has already been made clear, Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice is not just a place to stay; it is a place to experience. And it wouldn’t be an Italian holiday without Italian cuisine. The ZOJA Wine Bar and Terrace, named after another noble family that once called this palace home, invites guests to enjoy traditional Venetian cicchetti (an amazing appetiser) in a refined and relaxed setting. No matter if it is breakfast, an early evening spritz by the canal or a dinner made of the finest local ingredients, ZOJA offers a culinary journey that is deeply tied to the soul of the city.
If you feel like you haven’t gotten enough steps in or, quite on the contrary, need a space to unwind, the hotel’s spacious gym, sauna and relaxation area may be just what you’re looking for — a welcoming retreat after a day of navigating Venice’s winding alleys. And if you’d like to mix business with pleasure, Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice’s private meeting spaces offer a setting for gatherings, framed by centuries-old art and the soft glow of Venetian light.
But perhaps the greatest luxury of Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice is its location. The northern part of the city, close to the historic Venetian Ghetto, offers a rare balance of peace and accessibility. While the iconic landmarks of St Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge are within reach, the neighbourhood has managed to keep an authentic, lived-in charm with locals sipping coffee in quiet cafés and artisans crafting masks in dimly lit workshops.
Venice has long been a muse for artists, writers and dreamers. It is a city that refuses to be defined by time or logic. And Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice allows you to become part of that story. It is a place where the past is not just remembered but revered, and where every moment feels like a scene from a film — a fleeting dream that lingers long after you’ve left.
