How to get there
Low cost airlines fly directly into Venice‘s Marco Polo airport and the new water shuttle terminal is the best way to access the city and main Venetian Islands of Murano, Burano and Lido. Book here Alilaguna
Trains Atvo and buses Veneziaairport are also an option, Private boat taxis are also available.
Where to stay
Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
The biggest hotel in Venice is the five star, 379 room Hilton Molino Stucky, a former flour mill and pasta factory and neo-gothic beauty.
It was designed by Ernst Wullekopf and built between 1884 and 1895 by Swiss businessman Giovanni Stucky , the richest man in Venice at the time, who was killed in 1910 by a former worker with mental health problems. As none of his family wanted to take on the business, the building fell into disrepair before being rescued by the Acqua Pia Antica Marcia company, with restoration by experts.
In the mid 2000’s, the Hilton Hotel chain took over and despite setbacks of a major fire which damaged the tower and centre of the building, it opened in 2007 and is one of the major landmarks in this remarkable city.
A vast ground floor just flows with the reception and concierge running seamlessly into the Rialto Bar and Restaurant, which serves up relaxing cocktails, lunches and dinners and houses the Executive Lounge for Hilton regulars.
During the summer months, people spill out into the relaxing garden and front terrace overlooking the lagoon and also dine in the Aromi Restaurant where on special out of season occasions, the executive chef Ivan Fargnoli creates one-off menus in collaboration with distinguished wine makers including the Lunelli family from Trento whose drinks are paired with divine cuisine including antipasto of beef tartare, marinated egg yolk, puntarella and chestnut, a first course of pumpkin risotto, walnuts and Moncenisio blue cheese, venison stew, mashed potatoes and sweet and sour red onion for the second course, rounded off with Sbrisolona cake served with zabaglione custard.
Eight signature cocktails including the Lagoon Mist, with Bumbu rum, Campari cask, orange juice cloud and Angostura sugar syrup and for the non-drinker, a Skylight Brew of orange juice, egg white, Dilmah tea and orange candy, are served in the Skyline roof top bar which affords magnificent views of Venice and is next to the summer swimming pool.
Bar manager Valentina Mircea has created a QR code menu, which allows the guests to watch the mixology team create their cocktail virtually in front of them.
The hotel’s buffet breakfasts are a morning person’s delight, with Italian meats, cheese and breads, served alongside traditional cooked food, fruits, pancakes and the best part, the sweet corner.!
With elegant Venetian furnishings and glassware, the rooms and suites are magnificent. In May, 24 new ones were unveiled by renowned Italian designer Biagio Forino who used teal colours and design to match the lagoon, with black lacquer tables by Chica and crystal chandeliers from Fortuny. Each has a separate bedroom and living area, with interconnecting options for families and groups.
With 32 of them having a dining option too, it’s like home from home and they are topped off with stunning Toile de Venice fabric by Rubelli for the wall screens and dreamlike teal wallpaper created by Inkiostro Bianco. Leather upholstered beds by Casamance and bespoke furniture made by Status Contract, give the suites a real air of elegance.
The Presidential Suite is on another level, as well as a private entrance, top class rooms and bathrooms, it boasts a lavish sitting room, hot tub, gym and magical rooftop views.
What to see and do
With some of the best chefs in the business working at the Hilton Molino Stucky, families can enjoy a baking class, where two hours are spent being given tips of how to make the Venetian favourites of light lemon tasting Burano cookies, cocoa diamonds and apricot occhi di bue biscuits. Luckily, the hotel has its own gym and spa to make sure the pounds don’t stay on too long!
Just walking around Guidecca is special in itself, the island is residential and has a nice, homely feel about it, with restaurants and shops which are much cheaper than in the main city.
The hotel runs a shuttle to the Murano glass factory where you can see the ancient craft firsthand and also to San Marco, the tourist heart of Venice, with sights including St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, ready to be explored.
Gondolas are the traditional way of getting round Venice and it’s a real treat to ride in one to see the sights of the Grand Canal.
Many are family friendly and run special tours for adults and children to enjoy. A great way is to join in a scavenger’s hunt and www.venicekidstours.com run by Rossana Colombo and Federica Fresch are mums who love to show off their city.
Tourist information
Expert tourism information via Vela Avmspa where advice is given to make your ideas come true.
