Marriott’s luxury St Regis brand has opened a high-end hotel in Venice, boosting its Italian portfolio, which includes properties in Rome and Florence.

Located steps away from Piazza San Marco and boasting the largest waterfrontage in Venice, the hotel offers 169 rooms and suites, many of which boast private terraces or Juliet balconies for sweeping views of Venice’s iconic landmarks.

The opening follows a two-year, full-scale renovation, restoring the grandeur of the former Grand Hotel Britannia, which opened in 1895 – the same year as the inaugural Venice Biennale.

Situated across the Grand Canal from Punta della Dogana, the hotel marries its celebrated heritage with the St. Regis brand’s modern design and bespoke service throughout a unique collection of five Venetian palaces, with the oldest dating back to the 17th century.

Throughout its storied history, The St. Regis Venice, in its various guises, has played host to a roster of illustrious guests, including painters J.M.W. Turner and Claude Monet.

Inspired by the Venetian masterpieces Claude Monet, the interiors of the guestrooms showcase a distinctive colour palette that represents how light changes throughout the day from dawn to dusk. The design of the public spaces pays homage to Carlo Scarpa, one of Venice’s greatest artists and architects.

Authentic, modern Italian cuisine will be celebrated at Gio’s, the hotel’s signature restaurant anchored by the Grand Canal and the hotel’s private garden.

For larger celebrations and more formal functions, The St. Regis Venice offers a choice of spaces that can be easily personalised to host events, including the Library, Lounge, Astor Boardroom, the Canaletto Room – a ballroom designed to embody the modern spirit of a Venetian palazzo – and the secluded garden and private terraces with their breath-taking views.