"Huge, opulent and ever-so-slightly corporate ex-monastery on its own island"
The San Clemente Palace in Venice has been eagerly awaited for several years. Just a short ten-minute boat ride from St Marks, this luxury hotel is a restoration of a former 19th-century Austrian barracks and provincial headquarters, but was more recently a monastery.
The facilities
This luxury hotel is massive. Interminable and massive corridors provide an axis through rooms on two floors, restaurants, shops and meeting rooms. Lining them are a series of portraits of doges, ripped from rare books and mounted in frames, and distressed faux-antique cabinets selling quality Venetian glass, Dolce & Gabbana and Baby Dior. The floors are of cool marble with grey pilasters lending an air of architectural distinction.
Outside at San Clemente Palace, relaxing lawns lead down to views of the lagoon, a secluded swimming pool – another Venetian treat – and function rooms for parties. Yes, it’s a trek to get to, but the space and seclusion are advantages.
The rooms
All of the more than 200 rooms at this luxury hotel are large. This is a rare treat in Venice. The rooms have a slightly corporate air, but are equipped with all the latest modern conveniences.
Star rating:
Address: Isola di San Clemente 1, San Marco, 30124 Venice, Italy
View rooms
Address: Isola di San Clemente 1, San Marco, 30124 Venice, Italy
Booking info
Arrival:
Sun 31 Aug 2008
Departure: Mon 1 Sep 2008
No. adults: 2
Departure: Mon 1 Sep 2008
No. adults: 2
Check Availability
Who stays here
This is a fantastic corporate or events venue. Great for getting away from the busy city.This hotel is great for conventions and weddings, and families with kids, but despite the regular shuttle boat to and from Saint Mark's, this is not a hotel for independent travellers who want to be in the thick of things.
Come for
- Parkland, pool, tennis courts, wellness center, four restaurants, pitch and putt golf green
- Spacious rooms with mod-cons
- Lovely views of Venice and the Dolomites on a clear day
Not suitable for
- Romantic hideaway weekends
- Being in the thick of things
Children
Extra beds or baby cots can be added to rooms free for children up to three years old, and at a charge for older children. Babysitting is available upon request.
Eating in
The Ca dei Frati serves up gourmet local dinners 5 days a week from 8 p.m. Closed Monday, Sunday and all of January
