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50 most exciting new hotels of 2026
Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli
- Location: Venice, Italy
- Why it’s notable: A dramatic Venetian palace marking Orient Express’s expansion from rail to high-glamour hospitality. The 47 rooms and suites are designed around Neogothic and Baroque architectural elements, with interiors updated for comfort and detail. Dining options will include a fine restaurant with boat access, a courtyard café, and the Wagon Bar — a nod to the brand’s rail legacy.
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The well-heeled who want to know Venice beyond St. Mark’s.
- What’s nearby: Cannaregio still feels distinctly local in a city that’s continuing to push locals out. Artisan shops, bacari (wine bars), and bakeries fill its backstreets, while landmarks like the Jewish Ghetto and Ca’ d’Oro are also nearby. From the canals, it’s a short vaporetto ride or walk to the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and the Grand Canal.
- Opening: April 2026