Background

This is the EVOK’s first hotel outside of France. Opened in June 2023, it’s housed in Venice’s former Stock Exchange building. The exterior of the historic edifice is adorned with the mythical daughters of Poseidon. Its interior design is a blend of several influences including Art Nouveau, Stile Liberty and Modernism.  

Where is it?

The only way to arrive is by water. Located on one of Venice’s main streets, it’s two canals away from the Piazza San Marco and a bridge away from the Teatro La Fenice opera house.

What’s it like?

The hotel is romantic yet mysterious at the same time. As you enter, you notice the rich and deep wine-colored carpet, with the garden restaurant Il Caffè directly ahead. An elevator will guide you to the third floor where the reception, the concierge desk, piano bar, Palais Royal Restaurant, as well as premium suites are located. The colors are dark with warm neutral tones for the lobby seating. Murano glass can be found throughout the hotel.

Rooms

There are 43 rooms and 13 suites that range in size from 20-82 sqm. I stayed in the Junior suite. There were fresh pink roses kept in the room. The suite featured a wardrobe filled with two robes, a safe, and a Dyson hair dryer. A plug-in air freshener was available, as were international plug converters. The bedroom is small but comes with a queen-sized bed and television with a refrigerator directly below it. Sunlight fills the room well, and the double French doors to the right of the bed lead out onto a sizable patio that includes two white lounge chairs and two seated chairs, surrounded by potted roses around the railing, and a view of Venetian slatted rooftops. The bathroom is tiled all around and has a tub with a rain shower directly above.

Food and drink

Breakfast is served on the third floor and runs from 7-11am in the hotel’s soon-to-be Palais Royal Restaurant, which will open next year. The space is breakfast by morning, and will be a restaurant by night. Breakfast options include a selection of bread, juices and hot drinks, fruit plates and parfaits, as well as eggs to order.

Lunch and dinner at the hotel can be had in Il Caffè that has stone floors and a coffered ceiling. The Mediterranean menu is inspired by local dishes and includes the likes of a crostini with tomato and Culatello di Zibello and Pizzetta with tomato, burrata, and basil. A very Venetian entrée on the menu is the John Dory with potatoes, garlic and lemon.

Leisure

On the third floor of the hotel is The Nolinski Spa by La Colline. Its décor is Ottoman inspired and as you enter, the domes make you feel as though you’ve escaped to an exotic location in Türkiye. La Colline’s skincare products are specifically designed to activate cell metabolism. Apart from the spa, on the top floor is the indoor gold tiled pool with concrete walls that boast great views of the city.

Verdict Stay here for its friendly staff and proximity to the main tourist attractions.
Best for the rooms, which are unique. No two rooms are the same.

Don’t miss the gold tiled pool on the top floor

Price from $1,270 for two persons, including breakfast 

Contact nolinskivenezia.com