Located directly on the Grand Canal, opposite the Punta della Dogana and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, The St. Regis Venice combines its famous historical and artistic heritage with the modern design and exquisite service of the St. Regis brand. Throughout its history, the hotel originally known as The Grand Hotel Britannia has attracted notable intellectuals and celebrities, as well as famous painters J.M.W. Turner, John Singer Sargent and Claude Monet. Monet, during his stay in the autumn of 1908 and inspired by the spectacular view from the hotel, captured the light reflections on the Grand Canal in his Venetian masterpieces. The St. Regis Venice consists of five 18th- and 19th-century palazzi, with the oldest, Palazzo Badoer Tiepolo, dating from the 17th century. Many of the 130 guest rooms and 39 suites feature private terraces or Juliette balconies that offer unique views of Venice's most famous landmarks.

Design by Sagrada

All rooms and suites have been designed and furnished with attention to detail by London-based interior design studio Sagrada, paying tribute to the artistic and cultural heritage of the buildings while supporting the development of La Serenissima and the St. Regis brand's spirit of modern glamour. The result is a contemporary design for Venice that, thanks to its light style, is far from heavy and dark. Making the most of the building's features, geometric and straight lines and flush details of the interior contrast with the soft, curved lines of the furniture. Venetian style is evident throughout the hotel in bespoke fabrics and custom and handmade furniture influenced by the sinuous shape of the gondolas, the patterns of the Doge's Palace, the paving of the church square of San Giorgio Maggiore and the flow of water in the canals. Inspired by the Venetian masterpieces of former guest and Impressionist painter Claude Monet, the new suites also feature a distinctive color palette that captures the changing light from dawn to dusk. The Parisian painter Olivier Masmonteil, the first resident artist of The St. Regis Venice, was commissioned to make original contemporary artworks for the Gran Salone and Monet Suites. The Venetian glassmaking tradition lives on after the hotel's total renovation through a partnership with Glasstress, the creative project of Berengo Studios that combines contemporary art and glass, opening new avenues for artists. Many of these iconic masterpieces are now on display at The St. Regis Venice thanks to the detailed and attentive work of British art curator Robin Greene.

Artists' Residences: The Monet Suites

True artists' residences, the Monet Suites are imbued with the poetic spirit: Inspired by the Venetian watercolors of Claude Monet, the Suites' interiors are a testament to the soft, warm light that drew many artists to Venice over the centuries. Focal points in the suites' living rooms are a series of contemporary paintings that reflect Monet's talent in capturing the special light of Venice - a special commission to the resident artist Olivier Masmonteil alongside his contemporary interpretation of four priceless works of art by Tintoretto for the hotel's Grand Salone. For the works in the suites, Olivier Masmonteil followed Monet's creative approach and painted contemporary interpretations of the views of the Grand Canal from the hotel. The resulting series pays homage to Monet; the artworks are designed to reflect three iconic elements: Light, Atmosphere and Colours. The four Monet Suites are elegant and cozy, yet with an artistic ethos, and are located in Palazzo Badoer Tiepolo with direct views of the Grand Canal. Multiple windows reveal views of the iconic waterway, while panes of Venetian mirrors enhance the view outside and accentuate the beauty of the surroundings. The bespoke furnishings pay homage to Venice: the sofa in the design lounge of the spacious living room is inspired by the view of the lagoon seen on approach to Venice; the shape of the chair arms at the dining table is inspired by the gondola-Forcola and the "painted" style carpets are a nod to Monet's brushstrokes and the waves of the Grand Canal. Even the doorbells evoke Venetian buildings and the door moldings reflect the city's winding pathways. A lighted bookcase with a curated selection of glass art objects by Berengo Studios, a sculpture by contemporary Italian artist Massimilano Pelletti, and art volumes and Venetian literature, as well as a desk, well-stocked bar, and cocktail set complete the suite's charm.

Exquisite luxury: Presidental Suite

The most exquisite of all the Monet Suites, the two-bedroom Presidential Suite occupies the entire water-facing space on the second floor of Palazzo Badoer Tiepolo. Its living spaces lead to Juliette balconies, which offer uninterrupted views of the entrance to the Grand Canal and 180° views from the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, across the Punta della Dogana and the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute to the palatial residences on the opposite bank of the waterway.

Above the rooftops of Venice

Located on the seventh and thus highest floor of Palazzo Ca' Nova, the two Roof Garden Suites offer some of the best panoramas in Venice. The allure of the city's secret gardens served as the source of inspiration for the design of the interiors, which flow seamlessly into the garden terraces. Indoor and outdoor lounge areas and a dining table for three also add to the elegant living experience.

The Santa Maria Suite is perched on top of Palazzo Barozzi and offers a magnificent view of Venice from everywhere. The interior blends modern design with the splendor of a Venetian garden in delicate pastel tones, enriched by a collection of art objects including contemporary glass ornaments by Berengo Studios, sculptures by contemporary Italian artist Massimiliano Pelletti, and artworks by Aurore de la Morinerie and Amelie Hegardt. The two-story furnished garden terrace features a lounge area and dining table for four. This unique setting is ideal for social events and weddings. For cocktail receptions, the terrace can accommodate up to 40 people; for banquets, 30 people. The epitome of luxury, the three-bedroom Penthouse Suite is the largest accommodation in the hotel. The retreat is located on the top floor of Palazzo Ca' Nova. A wrap-around furnished garden terrace offers exceptional views of the St. Mark's Tower, the Grand Canal, the Punta della Dogana and Santa Maria della Salute Basilicas, the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice's northern and southern lagoons and, on a clear day, as far as the Dolomites from three different vantage points. The play of warm Venetian light filters through the suite's many French windows and doors. Accessible by its own private elevator, the Penthouse Suite is a comfortable residence for family vacations or for stays with friends. The Masquerade Suite features spacious and separate living areas and is truly unique: the design of the split-level suite is a playful and forward-thinking interpretation of Venetian theatrical and carnival heritage. A curated selection of framed masks, fashion illustrations and selected accessories that allude to the city's cultural calendar add a touch of drama and joy to the suite.

First-class service

As with all St. Regis brand hotels, the St. Regis Butler service is available to all guests. The St. Regis Butler upholds a long-standing tradition of making guests feel at home, while providing ever-present, yet unobtrusive service to attend to their every need.

Further information and bookings at stregisvenice.com.

Picture credits: Marriott International