Grand Hotel Excelsior

Founded in 1907, the luxury hotel on the Lido di Venezia is considered one of the most famous hotels in the city. On the one hand, Thomas Mann set a literary monument to it. On the other hand, it's also closely associated with film. It's located directly next to the Palazzo del Cinema. And this has been the primary performance venue ever since the founding of the Venice International Film Festival - it's the oldest of its kind in the world.

© Grand Hotel Excelsior

In 1932, however, they took place on the terrace of the hotel. Guests of the Grand Hotel Excelsior have included Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, Greta Garbo, Paul Newman and Steven Seagal. Among others.

Grand Hotel Excelsior
Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi, 41, 30126 Lido VE, Italy
Tel:+39 041 526 0201
Web: hotelexcelsiorvenezia.com
Price: Doubles from € 500

Continue Reading: These are the 5 most luxurious hotels in Venice.

Harry's Bar

Since 1931 there has been a bar that hasn't lost its former splendor even in the present time of the Venice Film Festival 2023: Harry's Bar. Founded by Giuseppe Arrigo Cipriani and Harry Pickering, it's a place where legends have met.

© Shutterstock

Orson Welles, Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway are said to have been regular customers here. And today's stars are also regulars at this bar, which is considered the birthplace of Bellini and carpaccio.

Harry's Bar
Calle Vallaresso, 1323, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Tel: +39 041 528 5777
Web: cipriani.com
Price: Bellini for € 22

Belmond Hotel Cipriani

With Harry's Bar, you're also right by the legendary Cipriani. Many stars stay here during the Venice Film Festival, as it's a bit more secluded and quiet. It also has the largest pool in the lagoon city and wonderful gardens.

© Belmond

It's also said that Giacomo Casanova spent many a wild night here. The only question is how this works historically. The hotel opened in 1958, some 200 years after Casanova's death. Nevertheless, there are celebrities to be seen here. Jack Nicholson, Sean Penn and Spike Lee are just a few of them.

Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel
Giudecca 10, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy
Tel: +39 041 240801
Web: belmond.com
Price: Doubles from € 1.550

Antiche Carampane

If you want to eat badly in Italy, you have to make a special effort. Nevertheless, there are of course also restaurants that outperform others in terms of taste and quality here. Some of them can enjoy stars and are widely known. For example, think of the Quadrino of star chef Max Alajmo or the GLAM. A bit more hidden and especially known among the foodies, is Antiche Carampane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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As the family-run restaurant between the Rialto fish market and Campo San Polo says on its website: You don't come to us by chance. Because if you want to go there, you have to make a reservation, because it's so popular among locals. And on the other hand, you have to find it first. The cuisine is classically Venetian. Already Natalie Portman, Salma Hayek and Yoko Ono appreciated that. Attention: during the summer months it's always closed for four weeks.

Antiche Carampane
Rio Terà de le Carampane 1911, Venice
Tel: +39 041 524 0165
Web: antichecarampane.com
Price: Main courses from € 25

Continue reading: Venice for Foodies

Terrazza Danieli

Hotel Danieli is one of the most famous hotels of La Serenissima. It's located near Markus Square and has views of the Basin de San Marco overlooking the Doge's Palace. Housed in a 14th century palazzo, it has opulent rooms and suites inside. But staying here is not the only thing worth doing.

© Four Seasons

If you fancy celebrity spotting during the 2023 Venice Film Festival, you should reserve a table at the Terrazza Danieli. And not only enjoy the views of the lagoon, but also take a look at the neighboring table. From 2025, by the way, the hotel is to be part of Four Seasons.

Terrazza Danieli at Hotel Danieli
Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Tel: +39 041 5226480
Web: hoteldanieli.com