InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena, marking the brand’s debut in Venice, Italy. 

 

The new hotel is located in the heart of the iconic Italian city, next to the canal Rio Sant'Elena. Formally a 1930’s monastery, the 75 -room Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena is a peaceful sanctuary reflective of its former heritage that exudes an almost spiritual calm, the perfect place to retreat from the bustle of San Marco square. Composed of two wings joined in the centre by a former chapel, the hotel boasts an interior courtyard and large windows with high ceilings, which is evocative of the local neighbourhood and existing architecture. The hotel also has a private garden, a rarity in Venice, where guests can sit and enjoy a refreshing cocktail and relax after a day of exploring.

 

The interior design brings to life the building’s original features with oriental influences inspired by Venice’s traditions and history, with touches of modern elements contrasting with the classic Venetian style. Plush velvet pillows layered on leather seating and brass lighting scattered throughout the hotel contrast the deep wood panelling on the walls in the lobby and the emerald green marble bar top. Ebru paintings are dotted in the public areas, bringing to life Venice’s history of introducing the marbleized papers into their famed repertory of woodblock prints, copperplate engraving and book leather binding. 

 

Marco Costa, hotel manager of Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena, commented: “The hotel is the perfect example of how Hotel Indigo draws inspiration from the local neighbourhood, bringing to life the historical importance of the building through design while also providing the ideal getaway from the busyness of Venice. Just a 15-minute walk from all the main attractions, including St Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace in San Marco, the hotel is the ideal choice for those coming to visit our beautiful town.”

 

Guests will also discover charming independent shops and bacari, Venetian wine bars where they can eat cicchetti (local snacks), as well as cute trattorias, homely osterias and lively pizzerias if they explore the narrow streets near the hotel. But if they are looking for delicious authentic cuisine even closer to home, the hotel’s restaurant, Savor Restaurant & Bar, serves traditional Venetian flavours, from seafood to pasta, and exclusive dishes created by the Chef de cuisine, Giovanni Montella. All food can be accompanied by an extensive list of carefully selected fine wines, in a refined and elegant setting.

 

Large leafy parks are a rarity in Venice, but a short walk to the north is the Giardini della Biennale, a park commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte when Venice was under French rule at the start of the 19th century. The park is a year-round hub for modern art and culture, although it really comes alive during the Venice Biennale, which, as its name suggests, takes place every other year. 

 

There are currently 31 Hotel Indigo properties in Europe with another 18 due to open in the next three to five years. - TradeArabia News Service