This is more of a luxury hotel post than a points hotel post, so if that doesn’t interest you, by all means skip it. However, what’s probably my single favorite boutique hotel group in the world is opening its first property outside of France, and I figure that’s worth covering.
In this post:
Basics of the 45-key Airelles Venice
Airelles Venice (Venezia) is expected to open in the fall of 2025, marking the newest property of the French luxury hotel group, and the first one outside of France. The hotel isn’t yet accepting reservations, but that should change soon.
The property will have 45 accommodations, and will be located on Venice’s Giudecca Island, just a five-minute boat ride from Piazza San Marco. The property is housed within the former Bauer Palladio complex, consisting of three restored buildings, a 16th century heritage church, and expansive gardens, with views of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
The property has been designed by Christophe Tollemer, the same architect and interior designer behind Airelles’ other properties, so you can expect there will be a mix of French elegance with Venetian artistry.
When it comes to amenities, Airelles Venice will feature three distinct dining experiences, two bars, a huge wellness center with a gym and garden, and three swimming pools. This property sounds over the top, especially in a city where space comes at such a premium. Three pools?! Wow…
The pictures of the rooms so far look exactly like what you’d expect from Airelles. They’re a blast from the past, and I imagine even on the day the hotel opens, they won’t feel “new,” in a good way.
This should be an incredible property, probably the best in Venice. However, admittedly I’m less excited about this property than I would be if it were somewhere else. Venice already has an endless number of amazing luxury properties. Best of all, many of them are even bookable with points, like Gritti Palace Venice and St. Regis Venice.
Airelles’ other properties are largely in places where there are no good points properties. I will say this, though — in terms of the “vibe” of Airelles, Venice seems like an excellent fit. I think you can tell based on the above pictures, where you can see how Airelles is restoring the property in a way that really brings out the best of it.
Why Airelles is such a great hotel group
There’s no denying that we’ve seen a huge increase in luxury hotel costs since the start of the pandemic, so it’s hard to assess value in travel nowadays. But I’d argue what’s so frustrating about luxury hotel rates is how many properties are charging a lot more while offering a lot less.
While Airelles properties are expensive, one thing is for sure — they invest massively in the guest experience, and while you might spend a lot, you’re going to have an amazing time.
My first stay with the brand was at Airelles Courchevel, which is my favorite ski resort in the world, and perhaps my favorite hotel in the world, period. It’s simply an incredible ski resort, with phenomenal restaurants, impeccable service, a Rolls Royce house car, and more.
Airelles La Bastide de Gordes is a special resort in Provence, and quite honestly, feels like it’s out of a fairytale.
I’ve also stayed at Airelles Saint-Tropez Chateau de la Messardiere. While we had some service issues there, this is a stunning, sprawling property, and I’d return in a heartbeat.
And we haven’t even stayed at Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, which offers unrivaled access to the Palace of Versailles.
My point is simply to say that if you appreciate French hospitality, are willing to spend a lot, and also expect a lot, then Airelles is for you.
Bottom line
Airelles will be opening its first hotel outside of France in 2025, in the form of Airelles Venice. This looks like a beautiful property that will no doubt rank among the best in the city. I’m excited to see the Airelles brand growing, though I do kind of wish that expansion came in a market where there was less luxury competition, and therefore where the Airelles experience would stand out even more.
What do you make of the upcoming Airelles Venice?
Does it share the same island with Belmond!?
Airelles are great in locations where you will spend time at the hotel and use all their amenities. Venice is not a destination where I would spend time at the hotel other than showering and sleeping. Stayed at the St Regis Venice last summer and it was more than perfect.
Giudecca island!? Forget about it. Inconvenient location unless the hotel has its own on-demand no-wait ferries to actual Venice.
Who is this hotel targeting? I hold the (perhaps incorrect) perception that Venice is mostly for American and Asian visitors, and that Europeans, especially wealthy French, don't really care about Venice.
@ Jerry -- I'd say that Airelles' target audience isn't necessarily (or at least primarily) rich French travelers, but rather those who appreciate aspects of French culture. In my experience the Courchevel property is most popular with Russians and other Europeans, while the Val-d'Isère
and Gordes properties are most popular with those from other parts of Europe, like the UK.
You raise a good point though about Venice being popular with Americans and Asians,...
@ Jerry -- I'd say that Airelles' target audience isn't necessarily (or at least primarily) rich French travelers, but rather those who appreciate aspects of French culture. In my experience the Courchevel property is most popular with Russians and other Europeans, while the Val-d'Isère
and Gordes properties are most popular with those from other parts of Europe, like the UK.
You raise a good point though about Venice being popular with Americans and Asians, and those definitely haven't historically been Airelles' primarily customer base, but maybe the brand is trying to grow there.
I think this is incorrect. French people love Venice, they are the second largest tourists group after US Americans... above Brits, Germans and Spaniards... And far above Chinese (only 12) if you look at the city stats from 2023... But, it's more a weekend city trip then a full vacation. It also helps that basically everyone there speaks French, so quite popular with the older demographics.
Thanks Ben! Definitely seems massive for Venice!
I was just telling someone about this brand, learned of it from you.
Thanks for all you do!
@ Ni -- Hey, thanks for the kind words and for reading, I appreciate it! :-)