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Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido has announced it will reopen to guests on 5 May, following a significant renovation of its public spaces and guest rooms. The project includes the restoration of the Palm Court and the introduction of a new signature restaurant.
The landmark property on Lido Island has functioned as a beachfront retreat since 1908. It is known for its Moorish architecture and long-standing association with the Venice International Film Festival, which held its first edition on the hotel terrace in 1932.
The 2026 relaunch features the first wave of redesigned guest rooms. These rooms use a softened colour palette and artisanal detailing to provide a modern interpretation of Mediterranean luxury. Many of the 198 rooms and suites overlook the Adriatic Sea or the Venetian lagoon.
Management has transformed the former communal lobby into the Palm Court. This social space now features archival imagery of the royalty and cultural icons who have visited the property over the last 12th Century.
A new terrace restaurant, pool bar, and beach club named Amù Venice will open in July 2026. The brand, which originated at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, will offer a menu combining Riviera style with culinary traditions from the Veneto region. The beach club includes 299 private cabanas.
The hotel remains the primary residence for actors and directors during the annual film festival. Historical guests include Winston Churchill, John Steinbeck, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Shan Kanasingham, chief operating officer at Iconic Hotels and Resorts, said: “Our team has worked with great care to preserve the soul of this historic hotel whilst elevating the experience for today’s guests. With the introduction of Amù Venice, the revival of Palm Court, and the first wave of redesigned rooms, this relaunch marks an exciting new era for the Excelsior.”
