Travel writer Georgie Bentley-Buckle recently visited Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, staying in one of the newly renovated Molino Tower suites that offer enchanting views over the city.
Hotel
A ten-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square across the Grand Canal on Giudecca island, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice offers a quieter corner of the ancient Italian city – ideal when the centre of the city is saturated by tourism throughout the warmer months and utterly serene in low season.
Originally a pasta factory on the furthermost end of Giudecca island, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is situated in an unmissable 18th century listed building that was left empty for almost half a century before being transformed into a five-star hotel that stands on the city’s perimeter today. This, in Venetian terms, means it remains in its infancy alongside the majority of the city’s other buildings; some of which date back to the 13th century – (notably the Venetian-Byzantine style palace The Ca’ da Mosto on the Grand Canal).
Room
Another advantage the large building offers guests is the truly breath-taking views from the majority of its 379 rooms and suites. This can be enjoyed should you check into one of Hilton Molino Stucky Venice’s collection of Molino Tower Suites in which we stayed.
Situated in what used to be the factory’s flour mill tower, each 67 square metre suite includes two marble bathrooms, a smart and airy bedroom and separate living space; ideal for couples who want to spread out to a backdrop of fabulous Venetian views.
If a sense of place from the views wasn’t enough, then the suite’s high ceilings feature original wooden beams alongside refined details such as an opulent glass chandelier from a nearby famous glass factory on Murano island.
Food and drink
Bars and restaurants at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice can be found high and low. A magnet for not only overnight guests but for visitors who swing by too, the Skyline rooftop bar is heralded as the highest in Venice. Perfect for an Italian style aperitif, choose from the indoor or outdoor seating and ask the bar staff to whip up either a classic or signature cocktail – with many including the hotel’s very own gin of which you can take a bottle home.
On our visit, we made our way down from the roof at Skyline to Aromi: the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant. With an intimate aura that is separate from the hotel, Aromi holds its own reputation with a collection of awards under its belt, endeavouring to offer their diners ‘a re-discovery of traditional flavours from the land and sea’.
On our last evening, we were taken through an elegant wine-paired dinner led (as they say) by the ‘Aromas’ of the city and wider regions of Italy. This began with an olive oil trolley enabling us to sample varieties from across the country, followed by a carousel of dishes that highlighted the very best in Italian fine dining.
Dishes you can expect to find on Aromi’s à la carte menu includes smoked duck breast, served with Sicilian juniper, 24-month aged parmesan and 18-year-old balsamic vinegar, or handmade tortelli filled with creamed codfish, mascarpone, shellfish bisque and chives from the Italian Riviera.
Spa and wellness
On the rooftop, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice has one of the city’s few pools. This coincides on the ground floor with one of the largest spas the city has to offer. Via a private entrance that is tucked within the hotel’s garden, the spa includes a relaxation room, two fitness spaces with gym equipment, a sauna, a Turkish bath and therapeutic jacuzzis.
These facilities can be enjoyed alongside a variety of treatments from massages to facials. This included the popular Venetian couples massage we booked into.
In a nutshell
Blending its heritage with contemporary hospitality, step into a hotel located on a peaceful island that remains proudly inhabited by Venetians, (unlike the islands that make up the centre of the city). This offers guests a calming retreat that is conveniently located on the doorstep of the iconic Italian city and its home of Giudecca island.
Factbox
Offering guided trips of Venice from the hotel’s doorstep is Clementson Travel Office, a destination management company that offers tailored experiences including private tours by boat, gondola or on foot led by local experts.
Rates at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice start from £150 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.
Address: Giudecca, 810, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy
Phone: +39 041 272 3311
Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/vcehihi-hilton-molino-stucky-venice
