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The honest take
Book Nolinski Venezia. It's $147 cheaper a night, rated 9.8 against 9.5 across nearly double the reviews, and it has an indoor pool and rooftop that Palazzina Grassi doesn't offer. Palazzina Grassi wins on design pedigree and canal-side atmosphere, but on the numbers and facilities alone Nolinski is the stronger booking.
The look and the feel
Hotel Palazzina Grassi
This is Philippe Starck's first Italian hotel, a 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal reworked with his signature theatrical contrasts: Murano glass chandeliers hung against bare stone, black lacquer next to gilt mirrors, velvet upholstery in unexpected colours. The lobby bar is dim and clubby, more Paris than Venice, with the canal glowing through tall windows. Rooms lean moody and maximalist rather than calm. It draws a design-literate crowd who want to feel they're inside a stage set, not a museum piece.
Design pilgrims and Grand Canal romantics who want to stay inside a Starck installation, price aside.
Nolinski Venezia
Nolinski occupies a grand address on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, steps from La Fenice and Piazza San Marco, and trades Starck's theatre for something calmer and more classically composed: marble floors, brass fittings, an indoor pool and rooftop terrace that are rare finds in a city built on water rather than swimming. The listing suggests a more traditional Parisian-luxury sensibility applied to a Venetian shell, with a bar meant for lingering rather than posing. It suits guests who want central San Marco convenience with resort-style extras layered in.
Travellers who want a central San Marco base with the rare luxury of a pool and rooftop in Venice.
Palazzina Grassi has no pool or rooftop to give up in comparison; it's Nolinski's guests who gain those, while Palazzina's edge is purely the Starck interiors and direct canal frontage.
Palazzina Grassi is the more beautiful and characterful place to actually sit in, because Starck's interiors and the Grand Canal views are simply not replicated anywhere else in the city.
The numbers
Hotel Palazzina Grassi
Nolinski Venezia
Price, same night
$3,141
$1,473
Guest rating
9.5/10
9.8/10
Reviews
364
639
Stars
★★★★★
★★★★★
Facilities on our list
4
6
Distance apart
523 m
What one has that the other doesn't
Only Hotel Palazzina Grassi has
Nothing on our list that Nolinski Venezia lacks.
Only Nolinski Venezia has
Pool
Rooftop
What guests actually say
Hotel Palazzina Grassi
amazing breakfast repeatedly praised
attentive, friendly staff
stylish, unique room design
very small rooms
no water view in some rooms
“Breakfast was amazing. Thoroughly loved the eggs Benedict.”
Nolinski Venezia
central San Marco location
warm, attentive staff
spacious, well-decorated rooms
no canal or water view
“Un super hôtel, idéalement situé.”
Nolinski Venezia guests seem happier overall, citing consistently attentive staff and location with almost no complaints, whereas Palazzina Grassi guests love the breakfast and staff but repeatedly note small rooms.
“I love Hotel Palazzina Grassi. The best in Venice.”
The staff were very nice and friendly. They really take care of you. Breakfast was amazing. The drinks were amazing. The design of the hotel was very cool. We loved the room. We left and already want to go back that’s how great it was.
10/10
“Amazing, unique place in perfect location- will definitely come back!”
Instant wow factor, great design, amazing customer service. Private boat dock was awesome
N/a
10/10
“Refer to the above, fantastic experience.”
The property is a boutique hotel but the rooms are very modern. Appointments in the rooms are excellent and the staff was tremendous. Very attentive and helpful from the time we checked in until we checked out. Breakfast was great. Highly recommend this property.
Luxury Design by Philippe Starck Experience the elegance and sophistication of the first Italian hotel designed by Philippe Starck. Palazzina Grassi offers a unique blend of modern luxury and Venetian charm, creating a truly unforgettable stay. Gourmet Dining Experience Indulge in a culinary journey at Palazzina The Restaurant and The Terrace. Enjoy…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
Nolinski Venezia
Luxurious Accommodation in the Heart of Venice Central Location: Situated in the vibrant San Marco district, Nolinski Venezia offers easy access to iconic landmarks such as La Fenice Theatre and Piazza San Marco. Upscale Amenities: Enjoy air-conditioned rooms with city views, a terrace, free WiFi, and an indoor pool. Indulge in exquisite dining at the…
Rates are live for 2026-10-10, one night, two guests, fetched together so the two are comparable. Facilities and reviews are from each hotel's own listing. The honest take is written by our AI from the listing, the reviews and what is widely known about each hotel. HotelDupe earns a commission if you book, which never changes the verdict. All comparisons