Inside the quiet luxury revival of the Venice Lido – home to the glittering film festival

The island of beaches and pine forests is seeing its historic hotels revamped and a new property open. The crème de la crème of the world of cinema has been jetting into Venice for the 83rd edition of its International Film Festival. The glittering event is centred on the Lido island, a narrow strip of land a short water bus ride from the historic centre. The island has a character all of its own; a summer resort of beach establishments and historic hotels beloved by Venetians but often overlooked by international tourists. That is, apart from when it transforms into a global hub of the silver screen for 11 days each September. But there have been some signs that the quiet isle of Belle Époque architecture that gives way to campsites, pine forests and nature oases may be undergoing a revival with luxury in mind. Its most famous hotel, where the film festival was originally hosted, has undergone a full revamp, while another storied establishment is set for renovation and a new four-star superior resort opened last year. Film festival’s starriest hotel gets an upgrade The Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido is the film festival’s most prestigious address, having hosted the inaugural edition in 1932 on its sea-facing terrace. Since the property’s opening in 1908, it has become a favourite of royalty, politicians and, of course, film stars. Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor graced its Moorish-inspired interiors in the past, while current icons like George Clooney and Nicole Kidman continue to base themselves there during the festival. The hotel’s reopening in May this year unveiled a series of stunning renovations to the storied property of domes, arches and minarets. One of the most significant upgrades is to its Palm Court, an interior lobby of lush greenery restored to its former glory as the social heart of the hotel. The space now features archival photography of royalty, famous directors, and Hollywood legends who stayed at the property over the last century. As for accommodation, more than half of the 198 rooms and suites have been refreshed with soft Mediterranean colour palettes and custom Murano glass. There is also a new signature terrace restaurant, pool bar and beach club with 299 cabanas, called Amù Venice. It combines Riviera flair from where the brand was born on the Côte d'Azur at the rooftop of the Fairmont Monte Carlo with the gastronomic traditions of the Veneto. New four-star resort opens on Venice Lido Last year saw another example of the Lido’s iconic 1920s architecture revived as a four-star superior resort. Meliá Venezia Lido is far less extravagant than the Excelsior, but it adds an elegant and more affordable accommodation option to the island. The communal spaces are flooded with the clear light off the Adriatic sea, while several of the 60 rooms have sweeping views over the lagoon to the historic centre. There is also a restaurant, AcquaRiva, with an Art Deco-inspired design and fusion Mediterranean-Venetian dishes. Storied Lido hotel to undergo €200 million restoration The sprawling Grand Hôtel des Bains once also welcomed cultural icons and film greats. Author Thomas Mann stayed at the property in 1911, inspiring his novella Death in Venice. The grand, Liberty-style hotel closed in 2010, but last year plans were announced for its reopening. A €200 million investment will see the property and its beachfront restored and modernised as a high-end resort. “This is more than a restoration – it is a revival of European legacy through modern excellence,” said Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman and founder of Eagle Hills, a real estate development company based in Abu Dhabi, which is financing the project along with the urban regeneration COIMA ESG City Impact Fund. “Venice has always been a bridge between worlds, and we are proud to be part of its future, bringing our experience in luxury hospitality to one of the most symbolic hotels on the continent.”