Palazzo
Garzoni

The location

From the Palazzo’s exquisite location, guests can enjoy views of the Grand Canal between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, and a private pontoon for boats and gondolas.

Philosophy

Palazzo Garzoni is a place where authenticity, attention to detail, and the ability to offer personalised experiences rather than standardised, one-size-fits-all services are truly valued. The residences works exclusively with local suppliers and partners, offering its guests authentic, high-quality products from the region. Fresh fruit and flowers are purchased from the same markets where Venetians shop, and pastries come from Rosa Salva, one of the city’s most renowned pastry shops. The support of the local community and its crafts is an integral part of Palazzo Garzoni’s philosophy: the residences use regional and artisan products wherever possible, contributing to the preservation of Venetian traditions.

Sustainability is an integral part of Palazzo Garzoni’s concept. Bed linen is changed only when necessary or every three nights to avoid unnecessary waste. Plastic consumption is reduced by offering water in glass bottles and actively encouraging guests to participate in recycling during their stay. These small but important measures help to minimise environmental impact while promoting a more responsible way of experiencing Venice.

The back story

Vincent Gombault, President of Almae Collection, is the owner of Palazzo Garzoni. For more than four years now, Marco Rizzo has been managing the residences. Prior to taking on this position, he gained 30 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry at the front desk, developing a deep understanding of guest services, operational procedures and the overall dynamics of the hospitality industry.

Individuality and quality

Thanks to its contacts and Firstclass Holidays, the holiday rental offers tailor-made experiences designed to suit the passions and interests of its guests: carefully curated itineraries for exploring the islands, cultural activities, culinary experiences, cooking classes, traditional Venetian rowing, relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Lido di Venezia during the summer season, activities designed especially for children, and romantic experiences for couples. Each experience is customisable to make every stay a unique one.

One example of fulfilling guests’ wishes is a recent wedding. The entire residence was booked exclusively for the couple and their closest guests. The wedding celebration itself included many more guests who were accommodated elsewhere. As one can imagine, hosting such an event in a 15th-century palazzo requires great care, as the building is both historic and delicate. Thanks to the collaboration with a highly experienced event planning company, the residence organise an elegant welcome aperitif in the Piano Nobile, while the ground floor salon was prepared for a dinner seating sixty people. After dinner, guests were invited back to the Piano Nobile for the cutting of the cake, which had been discreetly prepared during dinner. And while guests enjoyed the sweet dishes, the ground floor was completely transformed once again—this time into a DJ area and open bar for the dancing part of the evening. In this case, seamless coordination between all suppliers and service teams was absolutely essential, and the result was truly unforgettable.

Another episode that put the teams’ and agencies’ skills to the test was their collaboration in coordinating last-minute solutions for a very famous guest, a young entrepreneur from the hotel industry, who needed urgent cleaning and alterations to his outfits within just three hours, on a weekend when the dry cleaners and tailors in Venice were closed. The agency took the garments to an express dry cleaner in a shopping centre outside Venice and arranged for a costume workshop to send a tailor directly to the residence. It was a challenge, but in the end, everything was delivered on time and perfectly.

When the team is not physically present, communication with guests takes place exclusively via digital channels. Through messaging apps, email and other channels, the team is always available to answer questions, provide assistance and offer personal recommendations quickly and efficiently. This ensures a highly responsive, personalised service throughout the entire stay.

Interior & architecture

Palazzo Garzoni’s design was conceived to highlight the building’s historical character while offering modern comforts. It was completely restored, including all frescoes and decorative elements, in accordance with the guidelines of the historic preservation authority. A team of two architects developed the entire project in close collaboration with and under the direct supervision of the owners.

All pieces were designed specifically for Palazzo Garzoni, making the furnishings truly unique. The fabrics come from the historic Fortuny textile workshop, while the Murano glass chandeliers were created by master glassmakers from some of Venice’s most exclusive glass manufacturers, including Barovier & Toso.

A look inside

A good night’s sleep is the foundation of a perfect stay. To ensure guests can relax and unwind, the hotel offers high-quality mattresses and a selection of pillows to suit different preferences. The apartments are designed to offer peace and privacy, with special attention paid to lighting and temperature to create the ideal environment for relaxation.

The Residence Piano Nobile is the most exclusive part of the Palazzo and extends over 2 levels – on the first and second floor – with 500 square meters of living space, with 5 bedrooms for up to 10 people. On the third floor of the building is Palazzo Garzoni’s second largest flat, which can accommodate up to eight people. The charming flat on the third floor can accommodate up to four people. The elegant fourth-floor loft flat accommodates five guests (three adults and two children) and stands out with exposed ceiling beams and a private terrace.

Although the residence does not have a garden, each apartment has at least one traditional Venetian balcony where guests can enjoy the local atmosphere. One apartment has a small private terrace, while another offers exclusive access to an altana, a wooden roof terrace typical of Venice. These outdoor areas offer an intimate and authentic view over the rooftops and canals, adding extra charm to the experience.

A unique strength of Palazzo Garzoni is that it can be booked for exclusive use. In this way, guests can enjoy complete privacy and experience a truly unique and intimate Venetian lifestyle. Whether it’s the location, the design or the warmth of the team, Palazzo Garzoni strives to convey a sense of belonging that guests cannot easily find elsewhere.

Surrounding area

A short walk along the Grand Canal, and already visible from the hotel window, lies the Rialto Bridge. As one of the oldest buildings in the city the bridge connects the districts of San Polo and San Marco. Just a few metres from the hotel lies the Basilica dei Frari and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

Interesting spots

At Vetralia Collectible, one can immerse in contemporary art forms and authentic, often hidden, centuries-old skills of Venetian manufacturing. Here, works full of functionality and innovative vision are discovered, produced and promoted—truly unique modern artefacts.

Located on the Grand Canal at Palazzo Venier dei Leoni lies the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Since 1980, the museum has been hosting temporary exhibitions of modern art. And every two years, the Venice Biennale, founded in 1895, presents international contemporary art, architecture and films.

Firstclass Holidays will be happy to make arrangements for these and other events.

What we love about it?

Its tranquillity and the opportunity to enjoy peace and exclusive seclusion. The intimate atmosphere, relaxed pace and attention to detail make Palazzo Garzoni the perfect retreat for anyone looking to escape everyday life and rediscover a genuine sense of well-being.

Typical guests include couples, families, groups of friends and business travellers attending events or meetings, all of whom wish to connect with the region, enjoy warm hospitality and experience something that goes beyond a simple stay.

Details

The apartments

• Piano Nobile (500 m² of space over two floors and 5 double bedrooms)
• Canal Grande (240 m² with four double bedrooms and adjoining shower rooms)
• Terrazzetta (90 m² with kitchen/dining/living space and two double bedrooms)
• Rialto (170 m² with 2 double bedrooms and 1 single bedroom)

The entire palace can be rented.

Wellbeing

Although the Palazzo Garzoni does not have its own spa, the team can arrange exclusive spa experiences in Venice or even organize massages directly in the guest’s apartment.

Culinary

At Palazzo Garzoni, guests can indulge their culinary skills in the rooms kitchenettes or book a catering or personal chef service through Firstclass Holidays, depending on their personal preferences. The hotel’s concierge service will be happy to reserve tables at restaurants if guests wish to enjoy a culinary evening outside the Palazzo.