How to Visit Venice in the Summer Without Melting

The Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido is one of the most distinctive luxury stays in Venice, combining the glamour of a historic grand hotel (yes, not only were movies filmed here, but just about every celebrity crosses its lobby during Venice's annual film festival) with the tranquility of a beachfront retreat. While it's a short boat ride from the crowds of San Marco using the hotel's complimentary boat or a private water taxi, its location on the Lido feels like a world apart: peaceful, spacious, and wonderfully serene after a day of exploring the city.

The pool that made me drool. It also overlooks the sea.

The rooms are a standout: recently renovated, blending the hotel's historic character with fresh, contemporary interiors. The soft pink and sage-green color palette feels elegant without being overly formal, creating spaces that are bright, comfortable, and unmistakably Italian. It has a real sense of place. Rooms are quite large by Venetian standards, and many have big windows that open to water to let in the perfect sea breeze.

A welcoming corner with sea views in my junior suite

A heavenly bed

The service is equally memorable. Every interaction with the staff is warm, welcoming, and genuinely hospitable. From the front desk to the restaurants to the beach attendants, there's a level of friendliness that makes the hotel feel both luxurious and relaxed. During my site tour, I met a member of the marketing team who had been with the hotel for over 30 years. She started in housekeeping and worked her way through the ranks; this story really stuck with me, and is evidence of the type of close-knit atmosphere felt throughout the onsite staff.

A ballroom straight from the movies

The outdoor pool is one of the finest in Venice, providing a resort-like experience that's hard to find elsewhere in the city. Even more impressive is the hotel's expansive private beach, lined with more than 300 iconic cabanas. Many are rented seasonally by Venetian locals, a testament to just how special the beach is and the role the Excelsior plays beyond tourism. It is an icon for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike.

The hotel’s famous beach club

Another cabana shot

Dining is another strength. Whether it's breakfast overlooking the Adriatic on its sea-level patio, a leisurely lunch by the pool "terezza," or dinner after returning from Venice, the food program is consistently strong, with thoughtfully prepared dishes and attentive service throughout. Clients can also wander offsite throughout Lido to dine in town in local trattorias, or venture a bit further for a "fishemen's meal" on nearby Pellestrina island.

The most glamorous dock

The Hotel Excelsior succeeds in offering something few Venetian hotels can: the ability to experience the energy and culture of Venice while retreating each evening to a true seaside resort. It's an exceptional choice for travelers looking for luxury, space, and a quieter side of one of the world's most visited cities.

While there are other resort-style hotels on islands separate from Venice's main area (JW Marriott, San Clemente Palace, etc.) and they are wonderful in their own rights, the Excelsior is the only hotel of its caliber that is properly on the beach and still in Venice—making it a true one of a kind!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Venice page.