Elizabeth Unique Venice Opens in Cannaregio

Escaping the city’s at times heavy-handed grandeur, new hotel Elizabeth Unique Venice introduces unpretentious, contemporary flair along the Cannaregio Canal. Set within a 17th-century palazzo, the newly opened property—the first Venice member of the Design Hotels portfolio—embraces vibrant informality. Eschewing tourist-heavy epicenters, the surrounding district preserves daily routines shaped by residents: long-established wine bars and rustic trattorias, with the historic Venetian Ghetto nearby. Such localized character finds its way into the interior architecture and atmosphere.

Renowned Milan architect Cristina Celestino orchestrated the interiors, honoring existing elements—restored decorative ceilings and timber beams—while introducing a bright color palette. Rather than recreating the palazzo’s past, Celestino uses those preserved elements as a backdrop for contemporary color, materials, and furnishings.

Photography courtesy of Design Hotels

Across 14 rooms and suites, from Initiale rooms to Spa Suites, Venetian terrazzo appears in three distinct colorways: lagoon green, crimson, and soft sandy tones. These hues continue through marmorino walls, walnut boiserie, and CEDIT’s Policroma wallcoverings. Elsewhere, colorful, full-wall wainscoting layers seamlessly with padded headboards.

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Subtle tactility appears in meticulous detailing: Carrara and Fior di Pesco marble accents, luxurious textiles by Rubelli and Dedar, and custom rugs designed by Celestino. Bespoke furnishings—including sculptural mirrors and custom-crafted bedside tables—mingle with statement pieces like Pianca’s Calatea armchair and low glass tables sourced by Pulpo. Lighting highlights include Moooi chandeliers, Fontana Arte floor lamps, and Oluce suspension fixtures. Kaldewei bathtubs and Zucchetti fittings complete the pared-back wet rooms.

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Rather than competing with the furnishings, neutral stretches of wall give the hotel’s expressive contemporary artworks room to command attention. The historic Galleria Russo helped curate a selection of contemporary Italian art throughout the hotel.

Photography courtesy of Design Hotels

That interplay between old and new continues through the public spaces. Ground-floor reception areas pair warm wooden paneling with Venetian terrazzo flooring and a check-in desk accented with metallic slats. Beyond the interiors lies an oasis-like garden featuring a restaurant patio and lawn for afternoon aperitivo.

Photography courtesy of Design Hotels

Culinary programming follows suit, centered around the da GrandMa Restaurant—named for owner Vittorio Curatella’s grandmother, Elisabetta, who also inspired the hotel’s name. Here, traditional low ceilings are enriched with antique glass and soft blue and yellow tones drawn from the lagoon. Overseen by chef Riccardo Pepe, menus focus on classic Italian cuisine, regional specialties, and recipes passed down through generations. Reinforcing relaxed rhythms, breakfast is available all day, encouraging slow starts.

Photography courtesy of Design Hotels

It’s a fitting approach for a hotel less interested in recreating Venice’s familiar grandeur than in responding to the quieter rhythms of Cannaregio. Through Celestino’s contemporary interventions and the palazzo’s preserved traces, Elizabeth Unique Venice finds its character somewhere between the city it inherited and the one still being lived outside its doors.

Photography courtesy of Design Hotels

Adrian Madlener is a Brussels-born, New York-based writer specializing in collectible and sustainable design. With a focus on craft-led experimentation, he covers designers and makers who are pushing the boundaries of their disciplines.