Set in Cannaregio, one of the few districts in Venice where daily life is still shaped by locals, Elizabeth Unique Venice invites guests to reconnect with authentic traces of the city’s past through a modern design lens. Overlooking the Cannaregio canal, the building is a typical 17th-century Venetian palazzo. Interiors are the vision of Milan-based architect-designer Cristina Celestino who honored existing architectural elements, restoring decorative ceilings and wooden beams.
The 14 rooms range from Initiale and Deluxe categories to Junior Suites, Suites, and Spa Suites, which come with a private sauna. Each is anchored by a refined palette of Venetian terrazzo in three distinct colorways—lagoon green, crimson red and soft sandy tones—complemented by marmorino wall finishes and Canaletto walnut boiserie. Marble details in the furniture, crafted from Carrara or Fior di Pesco, add a subtle luxury; fabrics by Rubelli and Dedar, and rugs by Cristina Celestino, soften the aesthetic.
Bespoke furnishings such as consoles, sculptural mirrors, headboards, and bedside tables—designed specifically by Cristina Celestino for the project—engage in dialogue with a curated selection of loose furniture that includes Pulpo’s low glass tables and the Calatea armchair by Pianca. Lighting also plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere, featuring Luminora chandeliers by Moooi, Luminator floor lamps by Fontana Arte, and the Lyndon suspension lamps by Oluce. In the bathrooms, CEDIT’s Policroma wall coverings (also designed by Cristina Celestino) extend the rich red and pale green palette of the rooms. Bathtubs by Kaldewei and fittings by Zucchetti complete the space.
Gallery Russo, the oldest art gallery in Italy, represents and curates a selection of artworks by contemporary Italian artists (including paintings and installations) throughout the space. On the ground floor, the reception is distinguished by wooden wall paneling, further Venetian terrazzo flooring, and a check-in desk accented with metallic slats. A separate entrance leads to the da GrandMa Restaurant, named in tribute to the Italian entrepreneur owner’s grandmother, Elisabetta, who also inspired the hotel’s name. Here, a low ceiling characteristic of Venetian homes is enriched with antique glass and soft blue and yellow tones drawn from the lagoon.
The culinary concept, overseen by chef Riccardo Pepe, focuses on classic Italian cuisine and regional specialties prepared according to time-honored recipes. Each dish reflects the simplicity of home cooking and celebrates flavors that have been passed down through generations. Breakfast is served all day, to encourage slow starts and relaxed mornings. Beyond the restaurant is the oasis-like garden, with a patio that is an extension of the restaurant and a lawn that makes the ideal spot for aperitivo.
Location
The Elizabeth Unique Venice is in Fondamenta Cannaregio, in the heart of the Cannaregio district. The neighborhood is known for its traditional bacari (wine bars), local trattorias, and the historic Jewish Ghetto, the oldest in the world, which is home to a handful of synagogues (some are open to visitors as part of the Jewish Museum experience). Two bridges over the Cannaregio Canal are especially impressive: the Ponte delle Guglie, dating back to the 16th century and decorated with pinnacles, and the Ponte dei Tre Archi, the only remaining multi-arched bridge in Venice. The Rialto bridge is a 10-minutes walk away; St Mark’s Square can be reached on foot in around 15 minutes.
