Every time I witness the vaporettos and various boats navigating the Grand Canal, I am struck by how Venice, home to around 250,000 residents, continues to thrive. This remarkable city stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience, yet has often lacked the ‘cool’ factor. Generally speaking, Venice is not the epitome of trendiness.

However, while savoring a plate of gnocchi with ragu for £15 on a terrace facing the Rialto, I find myself in a truly stylish spot. Venice M’Art, located on the ground floor of the Venice Venice Hotel, opened quietly a couple of years ago within the walls of a 13th-century palazzo—the oldest structure along the Grand Canal. In the 16th century, Ca’ da Mosto was among the first Venetian hotels and hosted notable figures such as Mozart, Voltaire, and Byron. By the late 20th century, the building faced deterioration, quite literally sinking under the weight of decay.

The husband-and-wife design duo, Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo, managed to acquire the palazzo by purchasing ten separate apartments over the years. Having previously sold their fashion brand Golden Goose in 2017, the creative couple, who grew up nearby in Mestre, invested millions to restore the building and transform it back into a hotel.

Venice is renowned for its experiential hotels, but Venice Venice—spanning across two buildings—elevates this experience to new heights. Arriving by water taxi at the Grand Canal entrance in the evening, guests are greeted by the stunning marble sculpture Mother and Son by Fabio Viale, surrounded by (purified!) canal water and illuminated by flickering white candles along the staircase leading to the reception.

With only 43 rooms, the accommodations are exceedingly luxurious. Room 01 boasts the distinction of being the only hotel room on the Venetian mainland with its own private swimming pool. Room 35, occupying the first floor (or piano nobile in Italian palazzo terminology), features opulent proportions that make its grand piano and a ten-person dining table appear diminutive, thanks to the lofty ceilings and expansive French windows leading to a balcony. Spanning an impressive 2,045 square feet, this suite is the largest in Venice, complete with frescoes, a terrace, and breathtaking views, all enhanced by a sleek concrete floor. The hotel also displays a significant art collection curated by Gallo and Rinaldo, including works by pioneering artists like Christo and Jannis Kounellis.

One treatment room cleverly doubles as an installation by Romanian artist Victoria Zidaru, whose knitted ceiling is adorned with skeins of linen filled with fragrant herbs and dried flowers, changing with the seasons. The hotel’s Bitter Club features a bar that integrates music speakers. While undeniably chic, this unique experience comes at a premium, with room rates starting at £500 per night.

Guests typically arrive at Venice Venice via water taxi at the Grand Canal, but approaching on foot by crossing the Ponte Santi Apostoli through an alleyway provides a distinct experience. A series of minimart-style turnstiles lead into a shop filled with M’Art sweatshirts housed within vintage freezer containers. Special edition Golden Goose trainers are displayed in what used to be a fridge, while Bialetti moka pots adorned with the M’Art logo and the hotel’s toiletries in trendy cans complete the unique retail offering.

“During the da Mosto family’s era, the ground floor always served as a trading area, which felt fitting,” explains Bianca Bonaldi, who oversees the art and shop. “Venice has always thrived on commerce.”

Indeed, the restaurant embraces this theme; the 15th-century bricks are now adorned with large, striking black-and-white photographs depicting Venetian fishermen and vegetable sellers who supply the kitchen, while waitstaff don chic, striped gondolier tops paired with chinos. It feels almost effortless, which—based on my experience—suggests immense effort has gone into it; even the uniforms have been designed by Gallo and Rinaldo.

Contrary to common practice in most Venetian hotels, Venice Venice permits non-guests to dine for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast costs £55, while the dinner menu presents dishes beginning at £25 for risotto, escalating to £67 for filetto di manzo alla Rossini, a steak with foie gras and truffle.

Lunch, however, is a different story. Unlike many high-end restaurants in Venice that close between lunch and dinner, Venice M’Art offers an all-day menu, delivering exceptional value and delicacies compared to many establishments on the Grand Canal. While seafood lasagna can run up to £25, various more affordable options are available.

Many of Venice’s five-star accommodations are now managed by luxury hotel brands. Next year, Rosewood is set to launch in the former Bauer, while Four Seasons will take over the Danieli. In contrast, Venice Venice stands out with its unique character, evident in its unconventional name and M’Art-branded products. Bonaldi notes, “We named it twice because Gallo and Rinaldo might open hotels in other cities, potentially leading to Venice Paris or Venice London. Though I’m enamored with this hotel, I hope they don’t.”

Returning to the terrace, filled with locals, it’s apparent this is now the most popular terrace in Venice. Guests can indulge in an £8 toasted sandwich paired with a £5 spritz while enjoying the same view captured by Canaletto in 1729 (with the addition of bin boats and vaporettos).

No barriers exist between guests and the water, a feature that required significant negotiations with local authorities for approval. With the water lapping just inches away, the effect is enchanting. “Since our opening, only one person has fallen in,” Bonaldi adds, chuckling. “And he did it intentionally.”

This individual may have thought he was being cool. However, with its blend of luxury and waterfront charm, it’s safe to claim that no guest can outshine the allure of Venice Venice Hotel.

Sarah Turner explored Venice Venice. Double rooms with bed and breakfast start at £500 (venicevenice.com). Travel to Venice.