Hilton Molino Stucky Venice Hotel

This upscale eight-story hotel opened in 2007 and is set inside the Stucky Flour Mill. The building was once one of the biggest grain mills in Italy, and dates back to 1895. It’s an attractive red brick structure, and the hotel's interiors have also retained plenty of original character. The style is a blend of industrial-chic elements, modern design, and traditional accents that are all blended well, and plenty of the interesting, original features of the mill still remain. The large lobby has a polished marble floor and modern, stylish armchairs beneath the original wooden beamed ceiling held up by black iron columns. This is one of the largest hotels in the historic core of Venice, and as such there's a bit of that anonymous chain-hotel vibe that's so common at many Hiltons around the world. There are also plenty of opportunities to socialize -- the hotel has seven restaurants and bars -- should want want to pass over the authentic restaurants and bars that line the streets of Venice. That being said, the property does attract plenty of Hilton brand loyalists, high-end international tourists, and business guests, giving the place a decidedly cosmopolitan and lively atmosphere.

The hotel is set on the western end of Venice’s Giudecca Island. It overlooks the Giudecca canal, where many large cruise ships pass by. The location is fairly isolated, as there are no real shopping or entertainment options in the immediate area, though Giudecca does have some shops and restaurants that are about five to 10 minutes away on foot. Giudecca's most famous sight is Il Redentore church, a 16th-century marble structure that's one of Venice's most recognizable sights. It takes between 10 and 15 minutes to reach on foot. Those looking to reach the core of Venice can make the six-minute walk to the nearest vaporetto stop, although most guests use the shuttle provided by the hotel. This incurs a small fee which covers the whole stay, and takes around 15-minutes to get to the center of Venice, where famous sights like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge are located. Reaching Venice Marco Polo Airport can take up to an hour by using vaporetti and buses, but by private water taxi it takes a half hour. 

There are 379 guest rooms at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice Hotel, including 44 suites. There's no denying that rooms are sharp -- they present a modern interpretation of classic Venetian style, with striped wallpaper in neutral tones and polished walnut furniture with antique silhouettes. Chandeliers hang overhead, and all rooms have some level of shimmery brass or gold accents that up the glam factor a bit. Large windows, high ceilings, and dark drapes all contribute to the polished, classic look. Wall art comes in black frames that look sharp against the striped walls; pictures depict black-and-white scenes from around Venice. Higher-category rooms have nicer historic details, including the original wood-beam ceilings from the hotels' former life as a 19th century mill. All rooms include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, air-conditioning, electric kettles for tea and coffee, minibars, and safes. Those in Executive Rooms get free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and access to the Executive Lounge as well. Some of the marble bathrooms have a separate bathtub and shower, while others have a shower/tub combo. Bathrooms have handsome antique-style fixtures and include large granite vanities plus upgraded Peter Thomas Roth toiletries. There have been complaints about noise from neighboring rooms and from the canal as well.

The hotel has a wide range of facilities, some of which are surprising for a hotel in the Venice Lagoon. There are seven restaurants and bars, including the Bacaromi Restaurant, which serves Venetian dishes and has a view over the Giudecca Canal. There's also Aromi Restaurant which is open for dinner and has an outdoor terrace. It uses local ingredients to create classic Mediterranean food like risottos and elegant fresh pasta dishes. Cocktails, coffee, snacks, and casual lunches and dinners are available at the Rialto Lobby Bar and Lounge, and on the eighth floor is the Skyline Rooftop Bar which has an extensive cocktail menu and also serves light snacks. It's a stylish and atmospheric spot with impressive views of the Venice Skyline, from Canale Giudecca to Piazza San Marco. Keep in mind that while breakfast is offered, it's not included with most room rates. 

Another of the hotel’s highlights is the stunning rooftop swimming pool and the spa, both of which are utter rarities in hotels in Venice's core. The spa is one of the largest in Venice, and offers the standard array of treatments plus a sauna, hot tub, and Turkish bath. A fitness center is also offered -- it's modern and bright, and is open 24 hours a day. Business guests are well catered for too, as the property has 14 meeting rooms and Venice's largest convention center, with space for up to 1,000 delegates.

The hotel provides a shuttle service to the more central parts of Venice, though there is a fee for its use. Wi-Fi is only free for HIltonHonors members as well as some guests in higher category rooms. Babysitting services can be arranged and the hotel can provide concierge services as well.