The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today celebrates the grand opening of The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice. The renowned hotel recently re-opened its legendary doors following a meticulous 35 million Euros restoration, bringing the historic building back to its original grandeur. The 15-month restoration of The Gritti Palace is part of a larger strategy to invest over 150 million Euros in the restoration of Starwood’s most celebrated Luxury Collection hotels in Europe, including Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville and Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastian which re-opened last year, as well as Prince de Galles in Paris which will re-open later this month. “There is a mystique about The Gritti Palace that has enchanted its guests for generations, so it was essential that we involved local artisans, architects, craftsmen and cultural institutions to preserve its authentic elegance and distinct personality, while bringing the landmark hotel into the 21st century,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis and W Hotels Worldwide. “The renaissance of this Venetian icon marks a momentous occasion for The Luxury Collection as the birthplace of the brand, now 85 hotels around the world, which has come full circle to restore its roots on the Grand Canal.”
“As part of Starwood’s strategy to further strengthen The Luxury Collection brand portfolio, we have made major investments to restore some of our most iconic hotels,” comments Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “The restoration of the majestic Gritti Palace reinforces our commitment to providing global explorers the chance to discover this incredible destination with the exceptional service and style they have come to expect from The Luxury Collection.”
Facing the majestic Santa Maria della Salute and steps from Piazza San Marco and La Fenice Theatre, The Gritti Palace was transformed into its current Gothic shape by the Pisani family in 1475 and became the private residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, in 1525. In the centuries that followed, it was home to other noble families and illustrious visitors before being converted into a luxury hotel in 1895. In 1947, The Gritti Palace was bought by CIGA (Compagnia Italiana Grandi Alberghi), to which The Luxury Collection brand traces its roots.
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