St Regis Venice

Dear St. Regis Venice Team, I am writing to express our profound gratitude for the exceptional experience we had at your establishment last night, as we gathered to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday. She had envisioned marking this special occasion with a magnificent view of the Grand Canal, enveloped in the artistry and unique atmosphere that Venice so effortlessly provides. My in-laws, seasoned travelers who have been fortunate enough to visit distinguished establishments, including those adorned with Michelin stars, faced the challenge of finding the perfect venue. The St. Regis Venice, with its promise to fulfill my mother-in-law's wishes, not only met but exceeded our lofty expectations, ensuring an unforgettable birthday celebration. I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to Alessandro Polelto, the Head Concierge, whose dedication went above and beyond in orchestrating an experience that truly mirrored the exceptional standards of the St. Regis brand. Our journey commenced on the St. Regis terrace, overlooking the resplendent Grand Canal. Our party, consisting of five individuals, including my three-year-old son, was accommodated with remarkable finesse. Despite the relatively large group, Alessandro had meticulously arranged an outdoor setting that allowed us to bask in the enchanting view and serene ambiance. Our table graced us with delectable Italian olives, enticing canapés, and artisanal sandwiches elegantly presented in Murano glass dishes. The presence of salt and vinegar crisps, my personal favorite, delighted not only me but also my son, who was promptly offered his own glass of crisps—an endearing gesture that made him feel truly special. Our introduction to the Italian Ferrari Maximus, Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, presented in the traditional ice bucket, was accompanied by an enlightening narration from our attentive waiter. He shared the history of Casa Ferrari, explaining that this Trento DOC, crafted solely from Chardonnay grapes, embodies the unique union with the Trentino mountains. We learned that the legend of Ferrari began with Giulio Ferrari's dream of creating an Italian wine inspired by the finest French Champagne. The freshness, fragrance, and finesse of the wine were nothing short of exceptional. Sipping this Italian gem while gazing at the Grand Canal, surrounded by impeccable weather and passing gondolas, was an experience to cherish. Our evening was further enhanced by the sight of the exclusive Sea Cloud II with its majestic three masts—an unexpected delight that could have held us captivated for hours. However, dinner awaited us at Gio's, the St. Regis restaurant, promising a culinary adventure of its own. Alessandro graciously guided us through the artful lobby and on to our table, where we were introduced to Enrico Pagnotta, Gio's Restaurant Manager. Enrico assured us of his unwavering support and introduced us to the capable hands of Vitilis, the Head Waiter, along with his team members, Lucca and Agostino. Their dedication to providing an extraordinary dining experience was evident from the outset. The beverage menu offered an extensive array of choices, including a page dedicated to artistically designed cocktails. Given the celebratory nature of our gathering, we chose to toast with a favorite—Veuve Clicquot. Even our son was included in the toast, with his glass of ginger ale—a creative and thoughtful touch. Opting for the five-course tasting menu with wine pairing, we marveled at the thoughtfully crafted dishes that awaited us. As a welcome from the chef, we savored leaf-shaped paprika chips accompanied by crispy toasted ravioli—a delightful prelude to the culinary journey that lay ahead. Among the five courses, the red tuna sashimi and the Guinea-fowl terrine, complete with its signature fried artichoke, stood out as true culinary gems. The ravioli with escargot was a particular favorite, showcasing executive chef’s Giuseppe Ricci - mastery in elevating traditional Italian ravioli with the sophistication of escargot. The menu was thoughtfully paired with wines that complemented each dish, but the decision to pair the Yakitori grilled octopus with Le Cassemate Peloro Rosso from Sicily was a bold and brilliant choice, enhancing the full spectrum of flavors. Throughout the celebration, Lucca and Agostino along with the rest of the team, went the extra mile to ensure a memorable experience. Special mention must be made of Agostino, who displayed remarkable attentiveness, especially towards my mother in law and toddler, anticipating their every need. Agostino also demonstrated remarkable photography skills, offering to capture precious moments with an attention to detail that we deeply appreciated. Dessert was nothing short of spectacular—a mint meringue crowned with ginger yogurt foam and red currant sorbet provided the perfect finale to our culinary journey. To mark my mother-in-law's birthday, the St. Regis team exceeded all expectations, presenting her with a bouquet of exquisite pink roses, a personalized chocolate truffle cake adorned with berries and a candle—a truly posh celebration. Not to be overlooked, my son was gifted a St. Regis teddy bear, now a cherished companion that accompanies him everywhere. In summary, the flawless orchestration of our evening by Alessandro, Enrico, and their dedicated team, including the knowledgeable sommeliers, transformed our celebration into an unforgettable memory. The St. Regis Venice not only met but exceeded our high expectations for a distinguished establishment. It is evident that under the visionary leadership of Facundo Gallegos, Director of Bars and Restaurants, the St. Regis brand continues to thrive, upholding its esteemed reputation and pioneering the forefront of excellence. Thank you for the memorable experience! Sincerely,

I have had the opportunity to stay at many wonderful hotels, but none compare to the St. Regis in Venice. Upon arriving four members of the bell staff rushed out to greet us and help us out of our water taxi. It was like a scene from a movie and we felt like stars. We were then escorted to our check in area where we sat at a desk with a member of our front desk staff. They offered us a drink and explained our room to us. We were introduced to our butler Marco, but we don't like to call him our butler because he is our friend. He gave us a tour of the hotel and told us about the chandelier, the bar, the lobby, concierge, and the sabrage. He was so considerate and thoughtful. We always enjoyed seeing Marco throughout our stay and he was so friendly to us. After we settled into our room, we visited the concierge desk to get suggestions for a long walk and dinner. Our concierge was Alberto and he was incredible. He listened thoroughly to what we asked for and planned the perfect walk and the perfect restaurant for dinner. Alberto also gave us the names of the owners of the restaurant to make sure that we get A+ service. I don't know how he did it, but he got us the best table in the entire restaurant and it was an incredible experience. Alberto also got us a free water taxi to Murano to visit a glass factory with a private tour. It was a lot of fun and educational. At the end of our visit, he arranged our airport transportation. Alberto and Marco made our experience at the St Regis an unforgettable and truly over the top.

Everything at st Regis is always top of the top! The service it’s world class with a special shout out to my personal butler Giorgio! Also restaurant service at Gio, receptionist and room service! I would come back anytime!