Like every year, in September the Venetian Lido returns to experience the magic of cinema on the occasion of the Mostra Internazionale d’arte Cinematografica exhibition. Among the historical sites of this event dedicated to the seventh art has always been the Hotel Excelsior, a five-star resort on the Guglielmo Marconi seafront, between the lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. Here is his story.
History of the Hotel Excelsior on the Venetian Lido
born from an idea Nicholas Spada AND John Sardis, this luxurious hotel was opened on July 21, 1908, in the presence of about 3,000 guests and in the refined style of the Belle Epoque, which for more than a hundred years has captivated famous people and Hollywood stars. “The mission was to open a residence for the European aristocracy looking for relaxation, beach and sun, close to Venice,” said Cristiano Morelli, commercial consultant for the Excelsior Hotel, adding that “in a few years it became the location of the Venetian Hotel Excelsior” . Film Festival. The event was held on the terrace during the first editions, when the Palazzo del Kino had not yet been built.” In fact, every September since 1932, Hollywood has moved to the Lido, hosting a film event that draws creative guests from all over the world.
The most famous guests of the Excelsior Hotel in Venice
Byron, Henry James, John Steinbeck, Winston Churchill, Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Ingrid Bergman, George Clooney, Sandra Bullock, Pedro Almodovar, Johnny Depp, Monica Bellucci AND Cate Blanchett are just some of the names that have stayed at the exclusive Mediterranean resort and performed on the red carpet of the prestigious festival. Alberto Sordi was joking in a swimsuit on the beach in front of the Excelsior Hotel, while Anna Magnani and Roberto Rossellini strolled on the terrace. A preliminary presentation of the film took place at the first Venice Film Festival. forbidden From Frank Capra In the presence Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Boris Karloff AND Clark Gable. A one and a half kilometer long private beach with elegant white super-equipped cabins is, of course, the strength of the Venetian hotel.
In 1857, the first local bath was built – the Big Bath, erected on a living sea wave. “Due to its location between two marine systems (sea and lagoon), the island enjoys idyllic weather conditions and the Adriatic breeze that balances the heat of the Venetian summer. In the first half of the twentieth century, the Lido bore the title golden island for his architectural structures inspired by the Belle Epoque,” said Morelli. Famous Hall of stuccodesigned in the Louis XVI style with an eclectic mix of medieval and arabesque influences, it caught the attention of Hollywood and served as the backdrop for a famous scene from the 1984 drama. Once upon time in Americawith Robert De Niro, directed by Sergio Leone.
Within three years, a €250 million restructuring plan was implemented, which included the refurbishment of 197 rooms – one of the largest in Venice – and the creation of a suite in the central dome with 360-degree views of the Venetian city. Rooms offer views of the Moorish courtyard and fountains, or the Adriatic Sea and the Venetian Lagoon. Today, the Excelsior Hotel is the result of an oriental interpretation of Venetian-Byzantine techniques, with exterior brick walls, windows and domes, curved arches, triple and double lancet windows, machines, roof terraces, gold-background mosaics and towers.
The resort has two restaurants, two bars, a casual pool and fitness center for guests. However, during the Venice Film Festival it becomes, above all, a place where the curious and moviegoers hope to meet big-screen professionals, relaxing between the press and the premiere.
MOST READ ARTICLES ELLE.IT
Why don’t women in Italy report it?
Back to the city: see the guide
How to restore hair after the holidays
