Currie & Brown appointed to project manage the transformation of Venice’s historic Palazzo Donà Giovannelli into a luxury Orient Express Hotel

23 July 2024

Building on our Italian team’s extensive experience in the luxury hospitality sector, we have been appointed to oversee the full refurbishment of the stunning Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice, Italy. The project will transform this historic site into the luxurious Orient Express Hotel, a prestigious addition to the ACCOR Hotel group’s portfolio and our fifth hotel project working in partnership with the ACCOR brand.

Our team will manage the project, ensuring seamless coordination of cost, construction, and project management on this 15th century neo-gothic property.

Construction works in Venice, a UNESCO World heritage site, require skilled professionals to navigate the city’s unique challenges, including strict regulations to protect its architectural character, and our team has built a strong reputation for delivering complex projects for luxury clients in Venice in recent years.

Palazzo Donà Giovannelli

Built in the sixteenth century as the residence of the noble Coccina family, the Palazzo Giovanelli has a rich history and is one of Venice’s most prominent and beautiful boutique hotels, with an elegant marble exterior and extensive frescoes and period features throughout the interior. Under the ownership of ACCOR the building is being carefully updated by renowned architect, Aline Asmar d’Amman.

When completed, the new Orient Express Venice Hotel will feature luxury rooms and suites, along with a signature bar and restaurant. This Venice hotel will become the Orient Express brand’s second location in Italy, following their first in Rome.

Navigating uncertainty

With our experience of managing complex hotel refurbishment projects in Venice, we can pre-empt the potential logistical issues that may occur. It is important a project like this incorporates modern sustainable practices but holds on to the integrity of the building. This demands innovation and close collaboration with all parties involved. As an example, the building is located at the convergence of two canals making material delivery and removal especially challenging, and special barges and waste transfer stations on nearby islands are needed to facilitate waste removal.

Matteo Mantovani, managing director, Currie & Brown Italy said: "Originally built in 1400, the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is now set for its first full refurbishment in over three centuries. This project is as much about transforming this storied palace into a luxurious Orient Express Hotel, as it is about preserving its rich heritage. We are excited to start another project with the ACCOR Hotel group, building on our track record of seamless delivery and quality in project and cost management.”

We look forward to partnering with ACCOR, and prominent architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, to support the delivery of their ambitious design on time and within budget.