Studio Ruberti Cutillo’s Londra Palace Venezia is a Venetian masterpiece restored
Originally opened in 1853 as The Hotel d'Angleterre and Pension, the property's rich history includes ownership by the Babini family since 1938. Share
The Londra Palace Venezia—originally opened in 1853—has undergone an extensive renovation by Studio Ruberti Cutillo, breathing new life into this historic 52-room palazzo while preserving its architectural legacy. The hotel’s signature 100-window façade overlooking the San Marco Basin in Venice remains intact, but the interior now boasts a modern aesthetic that respects its history. The redesign features updated public spaces, immersive dining experiences, and luxury amenities that align with the building’s storied past.
This renovation marks the latest chapter in the property’s rich history. Initially opened as The Hotel d’Angleterre and Pension, the hotel was established in response to Venice’s growing need for accommodations following the construction of the city’s railway connection. Purchased by the Babini family in 1938, the hotel saw various upgrades over the decades, culminating in the recent project that reduced the room count from 73 to 52, offering guests more spacious accommodations.
The design by Studio Ruberti Cutillo merges historic Venetian influences with contemporary touches. Drawing inspiration from classic Veneto villas, the interiors feature updated versions of traditional Venetian silks, velvets, and brocades. Fortuny chandeliers and Rubelli textiles add vibrant yet refined elements, balancing modern design with the timeless craftsmanship for which Venice is known. The hotel’s most notable rooms include the top-floor Panoramic View Suite with a private patio offering stunning views, along with two signature suites dedicated to Jules Verne and Jorge Luis Borges, both highlighting Venetian culture through carefully curated décor.
Public spaces have been redesigned to provide both comfort and elegance, with a lounge featuring Murano chandeliers and rich velvet seating that invites both guests and locals. Executive Chef Daniele Galliazzo leads the hotel’s culinary offerings, including the LPV Bar and LPV Ristorante, which emphasize traditional Venetian flavours combined with local ingredients. The LPV Ristorante’s menu is divided into three themes—water, earth, and air—each representing different aspects of Venice’s culinary heritage. The Altana rooftop terrace, inspired by traditional wooden structures found on Venetian rooftops, offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding lagoon.
Beyond the hotel’s redesign, Londra Palace Venezia is committed to preserving Venetian artisanal traditions through its philanthropic initiative, The Place of Wonders. This program, central to the hotel’s brand ethos, supports the protection and promotion of Italian craftsmanship. Guests can engage with local art forms, from glassmaking to textile weaving, through exclusive visits and workshops. The hotel is also launching an apprenticeship program in collaboration with renowned Murano glass bead artists Alessia Fuga and Marisa Convento, offering four students the opportunity to learn these rare skills.
The collaboration between General Manager Alain Bullo and the creative agency Venezia da Vivere has also led to the introduction of ‘Mano a Mano,’ a collection of five artisanal objects crafted by Venetian artists. These limited-edition pieces, which combine functionality with artistic expression, will be displayed throughout the property.
Intrinsic to Londra Palace Venezia is its rich history from its construction in 1853 to its most recent redesign completed in 2024. Originally opened under the name The Hotel d’Angleterre and Pension, the property was created in response to a growing demand for accommodations in Venice once the city’s railroad linked the island to the mainland. After being purchased by the Babini family in 1938, the property continued to evolve with exterior restorations in the 1950s, interiors in the 1990s, and reducing the room count from 73 to a more spacious 52 – one room for each week of the year.
Londra Palace Venezia is now part of The Hospitality Experience (THE), a collection of luxury Italian properties owned by the Babini family. The group’s cultural programming and commitment to artisanal traditions reflect the values that have guided the renovation of this historic hotel, ensuring that the essence of Venice is embedded in every aspect of the guest experience.
For further information, visit londrapalace.com
