The Hilton Molino Stucky makes an eye-catching first impression. Cruising into the hotel on Venice’s Giudecca Canal, the converted 19th century flour mill shrinks everything else around it. It is a grand, and iconic building that has been carefully renovated to deliver 5-star luxury right on Venice’s front door step, or wharf as it were.
Back in 1895, 1500 people worked at the mill, producing 50 tonnes of flour per day. Today, that history is celebrated through a careful design balance or traditional and modern styling. As you would expect from Venice’s largest hotel and a Hilton property everything is within reach on site. A popular choice for conferences and large family groups, there are seven restaurants, two roof top bars, a roof top swimming pool, a fitness centre and wellness spa and the list continues.
REST
Walking into our Executive Room, the direct view of the Giudecca Canal is the first feature that grabs you. Windows fold back and the sights and sounds of Venice drift in. With welcome bellinis waiting, we took a moment to watch the world go by, feasting on the activity of the busy waterway below.
The layout of the room was perfect for a couple or a corporate; there was a generous working space, a comfortable king size bed with Venetian glass chandelier overhead and a marble bathroom with a tub. The decor moulds a modern take on old Venetian charm; rich wooden furnishings, luxe mirror and gold finishes with masculine black accents.
NOURISH
There’s no need to venture into Venice to battle the crowds for a dinner spot if you don’t feel like it. The Hilton has every craving covered with seven restaurants offering everything from sweet pancakes to cafe snacks, a rooftop lunch or romantic candle lit cuisine all within strolling distance from your room.
Executive Lounge
One of the perks of staying on the Executive floor was the additional access to the Executive Lounge. The lounge is located on the ground floor, offering cosy canal-side seats, complimentary snacks throughout the day, free Happy Hour drinks every afternoon and breakfast each morning, away from the rest of the hotel guests. It’s the ideal spot to get a little work done too if you’re travelling for both work and pleasure.
Breakfast is a combination of a typical American style buffet (eggs, bacon, sausages, breads, pastries, cereals), with a few Italian touches (cured meats, cheeses and salads). It’s safe to say you’ll be very satisfied before heading out to wander along the canals.
Bacaromi Restaurant
Bacaromi Restaurant is the place to try traditional venetian flavours while savouring the sunset. The restaurant pours out into the courtyard. It has a fantastic view of the Venetian city skyline, while remaining sheltered at either side from the wind coming off the canal.
Starting with a mix of venetian typical savoury cicchetti (bite-sized servings of local specialties) was a tasty way to try some local slow fare, without filling us up too much before the creamy risotto arrived. The Porseeto Da Late Rosto (roasted piglet with rosemary potatoes and vegetables sautéed) was my favourite dish. The pork was melt-in-you-mouth tender and the vegetables were fresh and deliciously seasoned.
EXPLORE
The busy city centre is close enough to exploring by simple jumping on to the Hilton Shuttle Boat (it has two drop off and pick up points along the canal). Yet you can escape the European summer crowds pounding the pavements building up their Italian vacation photo portfolio, whenever you’re ready to return to the comfort of the hotel. If you’re interested in a tour of the city, you want a go on a Gondola, a water taxi or you simply want a recommendation for a restaurant in town, the hotel concierge will be happy to help.
MOVE
If getting lost in the cobblestone streets of Venice isn’t burning off all of that pizza and pasta, head to the Hilton’s multi-level fitness centre. It is fitted out with a brand new cable machine, free weights and core strengthening gear (swiss balls and the like), with a separate room for your cardio work. The space is clean and modern and nicely air conditioned (a necessity in the Italian summer heat).
If hitting the gym isn’t your thing, head to the roof instead. It is there you’ll find the best view in the house; from the roof top pool. Fight the urge to simply hit the bar on the way to the water and get in some laps as the sun goes down over Venice. It’s a pinch yourself perfect spot to get some exercise (even a little sun earlier in the day) and unwind with a cocktail at once you’ve wrapped with your laps.
Thank you to the Hilton for hosting The Fit Traveller during our stay in Venice.
Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Giudecca 810, 30133, Venice, Italy
+39 041 2723 311
Find transfer information here.
Search for another Hilton property here.
Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.
She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.
As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.
Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.
Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.
Read more about Skye’s story here.