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.
Hilton Molina Stucky, Venice from the Giudecca Canal. Image © Skye Gilkeson
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.
Executive Canal View Room, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice. Image © Skye Gilkeson
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.
The perfect hotel for conferences or corporates. Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Bathroom – Executive Canal View Room, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Welcome cocktails in our room at Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice. Image © Skye Gilkeson
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.
Buffet breakfast in the Executive Lounge, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice. Image © Skye Gilkeson
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 & Aromi Restaurant offer guests a front row seat on the canal with a clear view of the Venice skyline. Perfect for a sunset meal. Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice. Image © Skye Gilkeson
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.
Misto De Cicheti Venexiani – Selection of typical venetian “Cicchetti”. Bacaromi Restaurant, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice. Image © Skye Gilkeson
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.
Risoto Manteca’ Ae Secoe – Creamy risotto with beef meat ragout. Bacaromi Restaurant, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Porseeto Da Late Rosto – Roasted piglet with rosemary potatoes and vegetables sautéed. Bacaromi Restaurant, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice. Image © Skye Gilkeson
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.
Piazza San Marco, Venice. A must-see when working through your Italian bucket list. Image © Skye Gilkeson
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).
