Few hotels in Venice can claim a history that stretches back to the 12th century. Fewer still have managed to preserve that remarkable heritage while continually reinventing themselves for modern luxury travelers. Now, Baglioni Hotel Luna Venice is celebrating the completion of a multi-year transformation that enhances its guestrooms, public spaces, dining experiences, and historic event venues while remaining true to its extraordinary past.
Located just steps from St. Mark’s Square, the landmark property has long been one of Venice’s most iconic addresses. Its latest chapter reflects a careful balance between preservation and innovation, ensuring the hotel remains one of Italy’s premier luxury destinations for years to come.
A Hotel with Eight Centuries of History
Baglioni Hotel Luna occupies one of the most historic sites in Venice.
The building’s origins date back to the 12th century, when it served as a refuge for the Knights Templar before their journeys to the Holy Land. Over the centuries, it evolved into one of Venice’s grand hotels, welcoming generations of distinguished travelers while maintaining its privileged location overlooking the Bacino di San Marco and the lagoon beyond.
Today, that remarkable history remains woven into every corner of the property.
A Thoughtful Transformation
Rather than dramatically reinventing the hotel, the recent renovations have focused on enhancing the guest experience while respecting the building’s architectural character.
Over the past five years, every guestroom and suite has been carefully refurbished using materials that celebrate Italian craftsmanship. Highlights include handcrafted wood flooring, elegant Carrara marble finishes, and luxurious Rubelli fabrics, one of Venice’s most celebrated textile traditions. Even the hotel’s most exclusive accommodation, the San Giorgio Suite, features Versailles-style parquet flooring that reflects the property’s timeless elegance.
The result is a collection of accommodations that feel both contemporary and unmistakably Venetian.
Refined Public Spaces
The hotel’s public areas have also received careful attention.
In 2021, the iconic Canova Bar and reception area were reimagined by the acclaimed architecture studio Spagnulo & Partners, introducing contemporary touches while preserving the spaces’ historic charm and refined atmosphere.
Most recently, the magnificent Marco Polo Ballroom has undergone a meticulous restoration. Today, the ballroom serves as both a breakfast venue and an elegant setting for special events, with improvements designed to enhance guest comfort while preserving its priceless artistic treasures.
Among its most remarkable features are 18th-century frescoes from the School of Tiepolo alongside 19th-century paintings by Ermolao Paoletti, making the ballroom one of Venice’s most extraordinary historic interiors.
Santo Mare Brings Fresh Flavors to Venice
The transformation extends beyond accommodations into the hotel’s culinary offerings.
In 2025, Baglioni Hotel Luna introduced Santo Mare, its signature seafood restaurant developed in collaboration with Reitano Food.
The restaurant celebrates the finest seafood sourced from Italian waters, inviting diners to select the day’s catch before chefs transform it into refined seasonal dishes. Combined with an expertly curated wine list and an emphasis on fresh regional ingredients, Santo Mare has quickly become an important part of the hotel’s gastronomic identity and a destination for both visitors and Venetians alike.
A New Leadership Chapter
The hotel’s renewed vision also includes new leadership.
Baglioni Hotel Luna has appointed Tito De Benedetto as General Manager, bringing extensive international hospitality experience to one of Europe’s most distinguished luxury hotels.
His appointment signals the beginning of a new chapter, building upon the property’s long-standing reputation for exceptional service while continuing the hotel’s commitment to preserving its unique place within Venice’s hospitality landscape.
Staying in the Heart of Venice
One of Baglioni Hotel Luna’s greatest strengths remains its exceptional location.
Situated only moments from St. Mark’s Square, the hotel provides easy access to many of Venice’s most celebrated attractions, including the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Grand Canal, and the city’s renowned shopping streets. Guests can also enjoy spectacular views across the lagoon toward the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, one of Venice’s most iconic panoramas.
Whether arriving by private water taxi or exploring the city’s maze of canals and narrow streets on foot, the hotel offers an ideal base for discovering the timeless beauty of Venice.
Honoring the Past While Looking Ahead
As many historic hotels face the challenge of remaining relevant without losing their identity, Baglioni Hotel Luna demonstrates that thoughtful restoration can accomplish both.
By carefully preserving centuries-old architecture while enhancing guestrooms, dining, and guest experiences, the property continues to evolve without compromising the heritage that has made it one of Venice’s most treasured hotels.
For travelers seeking an authentic luxury stay in the heart of Venice, Baglioni Hotel Luna offers something increasingly rare: a hotel where every renovation strengthens the connection between past and present, allowing guests to experience the city’s remarkable history while enjoying the comforts of contemporary hospitality.
