JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa — Hotel in Venice

My recent sojourn at the JW Marriott Venice was nothing short of magical—an experience that has forever redefined my understanding of luxury hospitality. As someone who has traversed the globe staying at the world's finest Marriott properties, I can unequivocally say that this ethereal retreat stands in a league of its own, casting a spell that begins the moment you step onto their private island sanctuary.

Arriving by private water taxi, you're immediately transported into a world where every detail has been meticulously curated to create moments of pure enchantment. The property is a masterpiece of architectural brilliance, harmoniously wedding contemporary luxury with historic Venetian grandeur. Surrounded by the shimmering waters of the lagoon, the hotel commands breathtaking 360-degree views that paint a new masterpiece with each passing hour as the light dances across the water.

The true heart of this paradise beats through its extraordinary staff, particularly Ricardo at the front desk, whose presence elevates the art of hospitality to new heights. His intuitive understanding of guests' needs borders on telepathic—each interaction feels less like a hotel service and more like being welcomed by a dear friend who knows your preferences better than you do. Ricardo's passionate dedication to crafting perfectly personalized experiences sets a gold standard that other luxury properties can only aspire to match.

The accommodations themselves are nothing short of spectacular. Each room feels like a carefully curated gallery space, where modern luxuries meld seamlessly with authentic Venetian aesthetics. The attention to detail is astounding—from the handcrafted Italian furnishings to the floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the lagoon like living paintings. The beds, draped in silken linens, promise nights of such profound rest that you'll wake feeling reborn.

The rooftop infinity pool deserves special mention—it's quite simply one of the most magnificent settings I've encountered anywhere in the world. Floating there at sunset, watching the sky ignite in brilliant hues while Venice's spires glitter in the distance, creates moments of such transcendent beauty that they feel almost surreal. The surrounding gardens, meticulously maintained yet wonderfully wild, provide secret corners of serenity perfect for quiet contemplation or romantic interludes.

The culinary experience at the JW Marriott Venice elevates dining to an art form. Each restaurant offers its own distinctive journey through the flavors of Italy, with ingredients so fresh you can taste the morning dew still clinging to the herbs from their own garden. The chefs here don't just prepare meals; they orchestrate gastronomic symphonies that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Venice while adding their own innovative flourishes.

What truly sets this property apart is its ability to create a perfect harmony between exclusivity and warmth, between luxury and comfort, between sophistication and genuine hospitality. It's a rare alchemy that transforms what could be just another high-end hotel into something truly extraordinary—a destination that doesn't just meet expectations but reimagines what's possible in luxury hospitality.

For those seeking not just accommodation but an experience that will leave an indelible mark on their soul, the JW Marriott Venice awaits. It's more than a hotel; it's a sanctuary where memories of exceptional beauty and unparalleled service will linger long after you've returned home. In a world of luxury hotels, this isn't just at the top of the list—it's in a category all its own, setting standards that others can only dream of achieving.

I'll be counting the days until I can return to this slice of paradise, where every moment is infused with magic, and every detail tells a story of passion for perfection. The JW Marriott Venice isn't just a place to stay; it's a destination that will transform your understanding of what a truly exceptional hotel...

Venice is a city which I had promised to myself I would never visit until I got married. It took me five decades to get married and with our two kids and the Bienniale in full swing I finally decided to cross this city of my bucket list.

Staying at a JW Marriott while visiting the city of Venice sounds a bit counterintuitive and names like the Gritti Palace, Danieli, or the Bauer may resonate more strongly when you think of places to stay in this historical city but on the recommendation of ex colleagues and dear friends who had stayed there recently for a Mckinsey partners conference , I decided to give it a try with my family . (Think of a very demanding wife and two hyperactive boys under 5)

A few things to note

It is located on a private island 15 minutes away by a free hotel shuttle from Venice. This to me now is the secret for visiting Venice and staying sane , the beautiful grounds and ample space (the hotel was a former hospital) plus being set away from the human swarm that engulfs Venice proper allows you a sanctuary and refuge away from the swarms of tourist infested streets

The rooms are modern and contemporary, and most importantly spacious. Soothing colours and thoughtful layout make the rooms a delight to be in and the maisonettes suites have their own little garden and jacuzzi which means you never have to leave your room for anything. The mattresses could be a bit better but that’s a corporate policy decision but other than that no complaints. The toiletries could also have been more representative of the area instead of the usual brands in corporate hotels…

The staff are fantastic. From Jacopo , Alessio Vittorio and his team at the concierge desk who represent everything that a Clef D’or concierge team should be, to the staff at the Sagra rooftop bar that found me a cigar blowtorch as opposed to leaving me with the standard hotel matches for my evening cigar sessions I cannot say enough about the quality and professionalism of the team here. I have stayed in the best hotels around the world and people to me are the heart and soul of every hotel…this team has big heart and big soul…they deal with families and children like my enfant terribles with the same joy and passion and patience with which they treat the retired octogenarian couple visiting Venice whilst on a cruise ships. The team that man the online chat function through the Bonvoy app are courteous and responsive which means you never really have to wait for anything or waste time on the line trying to get staff to attend to your room, dining requests etc

The restaurants are popular and our only regret was that we didn’t get to try anything beyond breakfast and a pizza at their coffee shop but what we had was impeccable. Again, the space and grounds on which the hotel is set allows the luxury of space and a variety of dining ambiance’s which no hotel on Venice proper will be able to afford . The restaurant at the Gritti has a great view of the canal but you kind of feel cramped …hence great for a coffee or an aperitif but not so great for a long lunch…

Would I come back again, yes! Despite hotels like Kempinski , Excelsior and Cipriani also being on islands away from Venice I can honestly say I would have no hesitation coming back to this hotel on future trips here .

We leave today, with happy memories and a heavy heart that we cannot stay longer but eager to...

A Traumatizing Experience of Racial Profiling and False Accusations at JW Marriott Venice (Stay Dates: 3rd to 6th June 2025)

My husband and I chose JW Marriott Venice for our honeymoon, expecting a luxurious and memorable experience. Instead, we faced two days of emotional distress, racial profiling, and unjust humiliation — an experience that no guest should ever endure, let alone honeymooners.

We stayed at the property from 3rd to 6th June 2025. Upon arriving late in the evening on the 3rd, we proceeded to pay for our stay in cash, as we had selected the “pay at property” option via Booking.com and were not carrying the card used for the reservation. The front desk staff took the cash to verify it — and returned claiming that some of the notes were counterfeit. This cash had been legally exchanged in Dubai, so we were immediately concerned and confused.

The following morning, we received a call from reception requesting that we meet with their Chief of Security, Mr. Marco. Mr. Marco politely informed us — as a protocol — that since the notes were flagged by their verification system, they would need to involve the police or relevant authorities to handle the situation. We agreed without hesitation and even told him that we were willing to take the notes back to Dubai and resolve it through the same exchange office, but we would not leave our cash with the hotel. At no point did we refuse cooperation — in fact, we encouraged them to involve the police, because we had done nothing wrong.

When asked, we openly shared that we were carrying €10,000, and were then advised not to use the cash while the matter was being looked into. The next morning, police were called, and we spent nearly two hours with them — having every note checked thoroughly. In the end, the police confirmed that every single euro was authentic, apologized for the inconvenience, and told us to enjoy the rest of our holiday.

But instead of ending the matter there, Mr. Marco continued to push the police, insisting they review footage of us carrying the money and pressuring them to check more notes. Despite the police clearing everything, Mr. Marco appeared determined to cast further suspicion on us — without justification. What was meant to be a peaceful and romantic trip turned into two days of mental exhaustion and humiliation.

We can’t help but question whether the scrutiny and suspicion were rooted in racial profiling, as nothing else justified the aggressive follow-up even after the authorities had cleared us. We were treated like criminals simply for carrying a legal amount of cash on an international trip.

This ordeal has left a deep scar. We stayed in one of the world's most beautiful cities, but JW Marriott Venice became the worst part of our honeymoon. The stress, the suspicion, and the relentless questioning by someone who refused to accept the word of law enforcement — namely, Mr. Marco — was traumatizing.

Marriott, this is not how guests should be treated. Protocol does not justify prejudice. Luxury does not excuse humiliation. We will never return to this property, and we strongly urge international travelers — especially from the Middle East — to be aware of how easily they can be singled out, profiled, and harassed, even at a supposed...