Formerly one of Europe’s largest flour mills, The Hilton Molino Stucky stands on Giudecca Island’s banks as one of Venice’s most luxurious hotels. Having spent years empty and abandoned due to the political and financial turmoils of the 20th century, Societa Dell’Acqua Pia Antica Marcia Spa partnered with Hilton and bought the 140-year-old complex – reviving it into a stunning five-star hotel with 379 elegant rooms and suites. The hotel, carrying Italy’s industrial heritage into the future, also boasts the city’s highest rooftop bar and pool, which visitors of the Presidential Suite have exclusive access to.
Location
Located on the tranquil Giudecca Island, a canal separates Hilton Molino Stucky from mainland Venice. The Venetian skyline, as well as its canals and lagoons, are best appreciated from the hotel’s rooftop where the Skyline Bar nestles – the highest in town.
Giudecca Island itself is a sight to behold; the long waterside promenade and narrow streets epitomise the charms of Old Venice. Some monuments include The Church of the Redeemer, created to give thanks for the end of a plague outbreak.
Despite being separate from the mainland, Giudecca is well-connected. You can access the rest of Venice through a water taxi if you’re in a rush, or even hire a privately scheduled ferry to take the scenic route and admire gorgeous panoramas. Lines 2, 4.1, and 4.2 of the Vaporetto (a sort of public water bus) all connect the island to various parts of the mainland. The hotel also has an exclusive shuttle service, which is very regular and a great way to move around Venice.
First Impressions
Having taken the water taxi for a luxurious (and faster) route to the hotel, it was an easy 15 minute ride. With its leather upholstery, classic wooden design, the motoscafo provided a uniquely comfortable ride and dropped me right outside the hotel.
Given its location near the waterfront, my first look at the Hilton Molino Stucky came from inside the water taxi. The building towered over me, its red bricks radiating the late afternoon warm sunlight. Bright and airy, The Molino Stucky’s lounge has plenty of seats to keep visitors comfortable while waiting for checking in – not that I waited long, the process moved swiftly. I headed straight to my room, exploring the towering floors – you can easily get all your steps in wandering here.
The Room
Eager to see Biagio Forino’s latest unique designs, I first had a look at the King Molino Executive Suite. It was first launched this April along with the King Molino Family Suites and King Molino Executive Suites, offering a special view of Venice.
The moment I stepped in, I was in awe of how well Forino designed the suite to capture Molino Stucky’s essence. The brushed oak floors and exposed wooden beams on the gently sloping ceiling preserved an echo of Molino Stucky’s past life as a flour mill. Around the rest of the suite, a Murano glass chandelier, black lacquer furniture, and a resplendent marble bathroom lavished it.
Our room with a view featured tranquil teals reflecting the hues of Venice’s lagoon and ancient network of canals. Combined with creams and earthy tones, I found the palette both calming and sophisticated. The room also had interesting design touches with Venetian drawings inside the storage cupboards and walls.
The mattress, with its extra coils for better motion absorption, and the room’s blackout curtains were exactly what I needed after a long day. The pillows were also super comfortable, which is a rare thing in hotels.
Aromi Restaurant’s New Menu
A spot where Italy’s finest ingredients blend with oriental spices, Execute Chef Ivan Fragnoli brought his 20 years of culinary expertise from Milan, China, and Dubai to craft a new, meticulously-researched menu for the hotel’s restaurant, Aromi. Drawing inspiration from seasonal changes, the new menu celebrates a new season in Venice, using only the freshest produce. Every dish unfolds Fragnoli’s culinary story across the East and West, compiling research of different ingredients worldwide and extensive taste testing to engage the senses through unique flavours. You must try the 7-course tasting menu with their curated wine pairings – an impeccable gastronomic experience.
Onto the main course, I chose the signature Roasted Glacier 51 cod fillet. It’s served with zucchini carpaccio, spinach, bouillabaisse, as well as chorizo powder and sauce. The dish’s flavours amazed me, combining Japan’s sweet spinach, and balancing it with spicy chorizo sausages. While the codfish was tender itself, the zucchini carpaccio added a nice texture to it. If you’re a fish lover, there’s also the light yellowfin tuna fillet, marinated in their “Milano-Torino” cocktail sauce. It also comes with pan brioche and Doubanjiang mayonnaise.
Other signature main courses include the hazelnut-fed viccioli veal with baby corn, sautéed glasswort and hazelnut sauce. This type of veal, renowned for its high quality, can only be sourced from Italy’s Piemonte region. And of course, I can’t overlook Chef Fragnoli’s double-boiled Asian spiced duck consomée with duck floss. He’d perfected this dish over years, researching ingredients and learning its preparation techniques.
Nestled alongside Venice’s peaceful canal, Aromi’s summer terrace opens onto the city’s most spectacular views. Hilton Molino Stucky has two other restaurants led by Ivan: Bacaromi and Rialto. Designed to look like a Venetian bacaro, Bacaromi has a rustic charm to it and serves authentic fresh pasta with craft beers. As for Rialto, its menu includes both Italian and international dishes in case you’re craving a burger.
Breakfast
I sat in the II Molino Restaurant, surrounded by an impressive selection of local art, and had a relaxed breakfast buffet. A staggering range of pastries, jams, cheeses, prosciutto and fruits were served. I particularly enjoyed the fresh waffles and pancakes, which I ate with jam and honey. Whether you prefer a simple toast and coffee, or a filling meal of sausages and scrambled eggs, there’s something for everyone.
The Skyline Bar
Who could visit the Hilton Molino Stucky without making a trip up to the Skyline Bar? With the best views of Venice, I found it the ideal place to watch the sunset. The sky looked so romantic with all its pink hues, slowly falling into darkness while Venice’s lights began blinking. It was truly a magical moment.
Skyline Rooftop Bar recently appointed bar manager Valentina Mircea, who’d been with Hilton since the age of 19. Mircea, along with her team, spearheaded a brand-new cocktail menu celebrating the timeless spirit of Venice while also prioritising sustainable and repurposed ingredients to reduce waste. Notably, the fruity cocktail Umami is made into refreshing mango foam and juice extracted from the entire fruit. By incorporating both the pulp and the juice of the entire mango, the full elixir of the fruit is extracted for a bright mixture blended with oriental spices, transporting visitors all the way to the tropics.
One of her other creations, also waste-free, is the Negroni Delight: a classical Italian cocktail capturing the heart of Venice at night. The drink uses the repurposed Mediterranean scents of house vermouth, juniper and savoury Salicornia, along with recycled flat champagne and Prosecco.
The panoramic views are best enjoyed while sipping one of Skyline Bar’s signature cocktails. They were recognised among the best in Europe by the World Luxury Restaurants Awards, and the best in Italy by the Haute Grandeur Awards. From the intricate Raw Mary to the milk-clarified Crystal Martini, every cocktail expresses mastery.
That being said, the opulent Golden Serenissima mix of velvety smooth cognac and silky coconut milk stood out to me. The drink is adorned with a powder made from smoked dried pineapple and rice, reminding me of Lido Island’s sandy beaches. As a long-time tiramisu fan, you can also enjoy the Spiramisu, a 0% cocktail attributed to the iconic Italian dessert.
Things to do in Hilton Molino Stucky
Of course, I can’t speak of Hilton Molino Stucky’s rooftop views without telling you about its pool. It’s a great place to tan while lounging with a refreshing cocktail and a good book. You can also practice your backstroke while enjoying stunning panoramic views of Venice. On clear days, you could even see as far as the Piazza San Marco.
The spa is another Hilton offering you shouldn’t miss. After spending long days discovering the gifts of Venice, I went to the hotel’s wellness area, where you can find the sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi overlooking the Stucky Garden. There’s also a 24/7 fitness centre with weights, treadmills, and other equipment.
In a Nutshell
The new suites by Biagio Forino are masterpieces in capturing the building’s essence, preserving its history as a flour mill without sacrificing luxury. I would’ve been sorry had I missed Aromi’s new menu. Chef Fargnoli really proved his culinary mastery, bringing decades worth of experience to craft it.
The new suites are available to book now, with starting prices from €850 on a bed and breakfast basis. Nightly rates at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice begin at €240 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included. Molino Suites start from €590 per night.
For more information or to book visit hilton.com
Continue your Trip at Lake Como
For those of you who can’t get enough of Italy’s natural beauty, Hilton also has the best Gentlemen’s Getaway prepared. The crystal clear waters of the lake make for the ideal backdrop whether you’re relaxing on the rooftop bar or going on a long hike along Lake Como’s Greenway walking route.
Your stay will include a Negroni-mixing masterclass where you learn all the tips and tricks to master this Italian tipple. Stop by the eforea spa for a 120-minute session designed to tackle men’s most common skincare issues. You’ll then be given access to a relaxation area with a sauna, whirlpools, massaging hot and cold waterfalls, and a Turkish bath to melt all your stress away.
Sports lovers will be delighted to discover the hotel’s optional offerings, including a tennis class at the historic Tennis Club Como, a game at the second oldest golf course in Italy, and a wide array of water sports, including kite surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
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All imagery from Hilton.