Very Venice

The building was a former flour
mill dating back to 1895.

Hundreds of travel professionals from around the world visited Venice to experience the latest tourist attractions the city has to offer including the Hilton, which opened this summer.

For large groups, the property is a good choice as the city’s newest conference hotel, the Molino Stucky boasts the largest hotel meeting center in Venice, able to host up to 1,000. Other perks include 14 meeting rooms and a fully equipped event office complete with a computer, printer, copier and Internet access. To make business go smoothly, the Hilton also has a dedicated meetings manager, along with special spouse/partner sightseeing programs for those with a little extra free time.

While the Molino Stucky boasts modern amenities, the architecture is classic Venice.

“The building and its location have a long, colorful past, and we have dedicated time and energy into retaining this character,” said Paolo Biscioni, the hotel’s general manager.

Dating back to 1895, the building was a former flour mill constructed by 19th-century merchant and trader, Giovanni Stucky. The mill closed in 1955 and remained abandoned until the late 1990s. The property underwent a four-year restoration project while preserving original accents like the outside red-brick facade, as well as antique windows, wood-beam ceilings and steel pillars throughout the guestrooms.

To give clients a glimpse of its history, the Hilton will have a visitor’s center focusing on the heritage and restoration of the hotel, along with interactive displays, films and guided tours.

The hotel is also close to other cultural attractions. Set on Giudecca Island, the Hilton affords views of the Venetian canals and is accessible from Venice Airport and a short boat ride to the mainland. Additionally, Hilton offers guests transfers aboard a 50-seat shuttle boat about every 10 minutes to popular attractions, including the Piazza San Marco and Zattere Gesuati. The complimentary shuttle service starts at 6:50 a.m., and continues until about 2 a.m.

Guestrooms feature accents like
antique windows and wood-
beam ceilings.

Of course, if clients prefer to spend time away from the crowds, the hotel offers plenty of onsite options, including two restaurants, Aromi and Il Molino, helmed by executive chef Franco Luise; a roof-top pool; three bars, including the trendy Skyline roof-top bar; and an almost 2,000-square-foot fitness center and spa offering saunas, a Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and five treatment rooms.

As for accommodations, the Molino Stucky offers 380 guestrooms with 100 executive rooms and 50 suites, with high-tech perks like Internet access for a fee and interactive LCD televisions.

Agents might want to warn clients that the newly opened hotel is still a work in progress.

“As it is a brand-new property, the hotel may still require some fine-tuning,” admitted Biscioni.

During my visit in early July, the spa was open for business, but some of the facilities, like the wet room, were still under construction. And the hot water wasn’t working in all guestrooms.

But the multilingual and professional staff was always on hand to work out any kinks.

“Our motto here is ‘smile,’” said Biscioni, who recently received the Premio Excellent award for his exemplary career in promoting hospitality culture. “And with this in mind, we strive to satisfy our guests’ every request in terms of assistance and services.”

THE DETAILS Hilton Molino Stucky Venice Giudecca 810 Venice, Italy 30133 39-041-272-3311 www.molinostuckyhilton.com Hilton’s Summer Savings: Through the end of August, clients can save up to 30 percent on Hilton accommodations, including at the Hilton Molino Stucky, if they book using advance purchase rates.