Testing my 360 camera at The Gritti Palace and the Carnevale di Venezia

Aug 29, 2017

If it’s good enough for Scarlett Johansson

Attended the Carnival incidentally

Stayed Feb 2017

The highlight of this particular trip was Venice. Italy has always been a place to visit for me, and in fact, I made my refundable bookings for Venice in Jun 2016, even before my visit to Rome in October 2016.

I had always been interested in the Gritti Palace which has been frequently featured on many ‘The Best’ lists and is probably the best hotel in Venice.

I first knew about the hotel 2 years ago when it was featured on the Starwood Hot Escapes site and yet the discounted rates were still almost 1000 Euros per night!

So, I searched for a good rate and decided on 28th Feb 2017.

It was still more than 400 Euros per night at a refundable rate but that was the lowest I’ve seen it at.

Subsequently, the rates increased and even the prepaid rates were more than that.

I made a booking at the Westin as well but due to changes to my flight itinerary, I cancelled it some time later.

Closer to the trip I realized that Feb 28 was the last day of the Carnevale di Venezia which definitely was a factor in the increase of the hotel rates.

Looking for the hotel was not very easy as the buildings in Venice looked pretty ancient and the hotel did not look particularly outstanding.

On the other side of the door is expectedly a transformation from the plain exterior to an opulent interior.

Check in was done seated and done by Ms Frederica who informed me that I have been upgraded to a nice suite!

However, it wasn’t ready yet and I was asked to spend some time in the waiting area.

While waiting, I explored the ground floor a little as well, looking at the décor as well as the outdoors.

The hotel has its own jetty for guests arriving by water taxi which costs 110 Euros per way.

This is actually just double the price for a group of 4 as the water bus still costs 15 Euros per way per person but is so much slower and only arrives at designated stops.

To the left of the jetty is the great view of the Santa Maria and indeed magnificent.

There is a lift in the hotel and the keys are still in use rather than magnetic cards.

The corridor was contrastingly plain to the other parts of the hotel.

The suite I received is named the Serenissima Suite and has a toilet in the living space.

On the table were the welcome gifts and fresh flowers.

The spa menu was on the table beside and the prices expectedly steep.

Taking out my tripod and new camera I took a photo of the living room and voila!

Living Room Gritti Palace Suite – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

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The bedroom was also as opulent as can be and I definitely felt like a king on the bed.

The door to the left led to the dressing table, the wardrobe and the very ostentatious bathroom.

A full marble bathroom with Murano glassware made my day as I would probably never spend money on such an ornate setting in my own home.

Of course I had to take another 360 photo of the bathroom!

Bathroom Gritti Palace Suite – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

After a good rest in the suite, I went out to attend the last day of the Carnevale and to enjoy the costumes on display!

But, please leave your key at the hotel key deposit.

Many of the locals were very nicely dressed in the traditional costumes and masks and I think some of the tourists looked more than they were celebrating Halloween.