Hotel Review: San Clemente Palace Kempinski, Venice, Italy.
Overview
Having stayed in the city on our last trip, this time we were looking for an alternative. I initially, as I invariably do, check out which Leading Hotels of the World properties there are in any location, soon spotting this Kempinski property located on an island just minutes away from Piazza San Marco by complimentary boat.
We had such a great stay - felt like we had the best of both worlds; you could be in St. Mark’s Square within minutes of a morning, enjoy lunch in a local trattoria then be back at the hotel pool for the afternoon in their extensive grounds, then pop back to the city for dinner.
Hotel website: https://www.kempinski.com/en/venice/san-clemente-palace-kempinski/
Would I stay here again? Definitely - loved the option of being so near Venice (the city) yet with the opulence of widespread hotel grounds and a large outdoor pool and seating area. Lagoon views were just exceptional.
Location
The San Clemente Palace Kempinski is located on the private island of San Clemente, easily accessible from St. Mark’s Square/Piazza San Marco by the hotel’s private launch, running a service between the two points on a very regular service through the day and well into the evening. The hotel had arranged a transfer for us directly from the airport, so it was easy to get straight to the hotel and, wow, what a scenic route.
The last time we had used a water taxi (going to the fantastic Baglioni Hotel Luna - read the review here) we just walked from the airport terminal building (along very long moving walkways) to the dock and the boat transferred us from there to the hotel. The transfer we had to the Kempinski involved a chauffeur-driven Mercedes limousine for part of the journey then the final part by water taxi to the hotel. This was repeated in reverse on our return to the airport - while the transfer was effected seamlessly (and the Mercedes car was incredible) I think on balance I preferred getting the boat straight from the airport, without the car involvement - it made it more unique somehow just having a walk then boat ride.
Photo Credit: San Clemente Palace, Kempinski website
Accommodation
In total the hotel has 196 rooms and suites, there was a whole arrange of different types from Superior to Deluxe and Grand Deluxe; the Deluxe and Grand Deluxe both with Lagoon or Island View options. There were also quite a number of Suite options, from a one-bedroom Junior Suite (garden or Lagoon view) to another dozen or so choices, all varying in size and number of bedrooms.
Having booked through Leading Hotels of the World we had received an upgrade to a Grand Deluxe with a view across to the lagoon - such an incredible room with two windows overlooking one of the landing docks of the island and the outdoor (indoor seating possible too depending on weather) Acquerello Restaurant.
The island is steeped in history as are the majestic buildings; our spacious and grand bedroom was no different. High ceilings were adorned with a large chandelier and ornate drapes, there was an extra large (and super comfortable) king size bed, occasional seating with a work desk and an opulent marble lined bathroom. As well as a soaking tub there was a separate shower stall and large vanity unit (only one sink though) and WC/bidet. There was plenty of cupboard space in the room and it was very well appointed with bathroom toiletries, mineral water, complimentary (soft drinks) mini bar and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout. We also got the most amazing welcome gift with wine, chocolates, mineral water and fruit.
Photo Credit: San Clemente Palace, Kempinski website
Food & Drink
We had breakfast each morning in the Insieme Restaurant, this was served on weekdays from 7am - 10:30am and then 7:30am - 11am. This sumptuous buffet was included within our rate from LHW.com - being there in August the weather was just glorious so we were able to sit out in the walled courtyard each day. Inside the building was a massive selection of Continental and American Breakfast, there were also additional items to order from an à la carte menu including the hotel speciality of eggs Benedict, just amazing!
We had lunch by the pool (La Dolce Restaurant) which is open from 11am to 11:30pm daily, we also enjoyed a casual dinner one evening too. Food and service was great; there was also a pool bar for drinks throughout the day. Fantastic choice throughout the hotel - we had drinks too in the dramatic Clemente Bar inside the hotel itself for a different evening experience.
Facilities & Service
As well as having the large (21.5m) heated outdoor swimming pool (not currently in operation for the rest of 2020 due to Covid-19) there was an indoor fitness centre too. The pool was great for a dip and relaxation after a morning in Venice’s bustling city streets, with cabanas round the outside for sunshade; not to mention the adjacent pool bar for a cocktail and snacks. I didn’t actually use the fitness room when we were there, but it was a decent size and well-equipped with Technogym treadmills, step machines, bicycles and various weights. The hotel also had a full tennis court on the island, with equipment available too, and a picturesque ‘Pitch and Put’ for golfers (of which I am not) with the most incredible scenic view of the Venetian lagoon. I’m also not much of a jogger, but there was a jogging path around the island (about 1.5km) for those that are.
ThePrivateTraveller’s top tips (any areas for improvement?):
Very minor, but as above we tended to prefer the airport transfer not involving any car journey.
Another minor one but something I do particularly like - twin sinks.
ThePrivateTraveller’s absolute highlights:
The combination of having a resort feel but within sight (and easy access to) the hustle and bustle of Venice itself was a fantastic combination.
Loved the history of the ancient hotel building.
Kempinski standards throughout were amazing.
Useful website links:
Hotels
Kempinski San Clemente Palace https://www.kempinski.com/en/venice/san-clemente-palace-kempinski/
Baglioni Hotel Luna https://www.baglionihotels.com/branches/baglioni-hotel-luna-venice/
Baglioni Hotel Luna review by ThePrivateTraveller https://theprivatetraveller.com/blog/hotel-review/baglioni-luna-venice
Leading Hotels of the World https://www.lhw.com
Bauer Palazzo https://www.bauervenezia.com/
Palazzo Venant Luxury Hotel https://www.palazzovenart.com/en/
TripAdvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com
Restaurants
La Zucca http://www.lazucca.it/en
Ristorante Quadri https://www.alajmo.it
Sightseeing/Other
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection https://www.guggenheim-venice.it/en/the-museum/
Donna Leon https://groveatlantic.com/author/donna-leon/
British Airways http://britishairways.com
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