Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., signed an agreement in June 2014 with Turkish-based Permak Group to take over the management of the San Clemente Palace in Venice under the company’s St. Regis brand. This historic property, which occupies a private island in the heart of the Venice lagoon, will welcome its first guests this Summer. The hotel will then close at the end of October, at which time the iconic San Clemente Palace will undergo an extensive 25 million Euro renovation, transforming into a fully-branded St. Regis hotel when it re-opens in the spring of 2015.
The island was first settled in 1131, hosting a hospice and a small church in honor of the Pope San Clemente. Since then, like Venice, it has worn many masks from being a starting point for religious pilgrims and soldiers sailing for the holy lands, to a decadent entertaining place for visiting aristocrats, where sumptuous feasts were hosted to welcome important guests, a cunning business tactic which was used to impress and relax them prior to their business in the city center.
During the second half of the 15th century the island was enlarged and its buildings restored (church façade, etc.) by the Canonici Lateranensi of the church Santa Maria della Carità in Venice. During the 15th and 16th Century the island assumed an important role of hospitality and public relations for the Venetian Republic as the place was dedicated to the hosting of important and noble guests visiting Venice. With the end of the Venetian Republic in 1797 and the Napoleonic decree from 1810 the island became a military post.
The buildings on the private island were renovated in 2003 and converted into a luxury hotel, retaining the antique furniture and the historic park. In September 2013 it was announced that Permak Group had bought the property.
The luxurious 174-room St. Regis Venice San Clemente Palace will be Starwood’s third St. Regis property in Italy, joining existing hotels in Rome and Florence. St. Regis has more than doubled its global footprint over the past five years and currently operates 31 renowned hotels with another 12 properties in the pipeline.
“We look forward to building a long-term relationship with Permak Group, who recognise the strength of the St. Regis brand and our deep operating experience and knowledge in Venice” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “When The St. Regis Venice San Clemente Palace re-opens next spring, it will be amongst the most desired addresses in Venice, a sanctuary offering unexpected enchantment on a private island.”
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