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Riding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express isn’t travel—it’s time travel. From hand-carved oak panels to plush velvet seats, every detail screams elegance. Watch Venice glide by through the window: canals, bridges, rooftops—all bathed in golden light. Sip champagne, feel the rhythm of the rails, and become part of a legend.
Everything you need to know about Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express departs from Venezia Santa Lucia Station, located in the heart of Venice. For an exceptional stay, The Venice Ritz Carlton is ideal—just a 5-minute walk away and offering panoramic views of the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Square. This luxury hotel blends Renaissance architecture with modern elegance and provides private water taxi transfers, ensuring a seamless, high-end travel experience.
Alternatively, consider Hotel Albergo del Lido, situated on the nearby Lido Island. It offers a tranquil escape with authentic Venetian charm, perfect for travelers seeking a slower pace and intimate connection to the city’s lagoon lifestyle—ideal when pairing with a journey on the iconic Orient Express.
The Venezia Santa Lucia Station is centrally located, just steps from Venice’s main attractions. Exit the station and take a vaporetto (water bus) or water taxi to key sites. Lines 5.1 and 5.2 offer frequent service to St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, and the Doge’s Palace, taking only 10–15 minutes.
For a more luxurious option, book a private water taxi—reachable in about 30 minutes at €100–150, ideal for those with luggage or time-sensitive plans. The station also features a visitor information center providing maps, multilingual assistance, and real-time schedule updates.
Note: Venice has no cars—transportation relies entirely on waterways and walking. Download the ATVO app in advance to check live timetables and plan your route efficiently.
Riding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is more than travel—it’s a full sensory journey. Must-try experiences include:
Gourmet Dining: Enjoy a multi-course dinner in the elegant dining car, crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, featuring classic French cuisine paired with fine wines and silver service.
Afternoon Tea: Savor traditional English afternoon tea in the lounge car, complete with delicate pastries, champagne, and panoramic views of the Italian countryside.
Themed Cabins: Some cabins are transformed into immersive historical suites—such as "1920s Jazz Age" or "Pre-War Noble Bedroom"—featuring original furnishings and vintage decor.
Onboard Photography: Professional photographers accompany the journey, capturing candid moments and delivering a custom photo album as a keepsake.
These curated details elevate the trip beyond transportation into a timeless, unforgettable experience.
While the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is primarily designed for adults seeking luxury and quiet elegance, some routes now accommodate families. However, the overall atmosphere emphasizes serenity, refined service, and formal dining—best suited for couples, honeymooners, or business travelers.
Families may opt for shorter journeys (e.g., Venice to Vienna, ~10 hours) and request child-friendly seating and baby amenities (like bottle warmers and portable changing mats) in advance. Certain cabins offer family packages including children’s gift sets and storybooks.
Note: There are no dedicated play areas, and evening meals are formal, which may not suit young children. For a more family-friendly alternative, consider staying at The Venice Ritz Carlton, which offers waterfront views, spacious rooms, and guest services tailored to families—perfect for experiencing Venice’s charm without compromising comfort.
See what other travelers say about Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
We can't thank Anna enough for making our stay at Palazzo Cristo truly unforgettable. We were completely surprised and delighted when we were upgraded to a more luxurious room in honor of my wife's 50th birthday—what an incredible gesture that turned our trip into something magical. The palace isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a living masterpiece. Every corner exudes elegance and tranquility, with exquisite attention to detail in the décor, lighting, and furnishings. The atmosphere is both lavish and warmly welcoming—like stepping into a private Venetian dream. Our room had a stunning view over the canal, and the quiet serenity made it perfect for relaxation. Anna’s hospitality was beyond words—thoughtful, genuine, and always one step ahead. She made us feel like honored guests, not just visitors. Located just minutes from the heart of Venice, it’s easy to explore the city while still enjoying a peaceful retreat. This experience has become one of our most cherished memories. If you're looking for a romantic escape with soul and style in Venice, this is the place. Thank you, Anna, for creating such a special moment—we’ll never forget it.
Staying at Casa Verona was a delightful experience from start to finish. The apartment itself is beautifully designed with a unique blend of Venetian and Moroccan aesthetics—rich colors, intricate details, and modern amenities make it feel both authentic and comfortable. It’s perfectly located just a short walk from major sights, making exploring Venice effortless. That said, be aware there’s no elevator—three flights of stairs to reach the unit, so if you’re sensitive to climbing or traveling with heavy luggage, it might be a consideration. One thing I’d strongly advise: avoid the nearby restaurant called Rosa Rossa. The owner is extremely unfriendly and made our dining experience unpleasant. Overall, though, the location, ambiance, and value for money were outstanding. We’d absolutely stay here again on our next visit to Venice.
Absolutely stunning place to stay right in the heart of Venice. The design is elegant and sophisticated, with every detail thoughtfully crafted. We were truly impressed by the warm hospitality from the management team—so welcoming and attentive. Right outside the door, there's a fantastic restaurant for dinner, and a private dock for water taxis, making travel around Venice effortless. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of charm, comfort, and convenience. I can’t recommend this place enough—we’re already planning our return trip!
My partner and I stayed at Ca' del Gaffaro for four nights, and it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish. The hotel is incredibly comfortable, spotlessly clean, and wonderfully quiet—perfect for unwinding after a day exploring Venice. The staff went above and beyond with their warmth and helpfulness, offering local tips and making us feel right at home. Location-wise, it’s unbeatable: just a short walk from charming cafés, authentic restaurants, and major tourist attractions. We loved strolling through the narrow streets and enjoying the authentic Venetian vibe. The room was beautifully designed with a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. It felt like staying in a hidden gem that truly captures the soul of Venice. Without hesitation, I’d recommend this place to anyone visiting Venice. A standout choice for a memorable stay.
Suite 735 has been our top choice for staying in Venice, and this visit marked our tenth time here — and it was as perfect as ever. The room is spacious, beautifully designed, and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy ambiance that makes you feel right at home. Breakfast is outstanding — fresh, abundant, and full of local flavors alongside classic European treats. The staff, especially Federica and her team, go above and beyond with their warm, attentive service. They remember your preferences, offer helpful tips, and make you feel genuinely welcome. Located just steps from the metro, getting around Venice is effortless. This isn’t just a hotel — it’s a home away from home. We’re already planning our next trip. Truly exceptional, and highly recommended.
What an unforgettable experience! My partner and I were truly lucky to stay at Palazzetto Foscari. The location is incredibly convenient—just a 3-minute walk from the station, making it easy to explore Venice on foot or by vaporetto. From the moment we stepped inside, we could feel the warmth and charm of the place. The interior design beautifully captures classic Venetian style, with thoughtful touches throughout—from the elegant furnishings to the tasteful decor that creates such a romantic and inviting atmosphere. The view from the balcony is simply breathtaking, overlooking the Grand Canal with endless glimpses of gondolas gliding by and the historic cityscape unfolding before you. We slept like babies—the bed in the suite was incredibly comfortable. Host Catalina was incredibly kind and welcoming, offering helpful tips and local insights that made our stay even more special. This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a home away from home. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Venice who wants an authentic, serene, and beautifully designed retreat. We’ll definitely be back.
We absolutely loved staying at House 5286—this spacious apartment was spotless and perfectly located, with stunning views of the Campanile from the living room. It’s on the fourth floor (90 steps), so it might be challenging for guests with mobility issues, but we found it manageable and well worth the climb for such a great location. The kitchen was basic—just a fridge, hob, and kettle—but since we enjoyed dining out, we didn’t miss an oven or toaster. Check-in was smooth and welcoming, and the complimentary cocktail made our arrival even more special. The host’s warmth and attention to detail really stood out. We’d highly recommend this apartment and would definitely book here again if we ever return to Venice. A fantastic blend of charm, comfort, and convenience.
We stayed here with our family, and overall, the experience was excellent. The hotel is incredibly clean, safe, and every little detail shows thoughtfulness—really made us feel at home. One small suggestion: the AC vent in the room was dusty, so cleaning it or replacing the filter would be a great improvement. Also, since we had elderly guests with us, it would be helpful if guest services were more accessible—having to walk around to check in was a bit challenging. Despite that, the location is fantastic, close to everything, and public transport makes getting around Venice super easy. We truly appreciated the attention to cleanliness and security. Definitely a place we’d recommend and return to.
Staying at Hotel Principe was an absolute dream come true. The view from the window overlooks the serene canals of Venice, and waking up to watch the sunrise from the bed was one of those magical moments you don’t forget. The breakfast spread was exceptional—fresh pastries, local cheeses, perfectly brewed coffee, and a variety of wholesome options that made mornings truly special. The location is unbeatable: just a short walk from major sights and well-connected by public transit. It’s rare to find such charm, comfort, and value in one place. I’ll definitely be back, and I highly recommend this hidden gem to anyone looking for an authentic, peaceful Venice experience.
The location is absolutely perfect—just a short walk from the train station and only two minutes to a convenient supermarket, which made our stay super easy. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived. The bed was wonderfully comfortable, and I slept like a baby. The shower provided strong water pressure and consistent temperature—perfect for a refreshing morning rinse. Breakfast was a highlight: a wide variety of options with fresh, delicious fruits that really made the meal special. Everything about this hotel felt thoughtfully designed for guest comfort and convenience. I’m already planning my return visit—this place truly exceeded my expectations.
I highly recommend The Venice Times Hotel—especially if you're visiting Venice during peak season. Located just steps from Venezia S.L. station, the hotel offers a seamless, stress-free arrival without needing to navigate crowded water buses. I stayed in August, when the city was packed with tourists and long lines for water transport made moving around with luggage extremely difficult. Staying here saved me so much time and hassle. The location is perfect—easy access to public transit, quiet yet central, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. Rooms are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. It’s rare to find such a convenient, comfortable stay at this level of quality. If you’re planning a trip to Venice, especially in summer, this hotel should be at the top of your list. A truly excellent choice.
We arrived in Venice early at 6 AM with a flight, and the water taxi took us straight to the hotel dock by 7 AM. I was a bit worried about checking in so early, but the staff were incredibly accommodating and processed our check-in immediately—no issues at all. We originally had planned to stay at Aman, but it was fully booked, so we switched to The St. Regis Venice. Honestly, we couldn’t be happier with that decision. From the moment we stepped onto the private dock, the beauty of the property hit us—elegant architecture, luxurious details, and that unmistakable St. Regis charm. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience. The location on the Grand Canal is perfect, and every corner feels like a scene from a movie. If you’re looking for timeless elegance and exceptional service, this is it. Highly recommend—worth every penny.
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