The next time you visit the spectacular city of Venice you might want to consider staying at a boutique hotel dedicated to horology.
The WTB Hotel group already operates a four star Hotel L’Orologio in Florence and is due to open another in Rome, but the Venice location has just opened after extensive refurbishment on the spectacular Grand Canal. The hotel is close to the famed Rialto bridge and five minute’ walk from St Mark’s Square.
Architects Baciocci have showcased the stunning original features of the building while creating a ‘modern and minimalist reinterpretation’ inside, dedicated to the world of haute Horlogerie.
Inside, the hotel features traditional Venetian material such as Istrian stone and Cocciopesto, a clever lightweight mixture of brick, lime and sand that was created to give the look of marble, which was too heavy to be used inside grand Venetian buildings such as the Doge’s Palace.
On the ground floor the reception, bar and lounge areas are unified by quartz concrete flooring in a warm red tone. The walls feature original wall tapestries restored and modernised with a red lime wash and the original wooden ceilings have been restored and maintained.
The haute horlogerie theme is developed by means of unique interpretations: original internal mechanisms in elegant boiseries in the reception area; large watch hands displayed in the bar area and faithful, working, reproductions of important collectors’ watches. Other unique collectors’ pieces are displayed in glass cases, accompanying clients into a fascinating world of passion for detail and design.
The communal areas are enriched by bespoke furnishings such as the armchairs and small sofas in vintage leather. Watch crown-shaped door handles are WatchPro’s favourite touch. The hotel boasts 43 rooms and suites and rates start from 160 Euros.
