Venice is one of the world’s most visited destinations, yet it only takes crossing a few bridges to leave the busiest tourist routes behind and discover an entirely different side of the city. In the sestiere of Dorsoduro, among quiet streets, artisan studios, galleries and Canalside views, life slows down and Venice reveals its most authentic character.

This is where Excess Venice is located. Set within a 17th-century Venetian palazzo and led by Elisabetta Dotto, the boutique hotel has been conceived as an intimate, design-led retreat. Here, hospitality is defined by atmosphere and the luxury of slowing down, far removed from the pace of mass tourism. From the hotel, Dorsoduro is best explored on foot, with the Squero di San Trovaso, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Gallerie dell’Accademia, Punta della Dogana, the Zattere waterfront promenade and Campo Santa Margherita all within easy walking distance, each revealing a more authentic and unexpected side of Venice.

One of the property’s defining features is its spacious private garden, a rare presence within Venice’s historic urban fabric. More than an outdoor space, it is a peaceful retreat where guests can read, unwind or simply pause after a day spent exploring the city.

Inside, the historic character of the building is reinterpreted through a contemporary design language. Bespoke furnishings and richly textured materials sit in dialogue with the original architecture, creating intimate spaces with a distinctly residential feel, designed to offer a highly personal experience.

More than a place to stay, Excess Venice is a retreat from which to discover a different side of Venice: one defined by lived-in neighborhoods, slower rhythms and hidden corners that continue to surprise. Rates start in the $350-450 a night range.