Celebrated hotelier Francesca Bortolotto Possati is nicknamed the Queen of Venice. She is Venice’s first – and to this day, only – executive female hotelier and the third generation to take the helm of the Bauers’ Luxury Hotels in Venice, Italy — L’Hotel, Il Pilazzo, Palladio, and Villa F.
Each property offers a unique, luxury experience in the heart of the most beautiful city in the world. Possati describes her hotels as, “Four styles with one soul.”
“Whoever is born in Venice has something in their DNA, which is linked to the surroundings — the aesthetic, the beauty, and the perception of harmony,” she told the The Jetset Collection during an interview on the Bauer’s spectacular terrace, Settimo Cielo, overlooking the sparkling Grand Canal.
Her five-star Bauer properties attract the most discerning guests, including royals and celebrities like Prince Charles and Camilla, Madonna, Al Pacino, and David Beckham, as well as, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who stayed at the Possati’s own childhood home, Palazzo Mocenigo, during the film of The Tourist.
Possati urges visitors to Venice to get off the beaten path and live like a Venetian. Possati shared with The Jetset Collection some jottings from her Little Black Book.
Sete-Cento: Ravishing fashion with a Venetian influence, www.sete-cento.it
Rene Caovilla: A glittering Venetian shoemaking tradition, Via Paradisi, 1, Fiesso D’artico VE, Italy.
Trattoria dal Vecio Squeri: A typical, historic trattoria open since 1931 serving Venetian specialities
Ristorante Lineadombra: Maybe the best restaurant in Venice. Order the mille-feuille of scampi with onions and apples.
Palladio Spa: Of course, I am partial to the spa at my hotel. Try the Turkish Hammam or the Obermaier Jacuzzi