If you dream of sipping prosecco as a Riva boat glides you toward a glowing red carpet, there’s only one place in the world to live that fantasy: The Grand Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort during the Venice Film Festival.
Every year, for 11 dazzling days between late August and early September, this legendary Belle Époque hotel becomes the epicenter of Hollywood-on-the-Adriatic. Stars, filmmakers, fashion icons, and journalists gather on Lido Island to celebrate cinema in a setting so beautiful, it feels like a movie in itself.
Here’s the complete insider’s guide — blending history, glamour, and those little behind-the-scenes secrets that make the Excelsior and the festival so legendary.
1. The Hotel That Started It All
The Grand Hotel Excelsior opened its doors in 1908, instantly becoming one of Europe’s most luxurious seaside resorts. Designed in a whimsical Moorish style, its ornate arches, towers, and domes give it the air of a palace from Arabian Nights.
It wasn’t just a hotel — it was a statement. Lido was becoming the beach playground of Europe’s aristocracy, and the Excelsior was its crown jewel.
In 1932, history was made here. The hotel’s elegant sea-facing terrace hosted the very first Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica di Venezia — the Venice Film Festival. Guests lounged under the stars, watching Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) projected against the backdrop of the Adriatic, while gondolas floated by in the distance.
The combination of cinema and Venice was an instant hit. The tradition grew, and the festival quickly became one of the world’s most important cultural events.
2. Why the Excelsior Is the Festival’s Nerve Center
During the festival, the Grand Hotel Excelsior transforms into more than just a place to stay — it becomes the nerve center of the event.
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Celebrity Headquarters – A-list actors, Oscar-winning directors, and industry power players stay here for privacy, security, and the sheer luxury of waking up by the sea.
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Media Hub – Press conferences, photo shoots, and interviews take place in its opulent salons and beachfront cabanas.
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Waterfront Arrivals – The hotel’s private dock allows discreet boat transfers to the Palazzo del Cinema — ideal for stars avoiding paparazzi until the perfect moment.
During festival week, the lobby and terrace feel like an international movie set: Prada gowns brushing past camera crews, Italian film legends chatting over cappuccino, and stylists rushing up the grand staircase with garment bags in hand.
3. The Red Carpet Journey
One of the most magical aspects of the Venice Film Festival is how the stars get to the red carpet — and the Excelsior is the starting point.
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The Prep – Hours before a premiere, suites are transformed into mini fashion studios. Makeup artists, hair stylists, and designers work their magic.
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The Exit – Stars descend the sweeping staircase or step out of private elevators into the marble-floored lobby.
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The Boat Ride – They board polished wooden water taxis or vintage Riva speedboats waiting at the private dock. Cameras click as the boats cruise the short route along Lido’s waterfront.
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The Arrival – At the Palazzo del Cinema, they step onto the world’s most romantic red carpet, framed by the festival’s iconic white-and-red facade.
It’s a ritual that combines old-world elegance with pure cinematic drama — and it happens dozens of times a day.
4. Famous Moments & Untold Stories
The Excelsior has seen more than its fair share of unforgettable moments:
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The Mink Bikini Gondola – In 1955, British actress Diana Dors arrived by gondola wearing a mink bikini, causing a media storm and making festival history.
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The Midnight Swim – One Oscar-winning actor famously celebrated his film’s premiere by jumping into the Adriatic at 2 a.m. — still in his tuxedo.
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Secret Screenings – Industry insiders whisper about late-night private screenings in the hotel’s suites, where future Oscar winners were first shown to select eyes.
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Unexpected Room Service – A well-known director once asked the kitchen to prepare pasta for 40 people at 1 a.m. after his cast won big — they delivered, no questions asked.
5. Living the Festival Experience (Even Without a VIP Pass)
You don’t have to be a celebrity to soak in the magic. Here’s how you can experience the Excelsior during the festival:
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Book Early – Reservations open months in advance and sell out fast for festival dates.
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Sip on the Terrazza – Even if you’re not staying there, you can book a drink at the terrace bar and watch the sunset — and possibly a star or two.
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Stroll the Private Beach – The Excelsior’s beach is lined with vintage-style cabanas, perfect for a taste of old-world glamour.
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Attend Public Screenings – Many festival films are open to the public, and you can combine a screening with a terrace aperitivo.
6. Fashion, Glamour, and the Red Carpet Rules
The Venice red carpet has its own unique style:
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Romantic Elegance – Think flowing gowns, soft colors, and a touch of drama.
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Italian Designers in the Spotlight – Armani Privé, Valentino, and Prada often dress the biggest names.
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Statement Accessories – From Bulgari diamonds to quirky sunglasses, accessories make the moment.
And while Cannes has its paparazzi chaos, Venice feels more intimate — the red carpet is shorter, the backdrop is the sea, and the whole event has an almost dreamlike quality.
7. Why This Pairing Works
The Grand Hotel Excelsior and the Venice Film Festival are a perfect match because they share the same DNA:
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Elegance – Both blend luxury with timeless style.
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History – Both have been shaping cultural moments for decades.
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Romance – Whether it’s the glow of the chandeliers or the golden light of a September evening, everything feels like a scene from a love story.
8. Insider Tip from a Local Guide
If you want the full experience without the A-list price tag, stay in Venice proper and take the vaporetto to Lido for an afternoon. Dress elegantly, head to the Excelsior terrace, and enjoy a spritz as festival boats glide by. You might leave with a selfie… or a story you’ll tell forever.
🗝 Final Word
The Venice Film Festival is about more than cinema — it’s about atmosphere, elegance, and the thrill of seeing worlds collide: Hollywood and Venice, old and new, reel and real.
And at the center of it all, the Grand Hotel Excelsior stands like a set piece from a golden-age film, reminding everyone that some stories are best told in style.
