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Family. The not-so-obvious, but simple, secret behind the design apartment Casa Flora in Venice.

Somehow light creatively makes its way into every room at Casa Flora, a mix of old and new a stone’s throw from Piazza San Marco. A place for conviviality with the comforts of a hotel, provided by the family’s Hotel Flora next door, yet with the privacy of a Venetian home. Located in a 19th century building, this three-bedroom apartment that accommodates up to 7 people is entirely outfitted with Italian-made materials and furniture. Here modern, colorful, Italian design blends with historic wooden floors, the original pink marble fireplace and doors over a millennia old. The restored structure was commissioned by the owners and painstakingly created through collaboration with several designers, architects, and artisans. 

The owners are a family that manages their properties personally: Gioele Romanelli–a Venetian hotelier who moved into his nonna’s hotel as a teenager–and his wife Heiby–a Venezuelan transplanted in Venice at 8 years old–go above and beyond to make sure that your stay in Venice is not only great, but also authentic. Heiby maniacally and creatively takes care of all the details (in the way only a woman knows how) and Gioele is always around to greet guests and treat them as friends who just walked into the door of his home. The Romanelli family are the heart and soul of their three unique boutique realities: Casa Flora, Hotel Flora, and Novecento, all just a few steps from one another.

At Casa Flora, you’ll get the privilege of waking up to chirping birds and a view of Casa Bortoli (a MUST visit), which is extraordinarily rare in Venice. This place makes you feel Venetian, with all the most modern accommodations. Cook the fresh produce snatched from the market that day in a kitchen made for sharing, have an aperitivo at the nearby Campo Santo Stefano–the most beautiful campo in Venice–or relax in your very own hammam (there are three in Casa Flora).  

The three bedrooms at Casa Flora are named after family members (dog included): the Elsa (named after their Rhodesian Ridgeback) in shades of mauve with view of the Salute Church, the Noah (named after their son), a spacious large and quiet room in cerulean blue tones, and the Alma room (named after their daughter), cozy and bright with yellow pastel tones. The kitchen has a nearly floating island where you can have a local chef prepare meals or lead cooking classes, and the extremely luminous dining room holds a large, uniquely textured mid-century wooden table. During your stay, if you find yourself enamored by a particular piece of furniture, a fixture, or object in the casa, the owners will put you in touch with the artisans who have made everything available for sale. 

The Romanelli family’s concept of hospitality gives their guests impeccable spaces and service while supporting their city, their traditions, and young artisans. The only doubt you will be left with at the end of your holiday is “How can I recreate this at home? Or better… Can I just move in?!” 

A few segreti (secrets) from Gioele and Heiby:

Antiche Carampane – This traditional restaurant is a must-visit for seafood and typical Venetian seasonal dishes, served in a cozy, family-run restaurant with walls completely covered with mirrors, paintings, and photos. 

Corte Sconta – A refined and contemporary restaurant with a stunning vine-covered terrace. Try the risotto di gò, a poor dish from the lagoon, rare and delicious.

La Feluca – An Art Nouveau style restaurant, between the Rialto bridge and Piazza San Marco, where you can taste the best of Venice. 

Peggy Guggenheim Collection – A stunning museum of European and American art from the 20th century that includes Peggy Guggenheim’s private collection, masterpieces from the Hannelore B. and Rudolph B. Schulhof collection, a sculpture garden, as well as temporary exhibitions. 

Scuola Grande Di San Rocco – A beautiful, 15th century lay confraternity that is relatively unchanged since it was first built and houses a collection of original paintings by Tintoretto.