Review: JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Race across the lagoon in a water taxi and pull up at the dock on Isola delle Rose—the private island where JW Marriott Venice is located—and you may feel like you’re in a Bond film. How you feel later will depend on how much real Venice you were expecting. The island is green and spacious, the facilities are many, and the hotel is well run, but you’re a long, long way from the city center.

What's the backstory? Italian designer Matteo Thun was responsible for the makeover of what used to be a sanitorium. The building reopened as a JW Marriott resort hotel in 2015.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? With 266 rooms and suites, this island resort casts a wide and varied net. There are contemporary options in the main hotel building, child-free quiet zones, beautifully sleek suites with plunge pools and private gardens, and even a villa with private pool that houses up to seven guests. Designer Matteo Thun’s signature is everywhere, with coolest-of-cool colors and a real eye for comfort.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Free wi-fi is available throughout the resort.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? La Sagra, the rooftop restaurant, has fine views of Venice across the lagoon; Fiola at Dopolavoro, a fine dining destination, is where chef Fabio Trabocchi reworks Venetian classics; the poolside Giardino is a pizzeria; and there are others. They’re all good rather than excellent, and prices are in line with the hotel’s five stars, making Venice—with its wider variety of culinary experiences—seem all that much further away.

And the service? In a hotel this large you’re going to find staff of all kinds and qualities, but on the whole it’s an efficiently run operation. The reception and concierge staff will help with advice and reservations.

What type of travelers will you find here? Predominantly U.S. travelers with a penchant for racking up Marriott points.

What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Isola delle Ros is a half-hour-plus boat ride from Piazza San Marco. The hotel launch goes back and forth every 30 minutes, but this is very much another world.

Any other hotel features worth noting? The resort, of course, has a huge range of services to keep guests entertained. There’s a cooking school, activities for children, a rather magnificent spa, adults-only and family pools, jogging tracks, bikes, and a full slate of tours.

Bottom line: Worth it? Why? If you’re seeking international style far from crowds, this may be the place for you. If you want to immerse yourself in historic Venice, think again.