Alessandro Heinrich, is Head Concierge at San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice. While buzzing Venice is only minutes away, San Clemente Island is the ideal destination for those seeking a retreat of peace and tranquillity and exclusivity at the same time – and it is only minutes away from St Mark’s Square by the resort’s complimentary boat! Having worked on San Clemente Island for almost 15 years, Alessandro is proud to have been among the first employees of this luxury property – a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. After working for quite a few years for one of the most well-known Venetian hotels, he was looking for a new challenge. Contributing to establishing a brand-new luxury resort from scratch is still his biggest accomplishment. The hotel’s spacious 190 rooms and suites offer exceptional views over the lagoon, or gardens and inner courtyards. Despite his Austrian surname, Alessandro was born in Venice and, precisely, on Lido Island. During the Second World War, his grandfather was appointed General Manager of a Venetian hotel and all his family moved from Austria to the floating city as a consequence. Both his father and uncle followed in his grandfather’s footsteps in the hospitality industry, as did Alessandro. Hospitality is clearly in his DNA. Let’s take a boat ride across the historic waters of Venice, taking in the 12th-Century church, to benefit from Alessandro’s wealth of knowledge about one of the world’s most beautiful cities…
Alessandro Heinrich, Head Concierge.
Most popular request from guests…
As I’m in Italy, the most popular question I hear is: “Which is the best place to have dinner in Venice?” Surprisingly, another common question is: “Where can I park my car in St Mark’s Square?”… Well, sir, unfortunately, nowhere in the center of Venice is there a car parking space.
Favourite locale when enjoying a day off…
I like to have a drink at Fondaco dei Tedeschi, but this is actually an excuse to spend some time in the DFS’s luxury department store. Opened in 2016, the mall is located in an amazing historical building facing the Canal Grande and just a few steps from the famous Rialto Bridge.
Best coffee in the city…
Having a coffee at Caffè Florian is a memorable experience, not only because this is the oldest café in the world – it was founded in 1720 – but also for its unique location at St Mark’s Square. When on my way to Venice train station, I also like to stop by at Torrefazione Cannaregio. Established in 1930, this is a small café with the best selection of coffee beans roasted fresh daily.
Where we must go for lunch…
Take a boat to Mazzorbo, a small island next to Burano, and enjoy the idyllic atmosphere of Venissa. Surrounded by the only vineyard in Venice, producing around 2,000 bottles per year, this restaurant offers an excellent Venetian menu with superb wine pairing. Another culinary pearl is Gatto Nero, in Burano. This historical fish restaurant is best known for its Risotto of Goby fish, Burano style.
It’s a rainy day outside but we want to explore. What we should do…
It’s simple: Take our complimentary boat to St Mark’s Square. Everything you need to see is there: Start your tour at Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) and be sure not to miss crossing the Bridge of Sighs. At the western end of St Mark’s Square, there is Museo Correr, which offers a unique insight into the art and history of Venice. Both the museums are included in the St Mark’s Square Museum Ticket (full price EUR 20,00), which also combines Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. You won’t be disappointed!
An absolute must-do or must-see before leaving Venice…
Venice is branded as one of the most tourist-packed cities in the world. This is true when you think of St Mark’s Square or the Rialto area. But there are countless places where you can experience a different, for sure more relaxed, side of Venice. For example, San Francesco del Deserto, a small island covered with beautiful lawns and fruit trees and housing a minorities convent. You can reach the island only by private boats: There, a Franciscan monk will guide you into a charming trip through history.
What he loves about his hotel…
I love the tranquil atmosphere of San Clemente Island, which housed a monastery for almost seven Centuries. The rich historical heritage of San Clemente is well represented by the XII-Century San Clemente Church, a hidden gem of the Venetian Lagoon. This is not just another resort, but a destination in itself in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
Anything else we should know when visiting Venice…
As a city, Venice is unique, as are its residents, who sometimes seem to not like tourists. I always suggest that my guests follow some basic rules while visiting the city to avoid any complaints from Venetians. My tips include always walking on the right and in single file as well as never stopping on the bridges to take pictures, especially in the busiest areas. The less you irritate Venetians, the more you enjoy your visit!
For more information about San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice or to book, click here.
Useful links:
- San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice, com/venice
- T FONDACO DEI TEDESCHI BY DFS, com
- Caffè Florian, com
- Torrefazione Cannaregio, it
- Venissa, it
- Gatto Nero, com
- Fondazione Musei Civici Venezia (Doge’s Palace and other museums), it
- San Francesco del Deserto, it
- #EnjoyRespectVenezia campaign, comune.venezia.it/en/content/enjoyrespectvenezia
