PRESS KIT 2020

INDEX

4. Rooms and suites5. Food & Beverage6. Beach7. Swimming-pool and fitness area8. Meeting and events

1. HISTORY OF HOTEL EXCELSIOR VENICE LIDO RESORT

2. FIVE-STAR HOSPITALITY

3. VENICE AND THE LIDO 9. Malamocco and the Lagoon

10. The heart of Venice11. Taste and flavours12. All for sports13. Art

1. From 1908 to nowadays: more than 110 years of excellence

2. The “new order”3. Venice Film Festival

There are special places, where the charm of the past interlaces with innovation and creates a successful mix that seduces and captivates. Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort is an example: history, culture and relaxation blend together to make a destination unique by virtue of its extremely varied hospitality offer. Hotel Excelsior overlooks the beach of Venice Lido and is a masterpiece of early 20th-century Venetian art, as well as a one of a kind exclusive five-star luxury Resort featuring a distinctive Moorish style. It is the ideal destination for family holidays or for couples who want spend a romantic stay, but also for meetings and special events in the charming Venetian scenario.

HISTORY OF HOTEL EXCELSIOR VENICE LIDO RESORT

FROM 1908 TO NOWADAYS MORE THAN 110 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Hotel Excelsior's history is one of hospitality spanning two centuries: it made its debut on the stage of luxury hotels on the evening of 21st July 1908. As many as 30,000 Venetians and over 3,000 guests from all over the world came to the Venice Lido to attend the grand opening of the hotel, an exclusive symbol of the lagoon and an authentic tourist attraction owing i t s c r e a t i o n t o a n e m i n e n t entrepreneur: Nicolò Spada. He was the one who commissioned the work to a famous Venetian architect named Giovanni Sardi, who was able to make a dream "only on paper" come true and start making other people dream. Behind such a majestic building and a five-star hospitality project, there is a forward-looking vision that can take up and win the challenge of time: enhance and re-launch the Venice

Lido, with its natural dunes of fine and golden sand (no wonder it was nicknamed "Isola d'Oro", the golden island), and transform that stretch of land connecting the lagoon to the sea into an extraordinary place, thus fulfilling the image of the city with splendour and glory. The irresistible atmosphere of the Belle Époque was in the scenery and introduced the Lido as a new exclusive destination for the international lifestyle. And so it

was: the Lido became the symbol of open-air luxury shor tly after : a functional and seductive alternative to the more traditional country holiday. Its elegant beaches washed by the Adriatic Sea and immersed in a natural park were its main strengths, together with the fact of being close to Venice, which still contribute to making this destination the favourite haunt of the so-called "bon vivant".

4

The value and prestige of the Excelsior were boosted in the 1930s by the birth of the Film Festival - as Excelsior was the cradle of the festival itself - and by the opening of the Venice Casino that, together with the festival, was the main protagonist of what the city had to offer for people's entertainment and amusement. Hotel Excelsior became the favour ite destination of the international jet set, and the VIPs who stayed at the hotel are countless: from the world of politics to finance and economy, not to mention the stars of the showbiz. The list would be endless: Barbara Hutton, Paola and Albert of Liège, Erroll Flynn, the Duke of Windsor, Don Carlos of Beistegui and Winston Churchill, just to mention a few names of the past, down to the some of the most famous celebs crowding the red carpet of the film festival today, such as Johnny Depp, George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. The hotel lobby and the halls on the ground floor were restored for the first time in the same decade, and then they definitively acquired their current appearance at the end of the 60s after the terrible event of "acqua alta" in 1966, when an except iona l t ide peak caused

extensive damage to the premises and beach facilities. The construction of the conference room was also extremely important, as it was one of the first facilities used for such purposes in a luxury hotel.

History, culture, but also continuous renovation. The first restyling dates back to 1992: a new look for the rooms, and the ones that were overlooking the road were moved inward. The goal was to create a much more relaxed environment, offering guests a restful view on the "Corte Moresca" , the charming inner courtyard recalling the extraordinary and one-of-a-kind architecture of Cordoba and Granada, with its fountains and rivulets, lush plants, flowers, the perfume of jasmines, the arches and dim lights that are no doubt romantic.

Dur ing winter 2012/2013 the appearance of the rooms was revolutionised again, with renewed tapestries and the installation of large-sized showers in a lot of rooms, to ensure even more comforts to the guests without losing sight of the

tr ad i t iona l Moor ish sty le that characterizes Hotel Excelsior.

The Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort is a real peaceful paradise where you can take refuge from the lagoon "chaos" and let yourself be cuddled by the sound of the waves.

5

THE “NEW ORDER” In December 2016, London & Regional Properties Group (L+R) - an internat iona l hote l investment company with a portfolio of about 18,000 rooms - took up the hotel management by implementing a recapitalization plan in partnership with Coima SGR, an independent company which is leader in the asset management of real estate investment funds on behalf of Italian and international institutional investors. The primary goal of that operation was to re-enliven one of the symbols of Venetian hospitality by means of a three-year recovery plan envisaging the total renovation of the hotel by 2020, in the respect of its tradition and historical vocation though.

The first step of this plan has been launched on April 2018, following significant renovation works on the majestic façade of the hotel and its historic dome, whose former glory was restored after the fire of 2014. In

addition, new refined and modern finishes have welcomed the guests of the Lido, while Elimar beach bar and restaurant, has inaugurated the Lido season in July 2018 with its completely renovated design and food specialities, recalling the best of Italian culinary tradition. The second step involved the restoration of the sea view facade. The following steps of the masterplan will

be completed in the next years and will include the restyling of the common areas. In july 2020, the Hotel Excelsior has become part of Iconic Luxur y Hote l s , an expand ing collection with an international focus. The collection is comprised of an electric array of properties which all celebrate their distinct architecture, cultural heritage and surroundings.

6

The following steps of the master plan will be completed in the next years and will include the restyling of the common areas, as well as a new food & beverage strategy.

Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort is still in the limelight 110 years after its sparkling debut and is on the stage playing the role of the star of luxury hotels, flaunting its splendour handed down from a bygone era, as well as the services and comfor ts of a modern five-star hotel.

VENICE FILM FESTIVAL Love at first sight. This is how we can define the special relationship existing between the Venice Lido and the Film Festival. It was right with the birth of the International Film Festival that the Lido started to hold a prominent position. The terrace of Hotel Excelsior hosted the official launch of the festival in an evening of 1932, with a view to promoting films that are

considered to be historical nowadays, such as "Forbidden" by the great director Frank Capra, "Grand Hotel" by Edmund Goulding and the first "Frankenstein" "by James Whale. It was an extremely prestigious event and actors of the highest calibre attended, such as Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, James Cagney, John Barrymore, Joan Crawford and the great Boris Karloff.

The Venice Lido and the Film Festival have never left each other since that

inaugural evening: the Lido has become the annual venue of the renowned festival thereafter and continues to attract, even today, world-famous celebrities every year in September, who parade on the famous hotel pontoon at every hour of the day. It is an annual event and, in a sense, it marks the end of the summer at the Lido every year.

7

8

Hospitality has lots of nuances. Such a charming place as Hotel Excelsior focuses on what a five-star really means . I t s a ccomp l i ce i s a sumptuous building that evokes the splendour of the Belle Époque, with its peculiar Moorish style that makes every detail a masterpiece. Therefore, the choice that has been made since the very beginning is to develop an all-encompassing offer that can meet the requirements of very demanding customers, who are not only longing for a relaxing stay but also, and most importantly, for a real experience in a peaceful oasis.

FIVE-STAR HOSPITALITY

9

ROOMS AND SUITES Hotel Excelsior has 196 rooms. They are like 196 little chests holding hospitality treasures that can fulfil almost any wish. Their arabesque-like design accompanies guests on a unique artistic journey-

All the rooms overlook the exterior : a panoramic view spanning across the sea, Venice and its lagoon, and finally, the evocative Corte Moresca, the Moorish-style courtyard with garden and fountain. The last innovation in the room portfolio is from 2019 with the birth of a new type: the Premium

Premium Classic: the design recalls the classic Venetian style in a c o m b i n a t i o n o f G o t h i c a n d Renaissance inspiration adapted in a contemporar y key. Large glass chandeliers that evoke the traditional Murano glass art, dominate the space, made even brighter by a play of lights created by large windows and mirrors. Finished furnishing accessories with a

pastel color palette complete the suggestion.

Double Rooms: they are divided into Classic, equipped with a double or two single beds, appreciated for the quiet and tranquility; Grand Deluxe, overlooking the Corte Moresca or the park, Grand Deluxe Sea View, to enjoy the breathtaking view given by the Mediterranean Sea, or Venice View, to be fascinated by the lagoon sunsets

Suites: Classic, Junior, Adriatic one bedroom, Lido two bedroom, and Iconic Suite. All characterized by an unmistakable Arabian call, all suites enjoy a marvelous sea view, while the Iconic Suite, thanks to its spacious terrace, is the perfect place for esclusive dining experiences. Together with Adriatic Suite, 2 bedroom Lido Suite or the Iconic Suite, a collection of new benefits are guaranted: a dedicated Ambassador, In suite check-in, Meet & Greet transfer from the Airpor t, daily Gourmet in-suite breakfast or at Elimar, daily access to kids club, daily Beach Cabana, one Excelsior Spritz on the beach, and daily one hour personal training session.

Luxury Ambassador Service in the Excelsior’s most desirable suites. This tailor made ser vice has been created to fulfil ever y individual client’s wish and ensure they have a comfor table and memorable stay. We aim to provide a personalized and exclusive ser vice to ever y guest staying in our Iconic, Lido and Adriatic Suites. The Ambassadors are specially trained and combine guest relations, front office and food and beverage expertise. Once in the Hotel a personalized and car ing approach is guaranteed throughout the guest’s entire stay. Among the services guaranted, the Ambassador cares for welcoming guests on arr ival ; per sonal ized welcome amenities; suppor ting with housekeeping needs; booking external a c t i v i t i e s s u ch a s r e s t au r an t reservations and cultural activities,; transportation organization; taking note of any food and beverage orders, table settings and meal ser vings when required; health and fitness programm organization; small shopping in pharmacy or grocery. A five-star glamour and luxury stay at a beach front resort on over a kilometre of private beach and experiences in the most spacious suites in Venice.

9

10

FOOD & BEVERAGE Tickle the palate: this is the first rule to satisfy the senses and indulge with relaxation. The sea view combined with matchless cuisine offer an unforgettable experience at Hotel Excelsior, where everything is made with attention down to the late detail. A painstakingly creative cuisine, which is the brainchild of top-level chefs, goes hand in hand and is enhanced by a fascinating scenario wor thy of becoming an award-winning film... maybe a Golden Lion winner.

Tropicana Restaurant: perfect for a romantic dinner on our open-air terrace. While listening to the waves breaking on the sea shore, one can treat the palate (and the eye) with spectacular dishes washed down with a glass of good wine that can delight you with a unique experience. A starlit dinner, with stars illuminating the sky and reflected by the blue sea: is

there any better setting to taste delicious dishes of the most refined Mediterranean cuisine than this special candle-lit atmosphere? Alternatively, you can sit in the indoor lounge in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere illuminated by glittering chandeliers and with high beamed ceilings that add elegance to the ambience. A timeless magic, a leap into a fairy tale and enchantment all along a meal. The choice on the menu is plentiful, and so is the wine list. A place of the heart which is ideal for special events: from a marriage proposal to an anniversar y to remember, as well as all the unique moments that will be impressed in one's memory forever.

Elimar beach bar and restaurant: you can enjoy breakfast and lunch every day in this restaurant by the sea, whose design as well as food proposal have been renovated recently. It is the ideal place for a culinary experience with food and wine of the traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

The bars: an aperitif, some chat, relaxation, that is the Blue Bar. With

its private terrace overlooking the sea, the savoir-faire of bartenders and their refreshing cocktails, this bar is the meeting place par excellence where sipping a drink overlooking the sea away from the Venetian crowds, and savor the glamorous atmosphere as well as the inevitable "Excelsior Spritz”.

The Pool Bar, instead, is the perfect place for a peaceful and refreshing break in the hot summer, and then you can even enjoy an all-day-long relaxation by the pool.

If you want all your needs to be fulfilled and to spend a perfect day on the beach, the Beach Bar is the perfect place where one can have an ice-cream, some snacks or refreshing drinks. Here you can get a convenient lunch service and have your meal delivered directly to the cabana, thus ensuring full relaxation. Hence, a five-star service combining the need for privacy and attention to details.

10

11

BEACH The beach is a unique gem for Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort. One could even say that it is its crown jewel, since from that stretch of fine sand we can look at infinity and lose ourselves in the sea shading from emerald green to a more vivid blue. An exclusive 5-kilometre-long strip of golden sand that overlooks a stretch of quiet and not too deep water, making the place an ideal choice for all kinds of travellers.

If you just love some rest, lie back in one of our exclusive cabanas and chill out: the soothing sound of waves wi l l create a perfect background for this restoring experience, while the sun and the gentle breeze caress your skin. From the cabana you can order drinks or snacks using our delivery service, or you can just relax on the beach using our free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with the world around you. Thanks to its strategic location facing the beach, the Hotel

Excelsior is positioned as the only 5-star resort to provide a luxurious private beach in the entire Venetian Lagoon.

11

12

SWIMMING-POOL AND FITNESS AREA Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort offers its guests a large stretch of fresh turquoise blue water, where you can swim, relax and cool off. The pool is really special, equipped with all comforts and with a bar offering a wide variety of food. If a few strokes are not enough for you to keep fit, the hotel can enrich your holiday with sports offering, thanks to its cutting-edge fitness area provided with leading equipment.

The most competitive ones can challenge theirs friends and family in a tennis or golf tournament, organised in the fields that are very close to our facility. And yet, you can choose among the many water activities available, such as windsurfing, sailing or kayaking.

OTHER SERVICES

• When children are happy and involved in some activities, their parents can really relax. Hotel Excelsior has a Kids Club for children from 4 to 12 years old, that besides entertaining them, gives them the opportunity to have fun thanks to exciting games and thrilling activities. Ch i ldren are a lways care fu l ly controlled by trained and competent supervisors. Alternatively, a baby-sitting

service is always available through the Concierge.

• If you want to experience the thrill of flying over the wonderful island, you can book a helicopter tour of the lagoon at the airport near the Lido, just 2 km away from the hotel.

• Shopping lovers cannot miss the Boutiques of Hotel Excelsior, which offer a huge range of swimwear and beachwear, fashion jewellery, and men’s and women’s accessories of the

12

13

MEETINGS AND EVENTS A conference, a business meeting or a convention. Anything seems more exclusive if organised on such a prestigious setting. Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort offers unique facilities where you can organise your conferences or events, holding up to 2,000 people. The Red Carpet room, for example, can accommodate almost 500 guests in a theatre-like setting, combined with marvellous banqueting halls intended for business lunches or gala dinners. Our guests can connect to our Wi-Fi network, use the audio system and all other extras to make their event a perfect one.

It is also possible to organise incentive trips, tailored visits to Venice with a custom plan, both for small groups and big corporate events.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Some special and unforgettable events deserve a prestigious frame. From fireworks over the sea to a private dinner in one of the amazing halls of the hotel, all events can become a spectacular and memorable occasion.

Why don’t you offer your beloved one a private dinner in one of the most romantic places in the world, such as the Sala Stucchi, the crown jewel of the hotel rooms with its elegant decorations and the Murano

chandeliers? Why don’t you organise a surprise party or make your love dreams come true on a sandy beach?

Or even arrange an aperitif on the beach by taking advantage of the new Elimar beach bar and restaurant, which can accommodate up to 250 people, or on the famous Terrazza Tropicana, a location loved by international actors and directors during the Venice Film Festival.

13

14

Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort is just one of the gems set in the precious crown of the lagoon. This is where you can start your sightseeing tour of the attractions of Venice and the Lido, to discover unique views and unexplored nooks. And it is right in this strip of land dividing the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, this postage-stamp-sized piece of land beloved by poets and writers (this place was like home to Mann and Byron) and meeting point for the charming world of the roaring 20s, that you can soak up a peaceful, elegant and a little blasée atmosphere, as of every beautiful place which is still unknown to masses. This elitist vocation is at the basis of the Lido's unique charm: the observer is impressed by its elegant Art Nouveau villas, large white beaches and long promenades on the eighteenth-century 'Murazzi', the typical stone dykes that protect the Lido against the aggressiveness of waves. An extraordinary environment by virtue of its natural, historical and artistic resources: only 20 minutes away from Piazza San Marco and 40 minutes from the third most-important airport in Italy.

VENICE AND THE LIDO

15

MALAMOCCO AND THE LAGOON From the charm of Hotel Excelsior to the charm of the Lido, its cradle. The tour starts in Malamocco, an island within the island, separated from the Lido by a narrow channel. It was the first historical nucleus of Venice and the harbour entrance further south (near the Alberoni), which is the main point of access for merchant vessels to the Venetian lagoon, is still named after it. A little Venice far from the crowd, with ‘calli’, ancient coloured houses and a marina where time seems to stand still. Every spot and every stone tell a story, mainly one from to the saga of the Alberti family, the bankers of the Serenissima. Hugo Pratt, the creator of the adventure comics Corto Maltese whom the library is named after, also lived nearby.

The Lagoon has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. Spread over 118 small islands, Venice offers an outstanding variety of nature and history to be discovered. Set off from the Lido to explore three most beautiful islands: Torcello, with its unique churches, Murano, with plenty of handicraft shops and furnaces for the well-known glass making industry, and Burano, with its colourful houses and exclusive hand-made lace. Some secret and unexplored sites are also worth a stop, like San Francesco del Deserto, a small island where the Saint of Assisi supposedly landed in 1220; or Sant’Erasmo, the market garden island having supplied Venice with fruits and vegetables since the sixteenth century. This latter is worth a bike tour with a complimentary picnic lunch of delicious local food (carciofo violetto di Sant’Erasmo, a typical variety of purple artichoke, is not to be missed), and maybe a bottle of fine Orto di Venezia, the only wine

to be produced entirely within the boundaries of the Serenissima.

On the other side lies the strip of golden land called Pellestrina, a fishing village where time seems to stand still with typical colourfully painted houses and Murazzi (long dykes) on the seaward side. And for ornithology lovers, a stop off in Ca' Roman is a must: the natural reserve of the Ital ian League for Bird Protection (LIPU) is home to a variety of birds, such as oystercatchers, Kentish plovers, scops owls and nightjars. The reserve is also an area of significant historical interest due to the presence of the Barbarigo Fort and Austrian bunkers.

15

16

THE HEART OF VENICE Any excuse will do to wander round the wonders of Venice. From Saint Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge, from the Doge's Palace to the evocative Jewish ghetto, you will find magic down the small streets called ‘calli’ and along the picturesque canals of the city. Do not miss a visit to La Fenice theatre: you may want to book a ticket for a show that best suits your interest. Or else, pay a visit to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, now housing a museum gallery, to enjoy the vast collection of Venetian art dating from the 14th to the 18th century. More works of art, as well as artefacts reflecting the history of Venice, are found at Museo Correr that you can access from the former Royal Palace. For lovers of modern art, on the other hand, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is the ideal location to let your imagination fly.

Then get set for a shopping spree: in Venice, you are spoilt for choice with the range of precious Murano glass

vases, carnival masks and fabrics, along with the most elegant designer fashion stores.

TASTE AND FLAVOURS Make sure you add ‘food tasting’ to the extensive to-do list. In such a high-level artistic and cultural setting, a taste experience can only be up to the expectations. Think of a fine sitting room, made all the more interesting by an equally rich menu featuring traditional dishes often revamped into modern presentations. In order to fully enjoy this opportunity, you need to embrace the authentic Venetian mood and taste the local cuisine served in ‘bàcari’, typical Venetian taverns, or in the traditional ‘trattorie’ - small homey restaurants - where you will get a breath of the much sought-after vintage air.

A step into the past, a journey into those simple and tasty things to discover the genuine Venice. This rich area offers top-quality ingredients and an oriental touch that has cast a

c h a r m i n g s p e l l n o t o n l y o n architecture but also on taste, thanks to fine precious spices. Just stop by at the Rialto market, a treat for both your eyes and taste buds, to get an idea of what you should expect once you are sitting at a restaurant table. Have a stroll around noon along the Grand Canal waterfront known as Riva del Vin to taste all the good flavours of the lagoon city, we recommend some tasty cichetti (small snacks or side dishes) along with an ombra de vin (a glass of wine) and the typical Venetian drink: spritz. You will be delighted by sarde in saor (sardines with a sweat and sour flavour), tripe, hard-boiled eggs, fried or creamy baccalà (dried and salted cod), anchovies, folpetti (boiled baby octopus), sepe roste (grilled cuttlefish), musetto (gelatinous pork sausage in a natural casing), and on top of that all sor ts of vegetables in var ious preparations, including the typical fiori de suca, deep-fried courgette flowers.  

16

17

Not to mention Chioggia oysters, r azor c lams , sauteed sca l lops , caparòsoli a scotta déo (grilled clams), bìgoi in salsa (big fat spaghetti served with sauce made with duck or anchovies), risi e bisi (rice and green peas soup), pasta e fasoi (bean and pasta soup), risotto with bruscandoli (young sprouts of hops), fegato alla veneziana (Venetian liver and onions), fritto misto (fried squid, fish, and shrimp) and ‘soaso’, i.e. the Lagoon brill. Of course, they should all be washed down with a bottle of fine wine. How about dessert? There is a sheer variety of biscuits, and you will be served the ever-present bussolai (round or S-shaped butter biscuits), baiocoli (dry flat biscuits), zaleti (cornmeal biscuits) - also referred to as golosessi as an umbrella term - as well as pan dei dogi (sweet pastry filled with raisins, hazelnuts and almonds), moro (shortcrust pastry with chocolate chips and hazelnuts and chocolate icing) and almond and fruit brittle.  

ALL FOR SPORTS Bicycle and much more. Venice and the Lido offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy different sports activities. We can mention the Lido golf club, whose history will make you dream: imagine yourself playing on a putting green among the oldest and most beautiful in Italy. Legend has it that it was designed by the automotive tycoon Henry Ford, built over the ruins of an Austrian fort and visited by several crowned heads. Built in 1928 and enlarged to accommodate 18 holes in 1951, it features a challenging course set between the sea and the lagoon, bordering the Alberoni natural oasis.

It is also customary to try your hand at the unique Venetian rowing style: take on rowing lessons or enjoy an excur s ion at sunset with the legendary Bepi Fongher, the “King of the Oar”, who has won virtually every prize as a stern rower. These are

unforgettable moments for your perfect holidays.  

ART The Lido is a real cradle of art and culture. Not only has the Venice Film Festival debuted here but also the famous Venice Biennale has its roots in the lagoon. Its origins date back to 1895, when the first International Art Exhibition took place; then, it has continued all along the 20th century until 2017, with its 57th edition. The Venice Film Festival was launched in 1932 by the Biennale: it was the first film festival ever in the world, and together with Music (since 1930), Theatre (since 1934), Architecture (since 1980) and Dance (since 1999), they all make up the composite and peculiar cultural offer of the Biennale. Hence, art, culture and history are woven together and act as the stage on which Hotel Excelsior plays the leading role of the protagonist.

17

PR & GO UP Communication Partners

-

Gloria Peccinigloria.peccini@prgoup.it

Mobile +39 335 27 62 16

Roberta Tirinatoroberta.tirinato@prgoup.itMobile +39 349 573 73 51