NH Collection Murano Villa Review: Venice’s Most Unique Hotel?

The Search for Unique Hotels in Venice, Italy

As a native of the Metropolitan City of Venice, I spent my formative years crossing the bridge onto Centro Storico. I know the crowds well, and they keep growing year after year. There's still charm in the old Venetian houses along the canals, but it no longer feels unique... not for me and Ryan, anyway.

So this time, while looking for a base to explore more of Venice (surprisingly, I still have not seen it all), we decided to look at the outer islands and landed on Murano, the historic glassmaking island where the tradition has stayed strong for centuries. We had visited the island a year earlier, but like most tourists, we arrived by boat at a glassmaking factory, watched the age-old process of glass being made, and were then quickly whisked away from the same dock to the colorful island of Burano. On that trip, we passed Murano's main canal and knew there was more to it than what we had been shown, so we promised ourselves we would come back.

By good fortune, we found Secret Escapes, a free members-only travel platform that features limited-time luxury hotel deals, and then discovered NH Collection Murano Villa through it. The property, a boutique hotel created from the ruins of the historic De Majo glass factory, felt like the perfect place to call home for three nights.

When we took the vaporetto number 4.2 on that cloudless day from Ferrovia, just outside the train station, to Murano, and ultimately pulled up to the NH Collection Murano Villa, we knew we had made the right decision.

The History: Sleeping Inside a 13th-Century Glass Factory

Glassmaking in Murano goes back to the Middle Ages when the practice was so revered that glassmakers could marry into the nobility and were forbidden from leaving Venice without permission... or face a death sentence. The colorful glass is world-famous, having made its way around the world to places like the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, Turkey and Sheki Khan’s Palace in Sheki, Azerbaijan.

The NH Collection Murano Villa sits in the restored De Majo glass factory, which traces its roots back to the 13th century. When designed, much of the original brickwork and furnace chimneys were preserved and fused with modern Italian design to create something spectacular and entirely unique among Venice's accommodations.

Throughout, the spacious halls showcase Murano glass sculptures and works by local artists, paying authentic homage to the island's heritage.

Our Experiential Review: The Superior Room & Secret Escapes Perks

We checked into room 228, one of the superior rooms on the higher floor, and our eyes swept the space from bottom to top. The ceilings soared with gorgeous wooden beams and a floor-to-ceiling window, their curves echoing the glassmaking factory aesthetic while creating an unexpected sense of spaciousness.

Our attention landed on the bedside table, where a bottle of Prosecco sat waiting in ice... one of those welcome touches that comes with booking through Secret Escapes. After overnight train travel and a full day, it arrived at exactly the right moment for an aperitivo.

The bathroom was equally thoughtful: a walk-in shower graced with a design of a Murano glass chandelier, all the amenities you need, and a bidet... a particular comfort after months in Germany.

Daily Rituals: From Lagoon Mornings to Murano Twilight Walks

Mornings began leisurely after equally deep, restful sleep each night. We'd start the day with a freshly made espresso on the lagoon terrace, watching the water wake up before drifting downstairs to breakfast, one of the most impressive spreads I've seen at any hotel. I won't pretend I showed restraint with the cakes and pastries. We were in Italy, after all, and those arrived after I'd made my way through nearly everything else on the menu.

For those seeking relaxation, the hotel also features a spa and sauna with state-of-the-art treatments—perfect for unwinding after exploring the islands.

As tempting as it was to linger in our rooms all day, we were there to explore Venice beyond Centro Storico. Around mid-morning, we'd emerge from our glass factory castle and wander wherever the mood took us, from the Cimitero to quieter corners of the main island to San Erasmo and even Punta Sabbioni for beach time.

If you haven't been to Murano before, watch a local glass master craft hand-blown glass in a real furnace. You can find workshops just next door to the hotel or scattered elsewhere on the island.

By evening, we'd gladly board the vaporetto back to Murano as twilight settled in, returning for a leisurely walk through the quiet streets and dinner.

Tranquility settles over the island as tourists and glassmakers depart, leaving it largely to yourself. This is the moment for dinner at a local osteria or at the hotel's restaurant, De Majo.

Before returning to our rooms, we'd claim a drink on the deck overlooking the Venetian lagoon... complete stillness and the open water stretching to the horizon.

LGBTQ+ Travel: Is NH Collection Murano Villa Gay-Friendly?

Whenever we travel, we scout for gay-friendly hotels for our readers. We've heard the "Did you mean to order a single bed? We can put you in two doubles" routine far too many times.

The NH Collection Murano Villa and its staff deserve applause for their inclusivity. Checking in felt easy and natural, no uncomfortable moments, and we felt completely at home on the premises. The staff were simply kind, and we felt at ease throughout our stay.

Beyond the staff, the property itself offers something special for couples. It's quite a large hotel, which means there are always private spots scattered around the premises where you can relax without feeling like you're bumping into other guests at every turn. For us, this privacy felt like a sanctuary. And Murano itself... the island is inherently romantic, with quiet canals, glassmaking studios, and an authentic rhythm that feels worlds away from the chaos of Centro Storico.

To be fair, most guests at the hotel are straight, which really just reflects Venice's nature: it's not a destination known for gay nightlife or as a gay hotspot. But that doesn't make it unwelcoming, not in the slightest.

Location & Logistics: Is Staying on Murano Worth It?

Staying on Murano is absolutely worth it.

While it might seem logistically complicated compared to the main island, getting there is surprisingly straightforward. If you're landing at Marco Polo Airport, the Blue Line of Alilaguna takes you directly to Murano Colonna in roughly 30 minutes. From there, vaporettos connect regularly to the main island, and it's usually just a short walk from any of Murano's stations to the hotel.

Better yet, the hotel provides a private shuttle service, so you can bypass the vaporetto system entirely if you prefer and get to and from St. Mark's Square easily.

Location-wise, it's ideal. You're positioned between the main island and the ultra-colorful island of Burano. The crowds never rival what you'll encounter on Centro Storico, and the island empties out in the evening, leaving it largely to yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions: NH Collection Murano Villa

Final Thoughts

You can stay in one of Venice's many classic hotels or in one of the very few glass factories converted into a hotel. This experience alone, staying within such a historic structure, makes the NH Collection Murano Villa entirely unique among Venice's accommodations.

Beyond that, you have a tranquil location, welcoming staff, and a hotel you'll be eager to return to after a long day navigating Venice's lagoon and islands.

We wholeheartedly recommend the NH Collection Murano Villa.